EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Residents of El Paso are expressing their dissatisfaction with a proposed rate increase by Texas Gas Service, which could result in customers facing about a 27% hike, adding $10 to $15 to their monthly bills.
Small residential customers could see an increase of $10.38, and large residential customers would see a $14.64 increase in their monthly bills.
Mary Woodruff Herman, an El Paso resident, described the increase as "unfair" and said, "I think it’s making El Paso a place where you can’t afford to live." She added, "I’m on a fixed income, there’s no way to, you know, expand my income over time or anything like that."
The proposal aims to merge three service areas, West Texas, Gulf Coast, and Rio Grande Valley, to create a standard statewide rate structure, which District 8 representative Chris Canales argues would benefit other cities at El Paso's expense.
"Right now in El Paso, we actually pay less than most of the other service areas, and so in filing it, we would see an increase for El Paso and a relative decrease for the other cities," Canales said.
Melissa Herrera reports on El Paso residents voice concerns over proposed Texas Gas rate hike at community meetings (Credit: KFOX14)
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Texas Gas Service claims the increase is necessary to recoup investments made in the community over the past three years and to support future growth.
However, Carmen Aguilera Grenier from Los Exes de la Bowie questioned the necessity of the hike, asking, "So I’m asking, Texas Gas is whatever 27% that you’re raising, is that what you really need to run your company effectively?" She expressed disappointment over the lack of data presented at the meetings.
KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to Texas Gas Service for an interview; however, it said we would have to wait until next week.
More meetings are scheduled this week, with a significant date set for Nov. 17, when the city council will hear from the public and the utility company before the Railroad Commission of Texas makes a final decision.
RECOMMENDED: El Paso council halts Texas Gas Service rate hike, launching 90-day review of proposal
A final decision by the Railroad Commission of Texas is expected in January 2026.
Canales encourages residents to attend the meetings and public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 17 to stay informed and voice their concerns.
Schedule of Meetings:
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
5 to 6:30 p.m.: Pebble Hills Regional Command Center, 10780 Pebble Hills
7 to 8:30 p.m.: Upper Eastside Regional Command Center, 14398 Edgemere
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
5 to 6:30 p.m.: Valle Bajo Recreation Center, 7380 Alameda
7 to 8:30 p.m.: Mission Valley Regional Command Center, 9001 Escobar
Thursday, November 13, 2025
5 to 6:30 p.m.: Wayne Thornton Recreation Center, 1860 Walter Jones
7 to 8:30 p.m.: Northeast Regional Command Center, 9600 Dyer
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