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.

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.