energy

Regulators at the Public Utility Commission of Texas may take steps toward overhauling how electricity is bought and sold in the state on Thursday. Consumer advocates and energy experts fear the changes could increase electric bills without improving the grid.

In this episode of The Disconnect, we visit a Texas gas power plant that is preparing for winter, talk about the drama in Austin as lawmakers and oil and gas regulators square off over policy, and ask the question: Is Texas ready for another big freeze?

The report highlights how oil and gas regulators at the Railroad Commission of Texas have a financial stake in the very companies they regulate.

Shopping for an electricity plan in Texas can be confusing. Here are four tips to avoid overpaying.

Unlike most cities across the country, Houstonians have lots of choices when it comes to buying electricity – including plans for people who want to support renewable energy.

For some energy experts, the increase in donations for the officials at the close of the session looks like a reward for not passing more stringent regulations and raises questions about whether lawmakers let the oil, gas and the broader energy industry off easy for its massive failures.

During the February blackout, much of Texas didn’t have access to electricity produced in states where snow and ice weren’t shutting things down.

In a letter to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants commissioners to encourage the construction and maintenance of coal, gas and nuclear plants. He also asked that regulators impose reliability costs on renewable power like wind and solar.

The summer travel season is likely to be a busy one, with more demand for jet fuel and gasoline leading to higher prices for consumers.

ERCOT said several power generators in the state are on forced outages for repairs, putting about 11,000 megawatts — about the amount of energy it takes to power 2.2 million homes on a summer day — out of commission.

Natural gas was in short supply during the blackouts and could be sold at a premium. With no market controls, gas increased hundreds of times its normal value.

Trade groups representing the oil and gas industry say revoking a key permit needed for cross-border construction of the pipeline will cost jobs. Plus: ExxonMobil is accused of over-valuing a key asset in the Permian Basin.