News from 2023
Governor Abbott supports new ERCOT reliability standard, market design
Governor Greg Abbott on Jan. 10 sent a letter to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) supporting the adoption of a reliability standard and new reliability design for the ERCOT market, as more people and businesses move to Texas and energy demand grows.
Governor Abbott supports new ERCOT reliability standard, market design
Governor Greg Abbott on Jan. 10 sent a letter to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) supporting the adoption of a reliability standard and new reliability design for the ERCOT market, as more people and businesses move to Texas and energy demand grows.
Peacock: Abbott's new PUC orders still ignores renewable energy reliability
Gov. Greg Abbott has signaled the Texas Public Utility Commission to move forward with electrical grid market redesign despite Texas lawmakers' request for additional deliberation, Energy Alliance Policy Director Bill Peacock said. Despite this push forward, the redesign still ignores the inherent problem of renewable energy sources lack of reliability.
'It was the right thing to do': Texas Supreme Court denies petition from renewable energy companies for tax code Chapter 313 deadline extension
A pair of renewable energy companies filed a suit in December at the Texas Supreme Court seeking to extend the Texas Tax Code Chapter 313 deadline.
Energy Alliance policy director on residents' lawsuit: 'Wind and solar farms scar the Texas landscape and the lives of many'
Four residents of Era, Texas, have filed a petition in Harris County District Court where they alleged that EDP Renewables North America LLC and Wildcat Creek Wind Farm LLC were negligent, created “a private nuisance” and trespassed, according to a report by Law 360 on Dec. 21.
Energy Alliance policy director: 'The PUC’s effort does almost nothing to address the primary cause of unreliability in the Texas market'
The Energy Alliance highlighted its newly published research, which criticizes the actions taken by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) intended to improve the reliability of the grid. Authored by Policy Director Bill Peacock, the research says that the PUC's plan will actually increase costs and reduce reliability by continuing heavy investment and subsidization of wind and solar generation and avoiding the creation of an "energy-only" market environment.
Author of Texas power grid reform: PUC's plan 'represents a substantial departure from the legislative intent of Senate Bill 3'
Texas State Senator Charles Schwertner (R) sent the Public Utility Commission (PUC) a letter criticizing its plan for improving the reliability of Texas' energy grid following a legislative meeting held on January 19
TXOGA president on Texas power grid reform: 'Any plan adopted must ensure reliability services, insist that generators are paid for real-time performance'
The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) and the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) voiced their concerns about the Public Utility Commission's (PUC) plan to redesign the Texas energy grid.
Texas lawmakers, energy analysts say 'more is needed' to improve grid
Following the severe winter storm Uri in 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission to "take immediate action" in order to improve grid reliability across the Lone Star State.
Energy Alliance policy director: Heavy investment in renewable resources 'coming up snake eyes' in Texas
The 2021 winter storms in Texas shed light on the need for the Texan energy grid to be updated and improved. In response, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) has proposed a plan to significantly overhaul the current grid system. However, this proposal has been met with scrutiny from both policy experts and leading politicians alike.
Senators skeptical of Texas PUC grid plan: 'We cannot miss on this'
The Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce held a hearing Tuesday on the Public Utility Commission's (PUC) plan to overhaul the Texas energy grid.
Senate Committee questions price tag of new PUC grid plan, has concern for consumer cost
On Feb. 7, the Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce held a hearing on the Public Utility Commission's (PUC) plan to overhaul the Texas energy grid. PUC Chairman Peter Lake answered questions from the committee. Several senators displayed their skepticism over whether the plan would work, pointing out their concerns with the plan's novel nature. Specific issues raised by senators include questions over the price tag for the plan and its ability to attract new generators to the market.
Texas senators, PUC chair say subsidies for renewable power take away from 'what actually works'
The Texas Senate Committee on Business & Commerce heard criticism of renewable power subsidies during a recent hearing on the Public Utility Commission's (PUC) efforts re-engineer the state's energy grid following Winter Storm Uri in 2021.
Texas governor in State of the State Address: 'Our local communities need new economic tools this session'
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signified his support for resurrecting the Chapter 313 tax subsidy program during his recent State of the State speech.
Texas senators, witnesses question who should bear the cost of ensuring grid reliability
The Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met on Feb. 16 where they held a hearing to discuss overhauling the state energy grid.
Senators question whether renewables, intermittent generators should pay for grid changes
In a hearing on Feb. 16, the Texas Senate’s Business and Commerce Committee discussed making major changes to the Texas Energy grid following the disastrous 2021 Winter Storm Uri.
Texas Senate discusses how to 'to get increased reliability at the lowest cost possible' when it comes to the energy grid
The Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard testimony on Feb. 16 about potential changes to the state's energy grid.
Energy Alliance policy director: Grid reform legislation undermines ‘competition and reliability in the Texas electricity market’
Bill Peacock, the policy director for the Energy Alliance, is criticizing the Texas Senate’s power grid reform plan for falling short on proper action needed to ensure the state has reliable energy.
Texas state senator calls bill a 'good start' to ensure Texas grid fairness
Texas state Sen. Bob Hall wants Texas to correct its energy marketplace before more problems arise.
Senator skeptical of Chapter 313 renewal as Abbott calls for 'new economic development tools' support
In his State of the State address, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) called for the introduction of new economic development tools in this legislative session, according to the Lone Star Standard.