Fisher
Entergy Texas has answered several suits filed by area cities accusing the electric company of fraudulent billing practices, and is asking that the plaintiffs recover nothing.
As previously reported, the cities of Port Arthur, Conroe and Huntsville filed lawsuits against Entergy on April 4 in Jefferson County District.
Court records show that on May 14 Entergy answered the suits, denying "that it committed any unethical or fraudulent billing practices."
Entergy asks the plaintiffs recover nothing and that it recover courts costs and attorney's fees, the answers state.
All of the suits allege that the city entered into a contract with Entergy to provide electrical services.
Following an audit, the plaintiffs allege they discovered Entergy was engaged in fraudulent billing practices, including charging for lights that did not exist, maintenance that did not occur and general billing for higher wattages and rates than what was suppose to be charged.
All of the cities are accusing Entergy of negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract.
The cities are seeking an award of exemplary and economic damages, plus attorney's fees.
Provost Umphrey attorney Edward Fisher of Beaumont represents all the plaintiffs.
Entergy is represented in part by Germer Gertz attorney Larry Simmons.
Case Nos. A192-267, D192-268 and E192-269