Walt Baum

CEO Powering Texans. @poweringtexans Paddleboarder. Fascinated by #txlege

[TCPA @TXCompPower]

TCPA is proud to announce our new partnership with @PoweringTexans. Together, we will advocate for policies that support the reliable, dispatchable generation resources needed to ensure Texas continues to lead the nation in economic growth and opportunity.

[Governor Abbott Press Office @GovAbbottPress]

Governor Abbott announced the eighth Texas Energy Fund loan for 860 MW of new, reliable power in Ward County.

The project will more than triple the Permian Basin Power Plant’s current capacity and provide enough electricity to power approximately 215,000 Texas homes.

[Vistra Corp. Government Affairs @VistraCorpGA]

Always a great day to #BeatTheHeat when Horned Frogs show up! @TXUEnergy teamed up with TCU student-athletes & staff to distribute box fans to Fort Worth residents, bringing extra relief (+ snow cones) during the summer heat! @JohnMcQueeneyTX @charliegeren #TxLege #TxEnergy

[Michael Giberson @MichaelGiberso3]

Exelon owned generation in a non-utility subsidiary until a few years ago—they sold it. They could invest in generation at shareholder risk right now. Instead, they lobby to invest at ratepayer risk. It would be a bad deal for ratepayers.

[Houstorian @Houstorian]

Today in 1891, the first, regular electric streetcar service begins.

[Vistra Corp. Government Affairs @VistraCorpGA]

Great to see @TXUEnergy partnering with @caritasofwaco to help Waco families #BeatTheHeat today! #TxLege #TxEnergy @DavidCookTexas @PatrickJCurry1

[David Cook @DavidCookTexas]

Today, I joined Energy Leaders for a discussion on strengthening Texas’ electric grid and ensuring reliable, dispatchable power to support our state’s continued growth.

Texas’ economic future depends on a strong and resilient grid, and I appreciate @PoweringTX for hosting the event.

[Sean Fitzgerald (Actual Justice Warrior) @IamSean90]

Years ago when innovation made fracking more affordable, anti-American activists who wanted to kill the energy boom started claiming fracking caused flaming tap water, even tho there was no connection at all. Much of the Data Center hysteria is just this tactic repackaged

[Texas Politics @Tex_Pol]

Texas is adding more power to the grid.

Greg Abbott is touting the new Pin Oak plant as another step to boost reliability and keep up with the state’s growing energy demand.

https://t.co/Jf62cq4g1V

[Kevin Gallagher @KevG163]

Happy Birthday, Tony Dorsett!

#DallasCowboys Legend

The 1976 Heisman winner from Pitt was drafted #2 overall in '77, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as the final puzzle piece for the #Cowboys' second Super Bowl title.

Tony retired in 1989 as the NFL's #2 all-time leading rusher — a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1994.

[Jeff Dennis @EnergyLawJeff]

I’d say the core of the debate about utilities regaining the ability to build generation in ratebase is which system better protects customers: one where competitors compete for profits and hold risk of loss or one where customers hold all the risk for 30+ years.

[𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘆 𝗗. 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 @JeramyKitchen]

1️⃣Data centers are suddenly public enemy #1 in many policy debates. Critics say they consume too much power & water & are driving a $7 trillion construction boom. But the reality is far more complicated. And far more positive. #txlege

Here are a few takeaways from a great piece in Reason 👇

[NetChoice @NetChoice]

"If Americans want lower electricity bills, they should be shouting for more AI, not less."

A new report from @TheEconomist shows that the narrative that AI and data centers are driving up electricity bills is simply incorrect.

[Michael E. Webber @MichaelEWebber]

Good job @ERCOT_ISO —the grid did great.

Gas system didn’t freeze, wind and solar did fine, winterization and electric-gas coordination since 2021 was better, efficiency and demand response tools helped, and all the new solar and battery capacity all made resource adequacy a non-concern. Hats off to all the stakeholders who played a role in this over the last few years.

And many thanks to the utility line workers who worked hard around the weekend or were on standby.

[Texas Division of Emergency Management @TDEM]

As icy and chilly conditions continue— join us in thanking the road crews, line workers, and all Texas responders working tirelessly around the clock to help Texans stay safe and warm this week.

Team Texas continues answering the call.

[Josh Smith @smithtjosh]

If you don't have high prices when supply is scarce, then you're skimping on reliability.

[Greg Abbott @GregAbbott_TX]

The Texas power grid made it through this bitter winter storm with plenty of surplus power.

The homes that don’t have power are the result of local power line problems caused by falling trees and even car wrecks destroying power poles.

Local providers are making repairs fast.

[Electric Power Supply Association @EPSAnews]

As power generators keep plants running, we’re grateful to @Edison_Electric, @NRECANews, @publicpowerorg, and the local utilities, linemen, and response teams working nonstop in challenging conditions to restore power for homes, businesses, and critical services.

#WinterStormFern #PowerGrid #Energy

[Texas Division of Emergency Management @TDEM]

From the South Plains, to East Texas, to the Capitol, it’s chilly out there🥶❄️

As icy conditions persist, it’s best to stay home.

Need a place to find relief from the cold?

TDEM has a map of 375+ warming centers opened and operated by local officials: https://t.co/lhayVA4QH3

[Simon Mahan @SimonMahan]

Texas (ERCOT) doing well in the storm. Plenty of power, but moderately high prices. Running 50% gas. Oncor, SWEPCO power outages due to icing on distribution lines, but not major so far. Monday will be tough.