Process
A rate case is a formal review process that determines the rates customers pay for electricity.
It evaluates the cost of providing reliable electric service, including:
- Investments in infrastructure like power lines, substations, and generation
- Ongoing operations and maintenance
- Technology that improves service and efficiency
In Texas, El Paso Electric must file a rate case with regulators, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and local municipalities.
This process includes:
- Detailed review of costs and investments
- Participation from cities, consumer groups, and other stakeholders
- Independent evaluation to ensure rates are fair and reasonable
Rates cannot change unless they are approved through this public process.
A rate case review can take up to a year from filing to final decision.
The last Texas rate case was filed in June 2021, with new rates taking effect in August 2022.
Without periodic rate updates, it becomes more difficult to:
- Maintain reliable electric service
- Replace aging infrastructure
- Meet growing demand for electricity
- Invest in new technology and system improvements
El Paso Electric has already made significant investments in the system, and rate adjustments help recover those costs while keeping service safe and reliable.
Possibly. Rates are reviewed periodically to reflect the cost of maintaining and improving the electric system.
El Paso Electric works to keep rates stable and affordable, and customers will always be notified in advance of any future changes.
You can find more information about the rate case and how it may affect you by:
- Visiting the Rate Case pages on our website
- Exploring FAQs and detailed explanations of rate changes
- Contacting our Customer Care team for additional support
If you have questions about your account or bill, please contact Customer Care at:
- Email: customercare@epelectric.com
- Phone: 915-543-5970 (Texas customers)
Yes. These rates were approved through a comprehensive, independent public review process involving regulators, cities, and other stakeholders to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
Powering the Economy
A rate case is needed to ensure electric rates reflect the actual cost of providing reliable service today.
This includes:
- Supporting growing communities and energy demand
- Replacing aging infrastructure
- Strengthening the system for extreme weather
- Investing in technology and grid security
These investments are already in place and help reduce outages, improve response times, and keep electricity dependable for customers.
Operating costs have increased due to factors like inflation, supply chain challenges, and higher material and labor costs.
At the same time, ongoing investment is needed to expand and strengthen the electric system to serve customers reliably.
The rate case includes investments across the electric system, including:
- Local distribution systems (poles, wires, substations)
- Transmission infrastructure
- Power generation facilities
- Technology and system upgrades
Most investments support equipment closest to customers—helping prevent outages and restore power faster.
Yes. These investments are designed to:
- Reduce the frequency and duration of outages
- Restore power more quickly when outages occur
- Improve system performance during extreme weather
Reliable electricity requires ongoing investment to keep the system safe and dependable.
Cost Impact
The average residential bill is expected to increase by approximately $13 per month, depending on usage.
Your actual bill may vary based on:
- How much electricity you use
- The time of year
- Your customer rate category
New rates are expected to take effect in late 2026.
Even as renewable energy grows, there are still costs to deliver electricity reliably to homes and businesses.
Customers rely on the electric grid for:
- Backup power
- Reliability
- Energy delivery
Rates reflect the cost of maintaining and operating that system.
El Paso Electric’s rates remain competitive compared to other utilities in the region.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, average residential bills for El Paso Electric customers are among the lowest compared to other investor-owned utilities in the Western United States.
On average:
- Customers in Texas pay less than $4 per day for electricity
- Average monthly bills are approximately $140 in summer and $72 in non-summer months, depending on usage
El Paso Electric works to keep rates as low as possible while continuing to invest in a safe, reliable electric system.
Your bill is primarily affected by:
- Base electric rates (cost per kWh)
- Monthly customer charge
- Other smaller adjustments
These updates reflect investments already made to maintain and improve the electric system.
The customer charge is a fixed monthly fee that helps cover the cost of providing basic electric service, regardless of how much electricity you use.
Managing Rates
El Paso Electric works to manage costs while continuing to provide safe and reliable service.
This includes:
- Modernizing and automating systems to improve efficiency
- Investing in technology that reduces long-term operating costs
- Offering programs that help customers lower their energy use
These efforts help control costs today while supporting a more efficient and reliable system in the future.
Customers can also take advantage of available programs and tools to help manage their energy use and reduce costs.
Yes. El Paso Electric offers tools and programs to help customers manage energy use and lower their bills, including:
- Online account tools to track energy use
- Personalized energy-saving tips
- Rebates for energy-efficient products and appliances
- Energy efficiency programs
Small changes in how and when you use electricity can help reduce your monthly bill.
Explore all customer programs and services to find additional ways to save.
Support is available for customers who may need help managing their bills, including:
- Payment plans
- Low-income assistance programs
- Budget billing options
- Referrals to community resources
El Paso Electric is committed to supporting customers and can help connect you with the right resources based on your needs.
Contact Customer Care for support with your bill or to learn more about available assistance options.
- Email: customercare@epelectric.com
- Phone: 915-543-5970 (Texas customers
