Past Contributions

• Despite natural gas failures during winter storm, Texas lawmakers target renewable energy in the aftermath

  By Mitchell Ferman April 19, 2021

  As lawmakers advance bills targeting renewable energy sources, experts call the efforts “discriminatory” and “politically motivated.” Full Story 

• Texas energy companies push back against Berkshire Hathaway’s $8 billion plan for backup power

  By Mitchell Ferman April 15, 2021

  Revenue for 10 emergency power plants would come from a monthly charge on Texans’ power bills. The proposal is just one of several bills lawmakers are considering after February's massive power outages. Full Story 

• Another Texas power outage "appears unlikely" this week, but severe weather this summer could prompt an electricity crisis

  By Erin Douglas and Mitchell Ferman Updated: June 14, 2021

  The state's grid operator included extreme weather scenarios in its early summer assessment and found that a combination of a severe drought, heat wave and low winds could lead to more power outages. Experts warn this summer could be hot and dry, enhanced by climate change. Full Story 

• ERCOT asked Texans to conserve power as electric grid again struggled to keep up with demand

  By Erin Douglas and Mitchell Ferman Updated: April 13, 2021

  A higher than expected amount of plant outages for maintenance created tight conditions for Texas' power grid. It returned to normal late Tuesday evening. Full Story 

• When the power went out, Texas oil and gas regulators rushed to defend the industry’s image

  By Erin Douglas and Mitchell Ferman April 5, 2021

  Members of the Texas Railroad Commission were quick to blame renewable energy for power outages across the state. All sources of energy struggled to produce power during the storm. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott names former aide to retired House Speaker Dennis Bonnen to post regulating power grid

  By Mitchell Ferman April 1, 2021

  Will McAdams has also worked as an aide to three state senators. He must be confirmed by the Senate before taking the position at the Public Utility Commission. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers want to prevent another power crisis. But the legislation doesn't go far enough to do that, critics say.

  By Erin Douglas and Mitchell Ferman Updated: March 31, 2021

  Some say lawmakers should go further to ensure power plants can withstand increased weather due to climate change. And they worry that much of the legislation advancing will be up to the Public Utility Commission to enforce. Full Story 

• Experts fear reversing electricity prices from winter storm could make things worse

  By Mitchell Ferman and Shawn Mulcahy Updated: March 19, 2021

  It is unclear who would be helped or hurt — and by how much — if lawmakers try to revise electricity market prices charged during the winter storm. Full Story 

• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spars with last remaining Public Utility Commission member over readjusting energy prices during winter storm

  By Mitchell Ferman Updated: March 11, 2021

  The state’s energy grid operator overcharged power companies by roughly $3 billion after the winter storm — not $16 billion, the chairman of Texas’ utility regulator said Thursday. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers plan slate of bills in response to power outages, but experts skeptical there will be meaningful change

  By Mitchell Ferman and Patrick Svitek Updated: March 9, 2021

  Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday also said he wants lawmakers to prioritize correcting any ERCOT-related billing errors, including inaccurately high electricity charges. That came after the Public Utility Commission said it will not fix ERCOT's $16 billion power billing mistake. Full Story