“Small Fish” Swim Free in Texas Electricity Market

“Small Fish” Swim Free in Texas Electricity Market

The “small fish swim free” rule — a controversial regulation that critics say could leave the door open to manipulation of the Texas energy market — lives on. By a 3-0 vote last week, members of the Texas Public Utility Commission rejected a request to nullify the...
Embattled electric company owner accepts penalty, ban

Embattled electric company owner accepts penalty, ban

Here’s a quick update about Proton Energy, the tiny Texas retail electric company who couldn”t. Staff at the Texas Public Utility Commission earlier accused Proton of being a serial rules violator. On Friday, the three commissioners approved a legal settlement...
Solar versus Wind Power: The Gap Narrows?

Solar versus Wind Power: The Gap Narrows?

True fact #1: Texas leads all other states for its development of wind power. True fact #2: On a per capita basis, Texas trails almost all states for the development of solar power. Wind power has raced ahead in Texas, while solar power has continued to sputter. But...
TXU Customers in Texas, But Bankruptcy in Delaware

TXU Customers in Texas, But Bankruptcy in Delaware

Most of its employees live in the Dallas area. Its transmission lines crisscross the state. It has millions of retail customers from McAllen to Plano. And so why is Energy Future Holdings, the largest electric company in Texas, undergoing bankruptcy proceedings in...
Electric Generator Accused of Abusing ERCOT Market

Electric Generator Accused of Abusing ERCOT Market

An electric generation company may have improperly manipulated the Texas energy market for financial gain, according to a federal lawsuit filed in Houston. GDF Suez, a Houston-based generator with facilities around the state, is accused of intentionally withholding...