New! TCAP Timeline Shows Major Milestones
A new timeline tells history of the Texas electricity market, from deregulation’s beginning, to phantom tax collections by utilities, to a recent drive by generators to secure multi-billion-dollar subsidies.
Legislative Deep Pockets: Electric Companies Comprise State’s Top Lobby Spenders
When it comes to paying for expensive legislative lobbyists, four of the top five biggest spenders during the most recent legislative session were electric companies. That’s the word from Texans for Public Justice, a campaign watchdog group, which also reported this...
Houston Utility Reaping Unauthorized Windfall Profits
CenterPoint Energy collects more profits than have been previously authorized by regulators. That may come as good news to shareholders, but its a windfall paid directly by Houston area electric customers.
Legislation Increasing Unfair Taxes on Electric Bills Goes to Texas Governor Rick Perry
Under the bill, the Public Utility Commission will lose the ability to adjust utility rates downward to reflect tax advantages enjoyed by electric utilities. As a result, utilities will gain the ability to charge customers an additional amount for federal income taxes — even in the absence of a greater tax liability by the utility.