EL PASO, TX (KVIA) — El Paso City Council will discuss new protections for El Paso Electric customers facing service disconnections, following concerns that nearly 25% of customers are behind on their bills.
City Representative Cassandra Hernandez placed the item on today’s agenda after reports suggested potential issues with El Paso Electric’s compliance with state regulations.
Texas law requires utility companies to provide notice and offer deferred payment plans before disconnecting service. These rules are designed to protect vulnerable customers, particularly those facing illness or extreme weather conditions.
According to agenda documents, many residents are enrolled in payment plans following Advanced Metering System (AMS) installations, which some believe have led to higher bills and increased disconnection risks.
Council is set to review whether El Paso Electric is fully complying with state regulations, examine the effects of AMS installations on customer billing and payment plan enrollments, and consider additional municipal safeguards, beyond state requirements.