Railroad Commission Keeping Tabs on the Potential for Hikes in Gas Bills

AUSTIN – As the state recovers from the severe winter storm the RRC is continuing its daily contact with energy producers, pipeline operators, and electric regulators to provide the support they need for natural gas deliveries to help Texans.

Utilities have been purchasing gas to deliver to customers in a commodities market in which prices dramatically increased due to the extremely high demand brought on by the prolonged storm.

The Commission is working with utilities, consumer groups and others to avoid situations where customers may get unusually high bills in the coming weeks.

“As Texans recover from the devastating effects of Winter Storm Uri, I am committed to utilizing all of the tools available to this agency to assist in the coming weeks,” said RRC Chairman Christi Craddick. “The Railroad Commission will be exploring all options in order to reduce the financial burden on Texans as we tackle the challenges that lie ahead together.”

“Texans have gone through enough hardship during this winter storm without having to worry about unexpected additional energy costs,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “Our agency will do everything in our power to ensure utilities have plenty of time to get caught up on these unexpected expenses, so consumers are not unduly burdened.”

“We understand that there are multiple issues impacting Texans as we begin to move out of this extreme winter weather,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “I am committed to working with my colleagues and the commission staff to do everything in our power to ease these burdens on all Texans and work with other state and local entities to ensure we learn from this week’s events.“

Last weekend the RRC also sent a notice to natural gas utilities under Commission’s jurisdiction authorizing them to set up regulatory accounts that could be used in rate proceedings which will be reviewed by the Commission as appropriate.