The grid failure in Texas this time last year went far beyond the state s border, and consumer advocates say it means the country needs to shore up its energy infrastructure. Brian Edstrom, senior regulatory advocate for the nonprofit Citizens Utility Board in Minnesota, said the infrastructure bill recently signed into law by President Joe Biden provides a start. But there was considerable damage to consumers in northern states when Texans cranked up their electric heaters to cope with Winter Storm Uri. .
Backers of a bill in the Kentucky Legislature say it would streamline regulatory procedures to allow utilities to more easily adjust rates, but critics say House Bill 341 would eliminate rate-hike protections for residential and business customers. The bill would reduce the number of days opponents of a rate-hike proposal could challenge it - down from 30 days to 15. Tom Fitzgerald - senior staff attorney with the Kentucky Resource Council - said it also eliminates evidentiary hearings, and allows more so-called "riders," which are add-on costs to ratepayers for certain types of projects. .
Frustrated environmental and clean-energy advocates say after four long years of debate and compromise, regulators sent Arizona back to the starting line with their rejection of a clean-energy plan.