The latest Texas Public Utility Commission news from The Texas Tribune.
State Sen. Wendy Davis has joined a chorus of lawmakers who are urging the Public Utility Commission of Texas to put the brakes on efforts to transform the state’s wholesale electricity market. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/11/23/UP9A0636.jpg)
At a contentious hearing on Monday, lawmakers expressed skepticism about transforming Texas' wholesale energy market in an attempt to ensure the long-term reliability of the state's electric grid. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/80d6d5e2c22fefab4618cc4b4f4212a7/BD%20INC%20Fraser%202011)
Over the past three decades, Texans have contributed $678 million to fund a nuclear waste project that does not exist. A federal appeals court has ordered the federal government to stop collecting such fees. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Waste-Canisters.jpg)
Hey, Texplainer: There are discussions that Texas might transform its energy market, shifting from “energy only” to a “capacity” market. What does that mean, and why does it matter? Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/29/Powerlines.jpg)
Texas regulators signaled Friday that they would pursue a major overhaul of the wholesale electricity market in hopes of ensuring the long-term reliability of the state’s electric grid. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-BlackoutsErcot028.JPG)
Developers expect to soon flip the switch on the final electrical transmission projects built under a nearly $7 billion effort to connect Texas' windiest, mostly secluded regions to communities that demand more power. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-CREZLines-008.JPG)
Texans are growing more satisfied with their electricity providers, but they still complain far more than they did before the state deregulated its power market, according to a new report. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/08/19/31Days-PowerBills-3.jpg)
We liveblogged The 2013 Texas Tribune Festival's Energy track, which featured panel discussions on regulation, the shale boom, energy efficiency and the fight over electricity. Read the highlights here. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/25/TTF13-liveblog-Energy-lead-art.png)
It's shaping up to be another difficult summer for the Texas power grid. A national nonprofit has projected that the Texas grid will have the lowest percentage of power reserves this summer of any region of the country. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Powerlines_1.jpg)
Smart electricity meters have long been criticized by those who say they present a health risks and infringe on individual rights. Now, with legislative action to allow property owners to deny meters failing, municipalities are picking up the slack. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/16/TXTrib-SmartMeter011.jpg)
A sunset bill that continues the operations of the Public Utility Commission of Texas won approval Wednesday from the House, though the legislation would adjust how the commission works. Full Story
In the North Texas town of Blue Mound, the water system is owned by a private corporation. Residents say this results in painful rate hikes. Private water companies say their rates reflect the high costs of providing water to far-flung areas. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/14/TxTrib-BlueMound-003.jpg)
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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/PiggyBankBudget.jpg)
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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/841c514e31f7c7a70a6e4027d79df470/DO%20NOT%20USE%20Smart%20Meter%20Tea%202012)
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. Full Story
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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/puc-price-006.jpg)
Of crucifixions, sagebrush lizards, political primaries and brownouts. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/bulbs.jpg)
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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-ElectircGrid-004.jpg)
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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/drought2.jpg)
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. Full Story