Energy & Environment
Family Of Houston Man Who Died During Winter Storm Sues ERCOT, CenterPoint
Posted on · It’s the latest in a number of lawsuits against Texas’ grid operator, which currently has immunity from legal action.
Energy & Environment
Politics
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Vows To Subpoena Top Energy Officials If They Won’t Testify At Hearings
Posted on · Patrick also echoed misleading claims by Gov. Greg Abbott that outages in renewable energy were primarily to blame for last week’s blackouts.
Energy & Environment
Here’s What To Expect From Your Next Electricity Bill In Texas
Posted on · Below freezing temperatures exposed major issues in the Texas power infrastructure last week, and has left many electricity customers asking if they’ll see a big price spike in their next bill.
Energy & Environment
Texas Agency Bans Utility Cutoffs For Failure To Pay
Posted on · The Public Utility Commission of Texas has implemented a ban on utility cutoffs for consumers who don’t pay their bills. The move does not apply to cooperatives or to municipality-owned utilities like CPS in San Antonio or Austin Energy.
Energy & Environment
Houston’s Boil Water Advisory Has Been Lifted
Posted on · The decision came after laboratory test results came back from the state showing safe water samples.
Energy & Environment
Public Utility Commission Decision May Enable Largest Electricity Providers In Texas To Become More Powerful
Posted on · The PUC decision could allow two companies that already hold more than 70% of the market share to scoop up even more consumers, which experts worry will stifle competition and raise prices for everyone in the unregulated market in the long term.
Energy & Environment
After Days Of Mass Outages, Some Texas Residents Now Face Huge Electric Bills
Posted on · Texas allows companies to sell electricity at wholesale prices. When the price of electricity skyrocketed last week, that meant exorbitant bills for many residents who had been trying to save money.
Texas
Biden Declares Disaster In Texas As Millions Are Asked To Continue Boiling Water
Posted on · The president's declaration provides federal funding to individuals in 77 of the state's hardest-hit counties, opening up emergency aid for home repairs, temporary housing and other assistance.
Town Square
Food Distribution And COVID Updates: Navigating The Aftermath Of The Winter Freeze, While We’re Still In A Pandemic
Posted on · Dr. Peter Hotez discusses the impact on the winter storm on COVID cases and vaccines. Plus, representatives from HEB, Greater Houston Restaurant Association and Mutual Aid Houston talk about food supply and aid.
Politics
‘Dust Off My Bill’: Turner Tells Lawmakers To Reconsider ERCOT Legislation He Filed In 2011
Posted on · In 2011, Turner filed a bill requiring the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to have adequate reserve power in order to prevent blackout conditions. That bill did not get a hearing.
Energy & Environment
Texas Officials Warn Of Price Gouging As State Faces Food, Water Shortages
Posted on · Houston area residents are reporting exorbitant prices of food, water, and hotel rooms while the state continues to deal with shortages of essential items after a winter storm hit the state.
Politics
‘What Happened Is Completely Unacceptable’: Gov. Greg Abbott Calls For Winterization Of Texas Energy System
Posted on · Abbott also blasted the Electric Reliability Council of Texas for its handling of the recent winter storm.
Town Square
Power Is Restored But Water And Food Insecurity Remain – How To Find Supplies, As Houston Expects Another Overnight Freeze
Posted on · We bring you the latest status on power, food and water distribution, and tonight’s freeze with local and state organizers, including former Congressman Beto O'Rourke.
Energy & Environment
Grid Managers Say Texans May Get ‘Rotating’ Blackouts Once Their Power Returns
Posted on · Some power plants and infrastructure that were knocked offline due to the freezing weather are up and running again, but the grid's condition remains critical.
Energy & Environment
Houston Boil Water Advisory Will Remain In Place Through The Weekend
Posted on · Mayor Sylvester Turner warned that a boil water notice would not be lifted until Sunday at the earliest, though he expected Monday to be more likely.