Oct. 13 — In Texas’ deregulated market, the power companies rely on price spikes during hot summer days to help cover plant costs and earn profits. But the surge of electricity generated by natural gas plants, wind farms and, increasingly, solar panels has smoothed those spikes and slashed profits. Several merchant power companies have said they can no longer afford to invest in new power plants or maintain existing ones in Texas and called for the state to revamp its power market rules to allow them to benefit from higher prices.

— Houston Chronicle