Texans could see utility sticker shock from GOP push against renewable energy

New bills being considered in Texas’ legislature could shift the state’s power generation from natural gas to renewable energy, potentially leading to an increase in energy costs for customers, in addition to environmental consequences.

The bills approved by the Texas Senate seek to increase the share of dispatchable sources of energy, such as natural gas, on the state’s power grid that can be quickly brought online in emergencies, and drive public funds’ funnelling towards financing operations and repairs of fossil fuel plants for grid stability.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick advocates for the legislation, arguing they are necessary to attract investment in natural gas projects and will help protect against threats like the 2021 winter storm Uri, which caused 4.5 million Texans to lose power.

However, critics argue that the overhaul would hurt the state’s huge renewable energy industry, discouraging wind and solar project operators from investing in the state and ultimately raising prices for households. A study found that these bills entail higher power bills for consumers and could potentially drive up wholesale energy prices by over $22 billion between 2025 to 2030.

Renewable energy has saved Texas consumers a lot of money in power bills, thanks in part to federal incentives. The shift to natural gas while investing billions in new fossil-fuel infrastructure will likely increase energy bills for Texans.

Cyrus Reed, the conservation director of the Lone Star Sierra Club, expressed concern that these bills would create a chilling effect on renewable energy development and huge expenses on residential consumers that are not needed.