Odessa American: PUCT hosts electric utilities to discuss emergency operations and extreme weather preparedness
Jan. 30 — The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) hosted a workshop Thursday for electric industry representatives across the state to discuss emergency operations plans and ensure utilities have detailed plans in place for extreme weather and other threats that could impact their electric systems and consumers.
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Texas Tribune: CenterPoint Energy settles rate case, will lower power costs for customers
Houston’s main electrical company backed off plans to raise rates after facing sharp criticism for its response to massive power outages after Hurricane Beryl.
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KTRH: Texas May Need 3,000 Miles of New Power Lines to Meet Electricity Demand
Jan. 29 — According to a new report from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), to address an aging power grid and keep up with the demand for more electricity, the state needs 3,000 miles of new long-distance power lines. That’s longer than a drive across the country.
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Houston Public Media: ERCOT announces addition of two board directors with Houston-area ties
Jan. 29 — Following the winter storm of 2021 — which caused millions of Texans to lose power and also led to the deaths of more than 200 people statewide — the state changed the requirements for how ERCOT board members are selected. But a local energy expert says the new rules have not resulted in much change in terms of the board’s administration.
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E&E News: 4 issues to watch as Texas looks to shake up energy sector
Jan, 28 — The red state’s approach to a changing energy mix will be scrutinized as President Donald Trump looks to bolster fossil fuels nationally while also reining in renewable energy. Texas lawmakers opened their 2025 session on Jan. 14, clearing the way for nearly five months of policymaking.
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Community Impact: Round Rock denies Atmos gas rate increase
Jan. 13 — Atmos’ letter of intent filed last month showed a proposed base rate increase of about 7.08%, including the cost of gas. The increase would raise residential customers’ monthly bill by about 9.41%, or almost $8. Commercial, industrial and transportation customers would not see a change.
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KXAN: Community Impact: Round Rock denies Atmos gas rate increase
Jan. 14 — The grassy lot behind Orlena Mehrabian’s home has looked more like a construction site than a rural landscape since work on an Atmos Energy pipeline started last year. She says the project and the outdated deal it’s based on have unearthed new concerns about landowners’ rights.
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FOX7 Austin: More brutal cold prompts worries about Texas power grid
Jan. 14 — If you lived in Texas in 2021, you remember Winter Storm Uri. It was one of the most dangerous winter storms in Texas history. ERCOT, the state’s power grid, failed, leaving many homes and businesses without heat for more than 3 days.
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Houston Landing: Houston has lots of pipelines. Here’s how to locate lines near you and help make them safer.
Jan. 6 — Texas has the largest pipeline infrastructure in the nation – about 480,000 miles of pipelines – and maps show many of these lines are concentrated in the Houston area.
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Houston Chronicle: Constellation announces $26.6 billion deal to buy Calpine, Houston’s largest private company
Jan. 10 — Calpine, the largest private company in Houston, announced a deal to be acquired by Baltimore-based Constellation for approximately $16.4 billion Friday morning.
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KUT: Austin Energy customers will see a $2 drop on bills starting Jan. 1
Dec. 31 — Austin Energy customers can expect a drop in their monthly bills in the new year. The utility says it’s lowering the rate it charges customers to offset operating costs by 5% starting Wednesday. Customers can expect to save $2 a month.
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