Supply shortages in Texas’ electricity market have state regulators considering major changes that would boost supplies but also could raise electricity prices for consumers.
Low wholesale prices have prompted power companies to defer construction of generating plants and shutter old units, cutting supplies. Meanwhile, demand hit record levels this year, due to extreme heat and continuing population growth. Texas came close to rolling blackouts this summer and had rolling blackouts in February when electricity supplies gave out during a cold snap.
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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.