Denton utility recommends raising large‑load ECA to 6.96¢/kWh; native load and TCRF unchanged

DME staff presented the board with a third‑quarter review of energy‑related rate adjustments and recommended a targeted change to the large‑load Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA).

Melissa Cuevas, speaking for DME, said the native‑load ECA remains at 4.62¢ per kilowatt‑hour and that staff does not recommend changes to the Transmission Cost Recovery Factor (TCRF). Cuevas recommended raising the large‑load ECA from 6.06¢ to 6.96¢ per kWh, effective July 15, citing forecasted transmission costs and a TCRF account balance sufficient to recoup calendar‑year 2026 transmission costs.

On questions about the revenue forecast table, staff explained transmission costs are accounted for on a calendar‑year basis (Jan.–Dec.), which is why the table shows 2026 months even though the city’s fiscal year begins in October. Board members praised the DME team for managing power costs and noted that, in the current fiscal year, the utility did not raise base rates.

After discussion, the board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance establishing the electric service rate schedule, including the large‑load ECA increase to 6.96¢/kWh.

Provenance: topic discussion begins at SEG 291 and continues through SEG 384.