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Data centers are building their own gas power plants in Texas
Read full article: Data centers are building their own gas power plants in TexasNot long ago, developers of the massive server farms talked about powering them with wind and solar energy. Now theyโre bypassing the grid and building their own gas-fired power plants on site.
Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking water
Read full article: Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking waterAt least four companies say they are prepared to treat the water well enough to be released into rivers in West Texas. Environmental groups say the state is moving too fast.
Lawmakers near deal to spend $20 billion over two decades on water crisis
Read full article: Lawmakers near deal to spend $20 billion over two decades on water crisisThe deal allocates $1 billion a year to water projects for 20 years, which some groups estimate is a fraction of what Texas needs to save its water supply.
Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislatureโs approval
Read full article: Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislatureโs approvalSenate Bill 6, which now heads to the governorโs desk, gives the stateโs electricity managers the ability to shut power to large consumers during emergencies.
Itโs โTexas Timeโ: Legislature OKs permanent daylight saving time, but Congress must also act
Read full article: Itโs โTexas Timeโ: Legislature OKs permanent daylight saving time, but Congress must also actFederal action would be needed to make the change legal. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels have debated the question for decades.
Can the Texas power grid handle demand amid the summer-like heatwave coming this week?
Read full article: Can the Texas power grid handle demand amid the summer-like heatwave coming this week?With the summer heatwave coming in hot (no pun intended), ERCOT is expecting peak demand for residents looking to cool off. Its dashboard forecasts to shatter last year's records and potentially threaten the all-time demand record.
Texas has thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells. Who is responsible for cleaning them up?
Read full article: Texas has thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells. Who is responsible for cleaning them up?Across Texas, abandoned wells are erupting with chemical-infused liquid and some have created massive lakes of contaminated water. Regulators say they need more money to address the problem.
Can Texas clean up fracking water enough to use for farming? One company thinks so.
Read full article: Can Texas clean up fracking water enough to use for farming? One company thinks so.The Texas Legislature has also invested millions in research to clean the fracking wastewater. Critics say itโs not a viable solution to the stateโs water crisis.
Buying a generator for your apartment or rental property? Consider this before you shop
Read full article: Buying a generator for your apartment or rental property? Consider this before you shopFor those in an apartment wondering what they can do to prepare for an inevitable power outage during the upcoming hurricane season, there are options for you so you arenโt left in the dark.
Renewable energy companies face little regulation in Texas. A state lawmaker wants to change that.
Read full article: Renewable energy companies face little regulation in Texas. A state lawmaker wants to change that.The legislation would put new requirements on wind and solar companies that oil and gas companies in Texas do not face.
South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new bill
Read full article: South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new billThe lawmakers behind the bill promised there would not be an increase in the number of days the beach is closed.
West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needs
Read full article: West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needsReps. Tom Craddick and Brooks Landgraf want to divert 10% of taxes collected on oil and gas production to help budget-strapped counties keep up with growth.
Want to understand Texasโ water crisis? Start with the guide to water terms.
Read full article: Want to understand Texasโ water crisis? Start with the guide to water terms.Water is complex. So are the terms used to describe it. Get to know the language as Texas debates how to save its water supply.
Texas is running out of water. Hereโs why and what state leaders plan to do about it.
Read full article: Texas is running out of water. Hereโs why and what state leaders plan to do about it.The stateโs water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the stateโs municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if thereโs a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented.
A Republican effort to set deadlines to plug orphan wells in Texas hits resistance
Read full article: A Republican effort to set deadlines to plug orphan wells in Texas hits resistanceThe bill would have set deadlines for the oil and gas industry to plug inactive wells, which can pose a danger to the environment.
Hereโs why global energy leaders will be in Houston this week
Read full article: Hereโs why global energy leaders will be in Houston this weekIndustry leaders from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and a host of energy technology firms will converge in Houston for CERAWeek by S&P Global, the worldโs premier energy conference.
With Texas facing soaring electricity demand, the politics of energy quietly shift at the Capitol
Read full article: With Texas facing soaring electricity demand, the politics of energy quietly shift at the CapitolThe Legislature has tried to clamp down on renewable energy resources in the past, but many lawmakers are recognizing the need to support all types of generation to meet record demand growth.
