Texas Electricity Deregulation Leads to Highest Prices in the Nation
From today’s Wall Street Journal:Texas had some of the cheapest power rates in the country when it zapped most of the state’s electric regulations six years ago, convinced that rollicking competition would drive prices even lower.
This summer, electricity there is some of the nation’s priciest.
Power costs are rising in the rest of the U.S., but everything is bigger in Texas: On a hot day in May, wholesale prices rose briefly to more than $4 a kilowatt hour — about 40 times the national average.
I can guarantee you that there will still be Wise County Republicans patting King on the back for his work in deregulation.
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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Anonymous says
Many thanks to out "fine" Texas politicians–all on our side. Vote 'em out in November!! Energy and O&G rules in Texas.
Anonymous says
what is your solution to these high prices?
jobsanger says
Phil is just doing what the electric companies paid him to do.
Lawrence says
Exactly. Over time it should level off with supply/demand. People need to stop living above their means and buying homes they can’t really pay for.
I try and help people save money on their rates with my company but I can only do so much.
One customer was paying .22 cents/kw using 3000+ for the month. My question to him was why he waited so long to switch vs looking to see if gasoline prices increased by 10 cents.
Once all the smaller players die off the large companies with an established user base will continue to move to a more level rate plan. I’m just happy I get paid to recommend people to use the largest CREP (Competitive Retail Electric Provider) in TX. It’s an easy sell to get people to switch if they will save 25%.
I’d rather have higher rates then to have it paid for by our taxes. You pay for what you use. Lets not be like Venezuela and their .12 cent gasoline. Someone is paying for it and it’s that country.
TXsharon says
Exactly what, Lawrence? No one here is agreeing with you.
Deregulation to this extent NEVER works. Never has. Never will. Some regulation must exist because of the greed factor.