Cost-cutting and fiscal transparency will likely dominate the upcoming legislative session, but lawmakers don’t have high hopes for reforming the System Benefit Fund, a pot of $850 million not being used for its intended purposes.
Texas Public Utility Commission
Posted in
State Government
At PUC Hearing, a Push for Smart Meter Opt-Out Plan
At a public meeting held Tuesday by the Public Utility Commission, a state representative suggested that the commission create a way for customers to opt out of having smart electric meters installed at their homes.
Posted in
State Government
Hearing on Smart Meters Poised to Draw Crowd
After months of fielding complaints about smart electric meters, the Texas Public Utility Commission will hold an open meeting Tuesday to hear testimony from opponents and supporters of the technology.
Posted in
Energy
Higher Electricity Prices at Center of Energy Debate
With the arrival of higher temperatures now boosting energy demand in the state, higher electricity prices aren’t likely to prove popular with Texans. But as Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas, some say that’s the only way to avoid rolling blackouts.
Posted in
Energy
Keeping the Lights on in Texas
Of crucifixions, sagebrush lizards, political primaries and brownouts.
Posted in
Energy
Isolated Texas Electric Grid Could Add Links
Texas’ electric grid prefers to stay isolated from the rest of the nation. But proposals are afoot to boost outside ties — something that proponents say could help ease the state’s looming electricity crunch.
Posted in
Energy
At Senate Hearing, Warnings of Drought and Power
At a committee hearing Tuesday about the impact of drought on power generation, state senators voiced concerns that a lack of adequate water could harm Texas’ long-term growth.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Electric Grid Faces More Uncertainty in 2012
Will the lights stay on in 2012? Even Texas grid operators, who are coming off a tumultuous year, cannot say for certain. A lot will depend on the weather — namely, whether the state suffers through another piping-hot summer.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Greens Cheer New EPA Mercury Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency announced a new rule on Wednesday aimed at reducing the amount of mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants. It is unlikely to improve Texas officials’ low opinion of the federal agency.
Posted in
Energy
Jon Wellinghoff: The TT Interview
The chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on managing wind energy, how electric cars could change the grid and what he’s learned by monitoring his electricity consumption at home .
