News
A plan to overhaul the Texas grid has set up a showdown at the state Capitol
Posted on · The plan would raise prices and carbon dioxide emissions, and critics say it may not bring reliability.
Texas
Texas lawmakers considering power grid fix that ignores last year’s blackout
Posted on · A report commissioned by the Public Utility Commission of Texas estimates that the performance credit mechanism could increase electricity costs on the state's grid by $460 million a year. Proponents of the credits say electric companies may eat some of that cost and not pass it on to consumers.
Texas
Why are Texans’ electricity bills so high right now?
Posted on · "It’s important to remember that ERCOT does not make electricity. This is like when you buy tickets to a concert. ERCOT is not Bon Jovi. ERCOT is not the arena. ERCOT in this analogy is Ticketmaster."
Energy & Environment
What it would take for ERCOT to start rolling blackouts
Posted on · Texas' electric grid operator has actions it can take to reduce energy demand and increase supply short of ordering power cuts.
Politics
GOP runoff for Railroad commissioner asks voters, ‘What is the job of a Texas oil regulator?’
Posted on · The Republican primary contest between challenger Sarah Stogner and incumbent Wayne Christian has been characterized by twists and turns, accusations of corruption and some light nudity.
Energy & Environment
Texas stumbles in its effort to punish green financial firms
Posted on · A new Texas law that penalizes financial institutions trying to go green is full of loopholes, and is straight up ignored. But other states are following Texas's punitive approach all the same.
Energy & Environment
Blink and you’ll miss it: Cold, dry spring could cut short Texas’ bluebonnet season
Posted on · Without rain, the iconic flowers could be gone from the region by the end of the month. But other wildflowers like pink evening primrose and horsemint should take their place.
Energy & Environment
Race to be Texas’ top oil and gas regulator appears headed to a runoff in wild GOP primary
Posted on · Despite its name, the Railroad Commission oversees oil and gas extraction, as well as pipelines, in the state. That role has led some to call it one of the most important regulatory agencies in the world, especially when it comes to energy policy and climate change.
Winter Storm Uri Anniversary
One year later, many question the ‘official’ number of deaths linked to the Texas blackout
Posted on · There may be many deaths that have yet to be recognized. One statistician recommends the state commission an independent review.
Energy & Environment
Gov. Abbott promised last fall that ‘the lights will stay on.’ Now he says there’s no guarantee
Posted on · The governor’s desire to reframe expectations may come from the fear that he will be held responsible for local outages in an election year.
Energy & Environment
The cold-weather anxiety about the Texas grid is real. But so far, this winter is pretty normal
Posted on · Experts say the weather we’ve had so far was not likely to bring a power failure.
Energy & Environment
Texas gas supply plummeted during last weekend’s cold snap. That spells trouble for the grid
Posted on · Almost one year after a historic power failure, the state’s natural gas system has been tested by a far milder cold spell. Some energy experts say it did not pass the test.
Energy & Environment
Extreme winter weather still threatens Texas’ electric grid, ERCOT assessment finds
Posted on · According to a seasonal report, the grid is well positioned to supply enough power to meet demand under normal and moderately challenging winter conditions. But extreme weather could cause more blackouts.
Energy & Environment
State climatologist says Texans can expect the average number of triple-digit days to double by 2036
Posted on · The report paints a picture of how quickly and severely global climate change is affecting Texas by looking at historic climate trends and using climate models to extrapolate what kind of weather to expect 15 years from now.
Energy & Environment
Federal Regulators Blame Texas Energy Policies For Severity Of February Blackouts
Posted on · The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released some findings on Thursday from an investigation into February's deadly winter storm and blackouts. Regulators faulted Texas energy policy for much of the disaster.