ERCOT approves $54 million plan to move CenterPointโs mobile generators to San Antonio
Read full article: ERCOT approves $54 million plan to move CenterPointโs mobile generators to San AntonioAll Texans connected to the state grid will now pay for the generators rather than just CenterPoint customers.
In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and work
Read full article: In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and workA naturalized citizen, along with other business leaders, are working to create new resources for undocumented people living in the Permian Basin.
Feds approve another deepwater oil export terminal off Texas coast
Read full article: Feds approve another deepwater oil export terminal off Texas coastThe terminal continues an oil export infrastructure buildout that pushes growth in U.S. oil production as momentum fades on a phase-out of fossil fuels.
As Texasโ energy demand soars, a pilot program looks to bolster grid with โvirtual power plantsโ fueled by peopleโs homes
Read full article: As Texasโ energy demand soars, a pilot program looks to bolster grid with โvirtual power plantsโ fueled by peopleโs homesSome Texans who install residential batteries, solar panels and smart thermostats can now send power back to the grid and get a credit on their bill.
Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in state
Read full article: Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in stateThe 5.0 magnitude earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in state history. Scientists have warned for years that increased fracking in West Texas is causing higher earthquake activity.
Texasโ energy demand may exceed supply in 2026, but experts caution against panic
Read full article: Texasโ energy demand may exceed supply in 2026, but experts caution against panicSome experts are skeptical the grid would see as much demand growth as ERCOT predicts, and other ERCOT models showed things getting tight but not tipping into a deficit.
Chevron announces significant workforce reduction, could lay off up to 20 percent of employees
Read full article: Chevron announces significant workforce reduction, could lay off up to 20 percent of employeesAccording to a report by CNBC, Chevron announced plans to reduce its workforce by 15% to 20% as part of a cost-cutting strategy.
Project 2025 adviser takes the reins at EPA region including Texas
Read full article: Project 2025 adviser takes the reins at EPA region including TexasScott Mason IV, a former deputy energy secretary for Oklahoma and member of the Cherokee nation, is the new administrator for the region that covers Texas and four neighboring states.
Advanced nuclear reactors to be developed at Texas A&M
Read full article: Advanced nuclear reactors to be developed at Texas A&MFour leading nuclear reactor companiesโKairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aalo Atomicsโare setting up at Texas A&M's Rellis Campus to develop cutting-edge small modular reactor technology.
Texas regulators grapple with a growing problem: old oil wells leaking polluted water
Read full article: Texas regulators grapple with a growing problem: old oil wells leaking polluted waterTwo years after lawmakers created a $10 million program to address leaking wells in rural counties, none of the money has been distributed.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Hereโs how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Hereโs how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers donโt have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power to supercharge its energy transition
Read full article: Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power to supercharge its energy transitionMost countries in fast-growing Southeast Asia are looking to develop nuclear energy in their quest for cleaner and more reliable energy.
CenterPoint Energy settles rate case, will lower power costs for customers
Read full article: CenterPoint Energy settles rate case, will lower power costs for customersHoustonโs main electrical company backed off plans to raise rates after facing sharp criticism for its response to massive power outages after Hurricane Beryl.
An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidies
Read full article: An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidiesSome residents see the charging stations as an economic boom to the town, while others find it an assault on the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Texas regulators overhaul oilfield waste rule for the first time in four decades
Read full article: Texas regulators overhaul oilfield waste rule for the first time in four decadesThe new rule modernizes some aspects of commercial oilfield waste disposal and recycling. But rules for burying oilfield waste on private property remain limited.
Oil companies leaked less methane in West Texas, a new report says. Environmentalists are skeptical.
Read full article: Oil companies leaked less methane in West Texas, a new report says. Environmentalists are skeptical.Methane is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is 80 times the potency of carbon dioxide.
The Texas Legislature is back. Hereโs what weโre watching.
Read full article: The Texas Legislature is back. Hereโs what weโre watching.From debating school vouchers and improving the stateโs water supply to reining in property taxes, the GOP-led body will look to pass its conservative priorities amid fighting within the party.
