Posted on · A generation ago, in the Houston of the 1980s, energy companies relied almost exclusively on the production and distribution of fossil fuels, and Houston relied almost exclusively on the oil and gas industry to drive the economy. The industry and the communityâs fates were intertwined, for better or worse. Today Houston is more diversified, and […]
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 […]
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 and […]
Posted on · In the current issue of Texas Monthly, Loren Steffy argues Texas is becoming the most friendly state in the country for the virtual currency known as Bitcoin. Earlier this year, the Texas Department of Banking became the first state regulator in the nation to issue guidelines for such currencies, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved the use of Bitcoin to […]
Posted on · This week, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced a plan to improve the speed of veteran care. President Obama promised military veterans at the American Legion national convention that he would fulfill his “sacred trust” to them by overhauling a system deemed “unacceptable and troubling” by an inspector general’s report highlighting a Phoenix VA hospital where there […]
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 […]