Dallas Morning News Columnist Steve Blow
Why is it that Texans pay 43 percent more for electricity that folks just up the road in Oklahoma? That’s the question posed this weekend by Dallas Morning News columnist Steve Blow. “We’re still getting ripped off,” writes Blow in a June 6 column. “In fact, Texans pay more for electricity than in all four neighboring states.”
As noted in the online edition of the Dallas Morning News, rates have increased more in Texas during deregulation than they have in most other states in the country — including most deregulated states. Texans paid rates below the national average for many years prior to deregulation and now consistently pay above it.
“This is complicated stuff . … and that leaves the electric utility lobbyists with the upper hand in Austin,” writes Blow. “So maybe we all need to rise up and communicate a simple message to our state legislators: Your future rests on electric rates.”
Want to get involved? Check out the Recharge Texas website.
R.A. "Jake" Dyer
Is a policy analyst for TCAP, a coalition of cities and other political subdivisions that purchase electricity in the deregulated market for their own governmental use. Because high energy costs can impact municipal budgets and the ability to fund essential services, TCAP, as part of its mission, actively promotes affordable energy policies. High energy prices also place a burden on local businesses and home consumers.
Is a policy analyst consultant for TCAP, a coalition of political subdivisions in Texas that purchase electricity in the deregulated market for their own governmental use. Because energy costs are typically a significant budget item to our members, TCAP is consistently looking for ways to save our members money, through cost-saving contracts, energy efficiency or demand response programs.