Archive for the ‘TCAP’ Category
What is the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power?
Questions and answers about one of the state’s leading organizations of electricity consumers
When it comes to electric deregulation, the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power enjoys a unique vantage point. The more than 160 cities and other political subdivisions that make up TCAP purchase in excess of 1.3 billion kilowatt/hours of power each year for their own governmental use. As such, it is one of the largest organizations of energy consumers in the state.
High energy costs can impact municipal budgets and the ability to fund essential services. An increase by even a single penny in electric rates can cost cities millions of dollars. TCAP members understand this first-hand. High energy prices also places a burden on local businesses and home consumers.
That’s why TCAP, as part of its mission, proactively promotes affordable energy policies. TCAP monitors federal, state and local initiatives that may affect the price and availability of energy. The organization represents consumer interests at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Public Utility Commission and before state legislative panels. TCAP’s original policy research has been cited nationally and internationally and has won praise from key lawmakers and staff.
Randy Moravec
TCAP was originally two separate non-profit corporations — the Cities Aggregation Power Project and the South Texas Aggregation Project — organizations formed in 2001 for the specific purpose of purchasing power in the then-newly deregulated market. TCAP also is the parent organization of Recharge Texas, and supports its online newsletter, the Recharge Ratepayer Report. In 2012, TCAP released Deregulated Electricity in Texas: A History of Retail Competition — The First 10 Years. In 2011, TCAP released The Story of ERCOT: The Grid Operator, Power Market & Prices under Texas Electric Deregulation.
Also in 2011 TCAP named Randolph Moravec, Ph.D., as its first executive director. The former finance director for the Town of Addison served previously on the TCAP board as its organization’s secretary, and also served as vice chairman for the Cities Aggregation Power Project. Dr. Moravec received his Ph.D. in public affairs from the University of Texas-Arlington in 2011.
TCAP’s mission and guiding tenets
In September 2011, the board of Texas Coalition for Affordable Power met to collaboratively create a mission statement and guiding tenets.
Mission Statement —
The vision of TCAP is to proactively and strategically promote an affordable market for power procurement through advocacy and education
Guiding Tenets —
- Treat all members fairly regardless of size or kWh load
- Never take your eye off the market (always be aware of the market)
- Maintain stability and best value
- Purchase and supply electricity at the most affordable price
- Be a leading authority and engaged in the industry on legislative, educational, informational, technological and market matters
- Be mindful of who our customers are
- Be an advocate for consumers/citizens
- Continue the growth of the organization-one city at a time
- Recognize and respond to the diverse energy needs of our customers
- Be a “one-stop shop” for energy market needs for our members
- Cultivate relationships with other organizations (HGAC, etc.) as partners in the provision of energy
- Intensively monitor key market actors (utilities, ERCOT) other federal, state and local initiatives that may affect energy in the future
CAPP/STAP Merger
January 1, 2011 – Cities Aggregation Power Project (CAPP) and South Texas Aggregation Project (STAP) merge to form TCAP
The Texas Coalition for Affordable Power is a unique alliance formed for a singular purpose – to purchase electricity in bulk for municipal needs. TCAP is a non-profit city coalition that pools the energy needs of its more than 150 member cities to negotiate better prices from power generators.
TCAP supports electric market reforms that will save money for Texans. Affordable power in a fully competitive market means economic development for Texas communities and a better life for its citizens.
To read more about TCAP’s purpose and goals, please visit our Legislation Position.
If you are interested in joining TCAP, please visit our Membership page.