Energy experts weigh in on Texasโ power grid sustainability compared to 2021
Read full article: Energy experts weigh in on Texasโ power grid sustainability compared to 2021โThese kinds of temperatures donโt lead to levels of demand that are particularly difficult to meet,โ energy expert Doug Lewin explained
Texas power grid faces test as temperatures continue to plummet. Can it sustain?
Read full article: Texas power grid faces test as temperatures continue to plummet. Can it sustain?As the winter chill sets in, Texans are questioning whether the state's power grid is prepared to handle the cold months ahead.
South Texas coal-fired power plant to switch to clean energy after receiving more than $1 billion in federal money
Read full article: South Texas coal-fired power plant to switch to clean energy after receiving more than $1 billion in federal moneySan Miguel Electric Cooperative's plan to turn into a solar and battery plant will leave only 14 coal-fired power plants in the state.
Texas regulators shelve an electricity market reform proposal they say does too little to shore up grid
Read full article: Texas regulators shelve an electricity market reform proposal they say does too little to shore up gridThe Public Utility Commission found that the performance credit mechanism, a financial tool the Legislature capped at $1 billion, would only marginally improve reliability of the state power grid.
Growing oil industry support for methane reduction rule could help it survive Trumpโs return
Read full article: Growing oil industry support for methane reduction rule could help it survive Trumpโs returnTexas regulators are taking public comment about how they should implement an EPA rule to reduce methane leaks from the oil and gas industry.
Recycled oilfield water could aid drought-stricken West Texas
Read full article: Recycled oilfield water could aid drought-stricken West TexasOilfield wastewater injected underground is causing earthquakes and blowouts. Now, pilot projects are exploring whether this water could be treated and used to grow crops.
Enron is clearly messing with us, but company insists itโs not all a โjokeโ
Read full article: Enron is clearly messing with us, but company insists itโs not all a โjokeโAn Enron spokesperson confirmed CEO Connor Gaydosโ affiliation with "Birds Arenโt Real," and that the website is a parody, but stressed the company is not a โjokeโ and is serious about working to help solve the global energy crisis.
Grid operator says Texas is better prepared for extreme cold this winter
Read full article: Grid operator says Texas is better prepared for extreme cold this winterERCOT says conditions this winter could spark extreme cold, but additional power supply and continued weatherization efforts will lower the risk of power outages.
No, Enron isnโt actually returning; hereโs how the company is โrelaunchingโ
Read full article: No, Enron isnโt actually returning; hereโs how the company is โrelaunchingโThere's a lot of chatter about Enron, the once-failed and Houston-based commodity company, and its apparent re-launch. How accurate is it exactly?
Crypto miners must register with state and reveal power usage under new Texas rule
Read full article: Crypto miners must register with state and reveal power usage under new Texas ruleThe Public Utility Commission of Texas adopted the rule amid surging demand for power across the state and a growing crypto mining industry in Texas.
A West Texas lawmaker wants to redirect millions of tax dollars to plug abandoned wells, curb emissions
Read full article: A West Texas lawmaker wants to redirect millions of tax dollars to plug abandoned wells, curb emissionsThe proposal comes after the stateโs oil and gas regulatory agency said it needs more money to plug wells that are in some instances erupting.
Republican Christi Craddick reelected to Railroad Commission, the stateโs oil and gas regulatory agency
Read full article: Republican Christi Craddick reelected to Railroad Commission, the stateโs oil and gas regulatory agencyThe three-member board oversees Texasโ oil and gas industry. The agency has faced criticism over safety concerns linked to fracking, well blowouts and groundwater protection.
State oil regulator requests $100 million to tackle West Texas well blowouts
Read full article: State oil regulator requests $100 million to tackle West Texas well blowoutsAbandoned wells in the Permian Basin are increasingly erupting with briney, polluted water. The Texas Railroad Commission says it needs emergency money to respond.
Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission race
Read full article: Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission raceIncumbent Christi Craddick is touting the health of the Texas energy industry and its impact on the economy. Her top opponent says regulation on the commission is too lax.
โShould we be worried?โ: Another well blowout in West Texas has a town smelling of rotten eggs
Read full article: โShould we be worried?โ: Another well blowout in West Texas has a town smelling of rotten eggsExperts warn that more blowouts should be expected unless oil and gas companies change their methods.
