Category Archives: Rates and Service
Would TXU collapse increase rates?
TXU provides electricity to more than 1 million Texans, plus backup service when other providers go bankrupt. But what happens if TXU itself gets swept up bankruptcy? Continue reading
Utility agrees to Rate Cuts in El Paso
The electric utility that serves the city of El Paso has agreed to a $15 million annual rate decrease. Continue reading
Shopping Tips for Electric Customers in Texas Deregulated Market
Making apples-to-apples comparisons when shopping for electricity in deregulated areas can be nearly impossible. Continue reading
Confusing Surcharges Complicate Comparison Shopping for Electricity
The confusing array of fees and charges in electricity contracts make it nearly impossible to make apples-to-apples comparisons. Continue reading
Minumum Usage Fees Penalize Texans who Conserve Electricity
Many Texans end up paying both for programs meant to encourage energy conservation while simultaneously paying fees that penalize them for conservation. Continue reading
Texas electric deregulation subject of new PBS report
Inside E Street, a Public Broadcasting System program featured on more than 200 TV stations nationwide, has begun airing a new segment. It’s main focus: electric deregulation in Texas. Continue reading
With loss of tax breaks, new doubts about transmission expense
Texans are on the hook for nearly $7 billion in new transmission construction for wind power. But with the apparent loss of key tax breaks and a changing market, does all that expense still make sense? A state lawmaker raises questions. Continue reading
Texans under deregulation have paid $3,100 more for electricity
The short end of the stick: Texans in deregulated areas have paid substantially more for electricity than Texans outside deregulation. Continue reading
Complaints Decline, But Still Three Times Higher than Pre-Dereg Years
Electricity complaints remain more than 300 percent higher than pre-deregulation levels. By far, billing complaints remain the most common. Continue reading
Policy Spotlight: Texans to Pay $6.5 billion in electric deregulation costs
The then-PUC chairman forecast in 1999 that Texans would not be liable for more than about $5 billion in stranded costs. It’s now clear that stranded costs will exceed those predictions by at least 30 percent. Continue reading