Texas PUC Commissioners To Modify Allocation Of CenterPoint-TDU's Recovery Of Monthly Flat Charges -- Per "Meter" Versus Per "Customer" Basis

During yesterday's open meeting, a majority of Texas PUC Commissioners agreed, as part of a rate case, to a modification in how CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (CEHE) assesses its flat monthly customer charge and metering charge

Commissioners agreed informally on a course of action regarding the issue, but did not yet take a formal vote

Currently, both the flat monthly customer charge and metering charge are recovered on a "per retail customer" basis

As previously reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, CEHE in the rate case proposed to change the recovery of both charges to a "per meter" basis. The proposed change has been opposed by retail electric providers

As previously reported, in a proposal for decision, three Texas ALJs have recommended that the Commission reject the proposal from CEHE to change its flat monthly charges (both the customer charge and the metering charge) from a "per retail customer" basis to a "per meter" basis. Under the PFD, both charges would continue to be recovered on a per customer basis

During yesterday's open meeting, Commissioners agreed that the customer charge shall be assessed on a per customer basis, but the metering charge shall be assessed on a per meter basis, overturning the PFD on this issue