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Press Release
Texas Legislative Proposals HB 3448, HB 5604, and SB 1251
Dear Texas Electric Cooperatives,
As you may be aware, the current Texas legislative session is set to conclude on June 22nd, and with it comes a renewed push from joint-use attachers and investor-owned utilities to shift more regulatory control over electric cooperatives to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) standards. We believe these efforts—particularly HB 3448, HB 5604, and SB 1251—represent a direct threat to your co-op’s autonomy, finances, and member-owners.
These bills would:
- Mandate FCC-based pole attachment rates, stripping co-ops of the ability to set fair, member-focused pricing.
- Enable third-party access to co-op easements without landowner consent, undermining private property rights.
- Limit your ability to recover actual costs related to make-ready work and pole upgrades—costs that would ultimately be borne by your members.
- Open the door to PUC review of existing, negotiated agreements, risking forced rate reductions and loss of local control.
To help our clients and the broader co-op community respond effectively, REI has published the whitepaper attached outlining the implications of these bills and why they must be opposed. We’ve also retained an experienced lobbyist in Austin to support active, on-the-ground advocacy.
How REI Can Help:
- Equip your team and board with clear facts and talking points.
- Coordinate outreach to your local legislators.
- Provide guidance on public or written testimony, should it be needed.
- Serve as an active voice in Austin advocating on your behalf.
These issues go to the heart of cooperative principles—local control, member equity, and community stewardship. We’re committed to standing with you to defeat these bills.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to get involved or have REI assist in connecting with your local representative.
Sincerely,
Mitchell Mayo
REI Utility Services CEO
903-675-2227
Mitchell.Mayo@REIUtilityservices.com
Dylan Mayo
REI Utility Services CBDO
903-675-2227
Dylan.Mayo@REIUtilityservices.com
Steven Murff
REI Utility Services COO
903-675-2227
Steven.Murff@REIUtilityservices.com
Press Release
LP First Capital Announces Partnership with REI Utility Services, A Leading Power Utility Services Provider in Texas
LP First Capital (Austin, TX) announced today its partnership with REI Utility Services (“REI”), a specialized engineering and technical field service provider serving the power utility end market. REI offers comprehensive, turnkey joint-use management services for electric cooperatives in Texas, including pre-attachment contract management, field analysis, permitting, make-ready engineering, post-attachment pole audits, inspections, violation remediation, and ongoing regulatory support. REI has built an exceptional track record of delivering outstanding customer service to its electric cooperative clients in East Texas and aims to grow and expand its service area and offerings over the next several years. Today, REI is led by industry veterans Mitchell Mayo, Dylan Mayo, and Steven Murff, who will remain with the company and continue to lead strategic and operational initiatives.
Featured Updates
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Athens, Texas, REI began with one simple mission: create the first true turnkey joint-use management service for East Texas electric utilities. This mission was built on 40 years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the daily challenges electric utilities face.
Since then, we’ve grown to serve electric utilities across Texas and other states while maintaining our core commitment to customized service and small-town values. Our approach combines deep industry knowledge with a genuine understanding of the utility way of life.
Get In Touch With REI
Office Location:
710 Lucas Dr.
Athens, TX 75751
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Phone:
903-675-2227
Email:
Reiadmin@reiutilityservices.com
