Natural Gas and Electricity Prices: Ups & Downs

Natural Gas and Electricity Prices: Ups & Downs

In Texas, natural gas helps set the price of wholesale power. When natural gas prices go up, wholesale power prices also should increase. When natural gas prices go down, wholesale energy costs should follow. This correlation exists because natural gas fuels many...
“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...
Consumer Complaints Target Electric Companies

Consumer Complaints Target Electric Companies

In a sign of continuing challenges for Texas electricity consumers, a number of power retailers have been accused in high-profile cases of deceptive marketing and other abuses. The complaints have led to unflattering news accounts and unwelcome regulatory scrutiny for...
Little Electric Company to Pay Big Penalty

Little Electric Company to Pay Big Penalty

Proton Energy, a tiny Texas retail electric company accused of being a serial rules violator, has agreed to a $400,000 penalty and a change in ownership, according to documents filed at the Texas Public Utility Commission. The PUC accused Proton in September of more...
Shopping for Power? Don’t Forget Powertochoose.com

Shopping for Power? Don’t Forget Powertochoose.com

Shopping for electricity? If you have a computer, and you live in Texas, then your first stop should be powertochoose.com. Operated by the Texas Public Utility Commission, the non-profit website provides unbiased information about retail electric companies and their...