BETA
Chapter 1
The birth of an island grid
Chapter 2
How the Texas grid actually works
Chapter 3
The great deregulation experiment
Chapter 4
Under pressure: Extreme weather and the future
YOUR GOAL
Master of The Texas power grid
Ch 3 · The great deregulation experiment
nic Route electricity strictly within state borders to learn why Texas has its own power grid.
nic Texas Independent Power Grid
Texas chose its own power path, Keeping all electric flow. Within its borders, safely held, To make its own rules grow.
nic Hundreds of private companies compete in Texas to sell electricity directly to consumers using creative rate plans.
nic Texas uses a unique energy-only market where electricity prices fluctuate wildly based on real-time scarcity.
Fun Fact
Power shopping: Texans use a unique, state-run comparison shopping website called Power to Choose to select their electricity providers.
Glossary
deregulation (noun)
The reduction or elimination of government regulation in a particular industry. In 1999, Texas Governor George W. Bush signed legislation introducing this competitive system to the state's grid.
The reduction or elimination of government regulation in a particular industry. In 1999, Texas Governor George W. Bush signed legislation introducing this competitive system to the state's grid.
Quiz
What state agency, established in 1975, oversees ERCOT and regulates non-competitive utility rates in Texas?
Quiz
Which Texas Governor signed Senate Bill 7 in 1999 to deregulate the state's retail electricity market?
Quiz
What is the term for the Texas market design where power plants are only paid for electricity actually produced?
Quiz
What is the name of the official, state-run website where Texas consumers can compare retail electric plans?
Quiz
In what year did retail electricity deregulation officially begin operating for Texas consumers?