Beaumont approves CenterPoint Energy rate increase

At its regular meeting March 24, the Beaumont City Council approved a recommended $4 million rate increase for CenterPoint Energy customers, which results in an $18 hike on each bill. 

The vote passed 4-3, with councilmembers Taylor Neild, Mike Getz and Robin Mouton casting the no votes. The original recommendation handed down was for an increase of $8 million, according to City Manager Kyle Hayes, which would have resulted in a $36 increase per customer. That was shot down by the city council late 2019, but the subsequent recommendation for an $18 increase was accepted, with notable opposition.

Councilwoman Mouton voted against the increase because she didn’t believe it was warranted, saying she was voting based on what she believed would be best for her constituents. Although the rise won’t go into effect until October, Mouton believes residents won’t be too pleased to see their bill increase.

CenterPoint Energy does promise to provide more improved services thanks to the bill increase, according to their proposal.