This energy provider startup is disrupting the industry with transparency and honesty in billing
Read full article: This energy provider startup is disrupting the industry with transparency and honesty in billingAre you in the market for a new energy provider? Now might be the best time to switch. Here's what you need to know that could help you save on your monthly electricity bill.
Fight over West Texas nuclear waste plan to hit U.S. Supreme Court
Read full article: Fight over West Texas nuclear waste plan to hit U.S. Supreme CourtA company has long pursued the plan to move โhigh-levelโ nuclear waste from power plants across the nation to a storage facility in Andrews County.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Legislature will review Deloitteโs contracts after public loan project scandal
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Legislature will review Deloitteโs contracts after public loan project scandalThe examination of Deloitteโs existing contracts comes after it failed to catch red flags in a companyโs application for a loan to build or upgrade power plants in the state.
How Texasโ environmental agency weakened a once-rigorous air pollution monitoring team
Read full article: How Texasโ environmental agency weakened a once-rigorous air pollution monitoring teamFormer employees say the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality gutted the unit soon after the fracking boom swept the state oil industry. The operation never returned to what it was before.
West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.
Read full article: West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.Residents were worried about the impact on their drinking water while business leaders were excited for the new jobs.
Ken Paxton sues Biden administration over listing Texas lizard as endangered
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues Biden administration over listing Texas lizard as endangeredThe lawsuit claims federal regulators have undermined the Texas oil and gas industry by misusing environmental law, negatively impacting drilling and production.
Study finds levels of a dangerous gas โoff the scalesโ in Central Texas oilfield
Read full article: Study finds levels of a dangerous gas โoff the scalesโ in Central Texas oilfieldThe smell of oil wells has long permeated Caldwell County, near Austin and San Antonio. Now researchers have documented wells releasing dangerous amounts of hydrogen sulfide gas.
Texas lawmakers question agency's ability to oversee $5 billion energy loan program after initial glitch
Read full article: Texas lawmakers question agency's ability to oversee $5 billion energy loan program after initial glitchLawmakers tasked the Public Utility Commission with overseeing the Texas Energy Fund, though the agency has no experience running a loan program.
Ask Amy: Why are we stuck with CenterPoint Energy? Why no competition? Can they be fired?
Read full article: Ask Amy: Why are we stuck with CenterPoint Energy? Why no competition? Can they be fired?From electric rates to power outages, it seems like we have heard a lot lately about CenterPoint Energy. In this weekโs โAsk Amyโ segment, investigative reporter Amy Davis answers a question from viewer Don Conger: โWhy are we stuck with CenterPoint? Why donโt they have any competition? Can they be fired?โ
Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours
Read full article: Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hoursTexas isnโt expected to take a direct hit when the storm makes landfall as a hurricane. But storm surge and dangerous winds are possible.
Texas proposes first new rules for oilfield waste in 40 years
Read full article: Texas proposes first new rules for oilfield waste in 40 yearsWhile environmentalists say the new rules donโt do enough to protect groundwater, oil and gas operators are contesting stricter requirements for waste pits near wells.
Houston energy trader pleads guilty for role in paying $600K in international bribes
Read full article: Houston energy trader pleads guilty for role in paying $600K in international bribesTo hide the scheme, Javier Aguilar and his co-conspirators used alias email accounts to discuss the scheme with code words for the bribes like โshoes,โ โmedicine,โ โinvitations,โ and โcoffee.โ
The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries itโs been left behind.
Read full article: The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries itโs been left behind.Before the pandemic, Ben Bilbrey worked with some of the largest oil companies. Now heโs waiting for the phone to ring.
How Houston residents can monitor electric usage in real time
Read full article: How Houston residents can monitor electric usage in real timeSaving on electricity means turning off devices and lights and bumping up your thermostat to a temperature some of you may think is uncomfortable. Many of you donโt do it because you donโt know how much you can save. There is an easy way to track your usage and see how small changes to your routine can save you money on your electric bill.
Donald Trumpโs promise to โdrill, baby, drillโ probably wonโt change much โ least of all in Texas
Read full article: Donald Trumpโs promise to โdrill, baby, drillโ probably wonโt change much โ least of all in TexasTexas is producing so much natural gas right now companies are losing money.
Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South Texas
Read full article: Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South TexasThis weekโs ruling was the latest twist since cities and groups in Texasโ Rio Grande Valley sued to block the projects.
ERCOT forecast to reach near historic peak of energy demand. How much can it take?
Read full article: ERCOT forecast to reach near historic peak of energy demand. How much can it take?Naturally, with the growing power demand, it shouldnโt come as a surprise that ERCOT will reach another peak. According to ERCOTโs records, its grid has reached peak demand hours consecutively each year. In August 2023, the record peaked at 85,508 MW, surpassing its peak demand from July 2022, which was at 80,148 MW.
Unregulated oilfield power lines are suspected of sparking Texas wildfires
Read full article: Unregulated oilfield power lines are suspected of sparking Texas wildfiresNo state agency is taking responsibility for making sure the privately built lines that power many oil and gas sites are safe. Such lines have been blamed for sparking two recent Panhandle fires.
CenterPoint CEO promises improvements as Texas scrutinizes companyโs Beryl response
Read full article: CenterPoint CEO promises improvements as Texas scrutinizes companyโs Beryl responseJason Wells told regulators the company will launch a new outage tracker by Aug. 1. It will also trim more tree limbs near power lines and hire an executive to focus on emergency response.
Public Utility Commission releases investigative report CenterPoint Energyโs Hurricane Beryl response
Read full article: Public Utility Commission releases investigative report CenterPoint Energyโs Hurricane Beryl responseThe companyโs power outages in July have drawn the ire of state leaders. Hereโs what you need to know.
A federal utility assistance program favors cold-weather states, giving less money to hot places like Texas
Read full article: A federal utility assistance program favors cold-weather states, giving less money to hot places like TexasThe program helps low-income people with heating and cooling bills, but advocates say it disadvantages Texas and other warm-weather states, even though extreme heat is a key cause of weather-related deaths.
Residential solar is growing in Texas amid worries about reliable power during events like Hurricane Beryl
Read full article: Residential solar is growing in Texas amid worries about reliable power during events like Hurricane BerylIn Harris County, more federal money is available to help low- and moderate-income residents install rooftop solar.
Texans heading into a second week without electricity are battling heat, frustration and boredom
Read full article: Texans heading into a second week without electricity are battling heat, frustration and boredomMore than 200,000 CenterPoint Energy customers without power struggle with the heat one week after Hurricane Beryl swept through southeast Texas.
Abbott reprimands CenterPoint and calls for an investigation into the utilityโs response to Beryl blackouts
Read full article: Abbott reprimands CenterPoint and calls for an investigation into the utilityโs response to Beryl blackoutsAbbott demanded that the utility company produce a plan by the end of July outlining how it will improve power reliability ahead of future storms.
โGet back up and goโ: CenterPoint linemen take on a broken grid as Houstonians seethe
Read full article: โGet back up and goโ: CenterPoint linemen take on a broken grid as Houstonians seetheBeryl exposed how vulnerable the electric infrastructure is to failure, leaving residents angry and at risk.
CenterPoint exudes chaos, but also appears to be restoring power faster than it previously has
Read full article: CenterPoint exudes chaos, but also appears to be restoring power faster than it previously hasAccording to state filings, the utility is restoring power at a relatively quicker pace than after prior storms. Texans are still fed up.
How to make your Texas home more energy efficient and get money from the government
Read full article: How to make your Texas home more energy efficient and get money from the governmentFederal tax incentives are available to weatherize your house and switch to more energy efficient appliances. Rebates are coming.
Truckers hope protest over unpaid hours and lack of restrooms will spark a Permian Basin labor movement
Read full article: Truckers hope protest over unpaid hours and lack of restrooms will spark a Permian Basin labor movementTruckers say they can wait up to 18 hours without pay to load or unload fracking sand. The drilling sites often lack restrooms.
Texas has one of the lowest energy costs in the US, study says ๐ฒ
Read full article: Texas has one of the lowest energy costs in the US, study says ๐ฒDespite everyone and their mom cranking up the A/C during the brutal summer heat, WalletHub says Texas has the 4th lowest energy costs in the country.