EnergyStatewide NewsRising Texas Temperatures May Put the Power Grid to the Test
Brad JohnsonJuly 27, 2021
As another hot Texas summer begins, the state's power grid and those who run it hope to regain the public's trust after February's disaster.
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EnergyERCOT Expands Power Grid Reserve Capacity in Preparation for Summer Heat
Brad JohnsonJuly 22, 2021
ERCOT and PUC officials said they're confident the power grid will be able to meet the potential peak demand this summer as temperatures rise.
EnergyTaxes & SpendingEight Applicants Promise 19 Total Jobs in Tax Abatement Program Set to Expire in 2022
Brad JohnsonJuly 19, 2021
Across the eight applications, companies have collectively requested over $1 billion in property tax abatements while none meet minimum job creation requirements.
EnergyStatewide NewsGov. Abbott Issues Directives to PUC, ERCOT to Shore Up the Texas Power Grid
Brad JohnsonJuly 6, 2021
In addition to the legislative response, Abbott issued regulatory directives to the state's utilities regulator to shore up the power grid.
EnergyFederalCongress Approves Reinstatement of Obama-Era Methane Regulations
Brad JohnsonJuly 1, 2021
After President Biden signs the bill into law, the EPA will begin its rulemaking process before full implementation of the new law.
EnergyTexas Power Grid Enters Summer Heat with Waning Trust and Questions Abounding
Brad JohnsonJune 24, 2021
Texas' power grid is set to expand solar and wind generation in large quantities while it is bleeding coal and natural gas generation.
EnergyLocal NewsSmithville ISD Grants $170 Million Tax Break for Solar Project Promising to Create Two Jobs
Brad JohnsonJune 23, 2021
Days after a similar proposal collapsed under the weight of public pressure in another part of the state, a property tax abatement has been approved in Bastrop County by the Smithville ISD.
EnergyLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingTroy ISD to Consider $135 Million Tax Break for Solar Company that Pledges to Create One Job
Brad JohnsonJune 21, 2021
Chapter 313 abatements were created to entice businesses to relocate to Texas and entities across the state have issued hundreds since 2001.
EnergyFederalDistrict Judge Pauses President Biden’s Oil and Gas Drilling Halt on Federal Land, Citing Lack of Congressional Approval
Brad JohnsonJune 18, 2021
Execution of the order is postponed until further decision on the case.
87th LegislatureEnergyState HouseState SenateTexas Lawmakers Push Back Against Chinese Company’s Plans for Wind Farm
Daniel FriendJune 17, 2021
Legislation is expected to go into effect soon to halt a Chinese company’s plans to build a wind farm in Texas after national security concerns were raised.
EnergyERCOT Issues Energy Conservation Request After Tight Grid Conditions Caused by Mechanical Failures
Brad JohnsonJune 14, 2021
Due to a number of unexpected plant outages caused by mechanical failures, Texans have been asked to conserve energy for the next five days.
87th LegislatureEnergy‘Everything That Needed to be Done, Was Done,’ Abbott Says Signing ERCOT and Power Grid Reforms
Brad JohnsonJune 8, 2021
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law the state's omnibus response to the February blackouts along with ERCOT reform.
87th LegislatureEnergyState HouseState SenateElectricity Omnibus Bill, PUC and ERCOT Overhaul One Step Closer to Governor’s Desk
Brad JohnsonMay 24, 2021
Legislation aimed at remedying the underlying causes of the February blackouts has been approved by both legislative chambers.
Civil SocietyEnergyPumped Up Gas Prices Leave Drivers Uneasy As Summer Travel Increases
Brad JohnsonMay 14, 2021
Drivers are seeing the prices they pay at the pump climb — the causes are complicated but can be largely traced to increased travel on the pandemic's downslope.
87th LegislatureEnergyState HouseTaxes & SpendingTexas House Approves Minor Extension to Tax Incentive But Kills Decade-Long Expansion
Brad JohnsonMay 10, 2021
After days of consistent opposition, Rep. Jim Murphy postponed his renewal and expansion of the Chapter 313 tax incentive program until after this session.
EnergyStatewide NewsTexas Governmental Agency Launches ‘Environmental Justice’ Initiative
Brad JohnsonApril 30, 2021
The new project will be chiefly aimed at collecting public input from minority and low-income residents around the areas the TCEQ oversees.
EnergyStatewide NewsPower Plant Maintenance Coincides with Cold Front Delay to Stress Grid, Says ERCOT
Brad JohnsonApril 13, 2021
A delayed cold front caused temperatures to remain higher longer than expected which caused slim margins on Texas' power grid.
87th LegislatureEnergyState SenateGovernor Abbott Names Appointee for Second Public Utility Commission Vacancy
Brad JohnsonApril 12, 2021
Pending the most recent two nominations, the Public Utility Commission will only need one more appointment to replace current Chairman Arthur D'Andrea.
87th LegislatureEnergyState SenateBill Proposal Would Give Power Companies With Blackout Debt Access to Premium Priced Government Loans
Brad JohnsonApril 12, 2021
Some of Texas' power companies amassed large debts during the February winter storm as electricity prices skyrocketed.
EnergyStatewide NewsGovernor Abbott Appoints Will McAdams to Public Utility Commission Vacancy
Brad JohnsonApril 1, 2021
The Public Utility Commission is primed for new leadership after a slew of resignations after the Texas blackouts.