Public Utility Commission

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

Central Texas adjusts to ‘the 737’

Starting this month, you need to dial ten or dial again. The Austin area is getting a new area code, 737, and from now on, everyone needs to dial all 10 digits of a local number, area code included.

Friday, February 15th, 2013

Texas renewable energy faces hurdles in Legislature

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Obama doubled down on his vision for renewable energy, calling for more wind and solar power. In Texas, the Legislature is less enthusiastic.

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

At PUC hearing, a push for smart meter opt-out plan

In front of a crowd of more than 200 people, the Public Utility Commission on Tuesday heard repeated calls to create an opt-out program for people who do not want smart electric meters installed at their homes.

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

Remotely controlled thermostats
save Texas electricity at peak times

A small but growing number of Texans who are signed up to assist the electric grid when it is strained, which occasionally happens when afternoon heat sends air conditioners into overdrive.

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

The rolling chain of events behind Texas blackouts

A state senator says a chain reaction of problems involving the state's coal and gas plants appeared to be the cause — and wind plants were having trouble too. So far no blackouts have been ordered today....

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

Renewables, drilling among upcoming energy bills

Energy, a huge chunk of the Texas economy, is never far from the agenda at the Legislature. This year, Sunset Advisory Commission reviews of oil and gas and electricity regulators will keep the sector in the spotlight...

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Rose’s bill on electric co-ops could do more harm than good

In this guest commentary, MIKE WILLIAMS argues that proposed legislation could do more harm than good to rural electric cooperatives.