A conversation with Charles Hua of Powerlines on why utility bills are rising, what’s driving them, and how we can chart a more affordable, pro-consumer path forward.
Back in the day, under a regulated grid, oil and gas ran the show—but the state kept them in check. Reliability came first. Profits came second. Today, deregulation has turned the grid into a state-run system for industry profits. Texans pay the price: billions from Winter Storm Uri, $29 billion for upgrades—and counting. At this rate, Texans might have to stick box fans in their windows come summer—and burn furniture in the fireplace come winter… or invest in solar panels and whole-home generators, all thanks to a ‘state-run grid for profits.’ It has come to my attention recently that some people in Washington, DC, are very concerned about a major ERCOT failure. Power companies share this concern. They have billions invested in Texas plants, yet the grid is only as strong as its—weakest point?
“Weakest link” refers to any critical point—generation, fuel, or transmission—that, if it fails, compromises the entire grid, as happened during Winter Storm Uri.
Back in the day, under a regulated grid, oil and gas ran the show—but the state kept them in check. Reliability came first. Profits came second. Today, deregulation has turned the grid into a state-run system for industry profits. Texans pay the price: billions from Winter Storm Uri, $29 billion for upgrades—and counting. At this rate, Texans might have to stick box fans in their windows come summer—and burn furniture in the fireplace come winter… or invest in solar panels and whole-home generators, all thanks to a ‘state-run grid for profits.’ It has come to my attention recently that some people in Washington, DC, are very concerned about a major ERCOT failure. Power companies share this concern. They have billions invested in Texas plants, yet the grid is only as strong as its—weakest point?
“Weakest link” refers to any critical point—generation, fuel, or transmission—that, if it fails, compromises the entire grid, as happened during Winter Storm Uri.
Wilton Smith Round Rock