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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 03-198 RESOLUTION NO. 03-198 WHEREAS, Entergy Gulf States' (EGSI) implementation of customer choice has been delayed due to lack of competition; lack of independent market structures and organizations in its service territory to implement fair competition; and the Public Utility Commission of Texas has approved orders allowing EGSI to attempt to open markets to competition over the next year; and, WHEREAS, EGSI is scheduled to file various proceedings at the Public Utility Commission in 2003 related to readiness to begin competition; an evaluation of EGSI's market power; and for approval of various market structures necessary for the implementation of fair competition; and, WHEREAS, EGSI has filed various fuel proceedings including a fuel surcharge request at the Public Utility Commission and may file other fuel proceedings during 2003 to reconcile fuel, to surcharge or refund fuel charges, to change the fuel mechanism; and, WHEREAS, Cities have a duty to set fair and reasonable rates for both the Company and ratepayers within Cities; and, WHEREAS, Cities have original jurisdiction over rates, operations, and services of an electric utility in areas in the municipality pursuant to Tex. Util. Code §33.001; and, WHEREAS, Cities have standing in each case before the Public Utility Commission of Texas that relates to an electric utility providing service in the municipality pursuant to Tex. Util. Code §33.025; and, WHEREAS, Cities are entitled to reimbursement of their reasonable rate case expenses to participate in cases that are deemed rate proceedings pursuant to Tex. Util. Code §33.023. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: THAT the City of Beaumont shall participate with other Cities to intervene in EGSI's various fuel reconciliation(s), fuel factor and fuel surcharge/refund cases filed at the Public Utility Commission in 2003 seeking appropriate regulatory scrutiny. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Beaumont shall participate with other Cities to intervene in proceedings at the Public Utility Commission filed in 2003 concerning EGSI's readiness for competition, market power, organizations and structures to assure fair competition to all customer classes,and rates and charges under competition or price caps. All such actions shall be taken pursuant to the direction of the Cities' Steering Committee. Cities' Steering Committee shall have authority to retain rate consultants and lawyers. Cities'Steering Committee shall direct the actions of Cities' representatives in the above proceedings. The Steering Committee is directed to obtain reimbursement from EGSI of all reasonable expenses associated with participation in said proceedings. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the 23rd day of September, 2003. - ayor Evelyn M. Lord -