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Electricity, Forgiveness, and Ask the Dentist: Monday’s Show (October 26, 2015)

Posted on · A new report from the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power says complaints filed with regulators about electric companies and utilities fell to their lowest point since Texas deregulated its power market in 2002. But long-term data show consumers complain more than they did before the market was deregulated. On this edition of Houston Matters, we […]

Houston Matters

A Guide to Shopping for Electricity in Texas

Posted on · The state's energy market underwent deregulation in 2002. The idea was to break up monopolies, provide for competition, and, in doing so, drive down consumer costs while ensuring reliability. Now, Texas consumers have hundreds of energy plans to choose from. We discuss how to choose an affordable electricity plan with Loren Steffy, managing director for […]

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The Houston Zoo and Funding Rail: Tuesday’s Show (May 19, 2015)

Posted on · On Monday, Houston METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia and U.S. Congressman John Culberson held a press conference to announce the beginning of discussions to find regional transportation solutions together. That announcement was surprising to some, as twice now Rep. Culberson — a member of the House Appropriations Committee — inserted a provision into a transportation, housing […]

Houston Matters

Who’s Getting The Best Deals On Electricity In Texas?

Posted on · During a meeting of the Texas Public Utility Commission, its former chairman, Barry Smitherman, gave Texans one more reason to love their state and for others to envy it: low, low prices for electricity. “If you use the best available price in the market place from a retail electric provider Houston and Dallas have the […]

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Electricity Deregulation, ROTC Programs, Crafters & Sports Monday: Houston Matters for Monday, March 10, 2014

Posted on · Back in 1999, state lawmakers voted to deregulate electricity in Texas. The idea: to break up monopolies, provide for competition, and in so doing, drive down consumer costs while ensuring reliability. But is that what has actually happened? Former Houston Chronicle business columnist Loren Steffy explores the complexities of electricity deregulation in Texas in the […]