Lubbock Power and Light Electric Utility Board Hires Law Firm For Outside Investigation

At a special meeting this morning, the City of Lubbock’s Electric Utility Board hired an outside law firm to handle an independent investigation regarding allegations of bid rigging.

Lubbock Mayor Glen Robertson discussed allegations of issues regarding a request for proposal being handled improperly by Lubbock Power and Light regarding power generation for the area.

The EUB chose Houston-based law firm Andrews Kurth to handle the investigation, prompting Robertson to say that he plans to remove the item on the Lubbock City Council agenda that would lead to another investigation on LP&L.

“Since they have decided to do this investigation, I’m going to ask my Council to pull the item for us to consider an outside investigation because I think it would be ludicrous to have two going on concurrently,” said Robertson.

The board also chose to take no action regarding the employment status of LP&L President and CEO Gary Zheng.

Robertson also revealed the possibility that he is being sued by someone involved with LP&L.

“I was informed in executive session of some potential litigation by staff against me personally, and as a result of that, there are several things I cannot comment on,” said Robertson.

No word yet on which utility staff member has initiated legal action against Robertson.

The EUB also took no action regarding the RFP, which means that the bidding process will continue as normal.

The Lubbock City Council will meet Thursday evening at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. at 1625 13^th Street.