A group of investors led by a Dallas oilman and real estate mogul has launched a bid to take control of Oncor, the stateโs largest electric transmission company, putting forth an unprecedented plan.
Texas Public Utility Commission
House Votes to Keep Grid Decisions in Texas
The state House on Monday voted to make sure Texans have the final say over who gets to connect to the Texasโ near-island of an electric grid.
Texas to Sue Feds Over “Clean Power Plan”
Attorney General Ken Paxton says he plans to sue the Obama administration over the proposed โClean Power Plan,โ its sweeping plan to combat climate change by slashing carbon emissions from power plants.
Watchdogs Question Fraser’s Energy Holdings
As the Texas Legislature ponders ethics reforms to increase transparency and reduce conflicts of interests among its members, a key state lawmaker is facing new questions about whether his private business affairs are impacting his public duties.
Bill Would Ban Fees for Conserving Electricity
One state lawmaker has an idea to encourage Texans to conserve energy: Stop charging them for doing so. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s legislation would bar companies from charging customers for using too little energy โ a common practice.
Former Railroad Commissioner Lands Job at Law Firm
Barry Smitherman, the only person to serve both on the Texas Railroad Commission and the stateโs Public Utility Commission, will practice energy law at Vinson and Elkins, the international law firm announced Tuesday.
Legislation Aims to Boost Electricity Conservation
Some state lawmakers are trying to cut Texas’ energy use by encouraging demand response โ programs under which utilities reward customers for powering down electricity guzzlers when demand peaks.
Legislation Would Let Electric Generators Get Bigger
Texas bars companies from owning or controlling more than 20 percent of the electric generation capacity in the state. A lawmaker wants to eliminate that cap.
Utility Regulators See Rise in Complaints, Analysis Says
Texans in 2014 complained more about their electricity service than in the previous fiscal year, reversing a trend of growing satisfaction, according to a new analysis.
State Revives Low-Income Energy Efficiency Plan
Texas regulators say they have a plan to provide low-income Texans with the tools to help them interact with “smart” meters and improve energy efficiency at their homes โ tapping $18.5 million of ratepayer money long earmarked for such a program.


