Will TX Green Energy Get Too Expensive?
Texas lawmakers have introduced a new bill that could make renewable energy more expensive. Senate Bill 1639 proposes a tax on electricity made from wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Natural gas and coal, however, would not face this tax. If passed, this law could hurt TX green energy while Texans already struggle with high power bills. Texas power customers deserve fair energy prices, but this bill could push their costs even higher.
TX Green Energy Faces Unfair Challenges
A recent survey found that 34% of Texans can’t afford their electricity bills. Renewable energy helps lower costs, but it faces challenges in Texas. The state does not have enough power lines to send electricity from where it’s made to where it’s needed. Better battery storage could help, but current capacity is still too low.
Instead of fixing these problems, some lawmakers want to add a tax that will drive up prices. Wind and solar companies will have to pass these costs on to customers. That means higher power bills for Texans who are already struggling.
Will More Natural Gas Fix the Problem?
Texas already curtails an average of 1.2 gigawatts per hour of solar and wind energy. Again, batteries could store this extra power, but there aren’t enough yet to make a big difference. Supporters of the bill argue that Texas needs more natural gas plants. But if the Texas grid can’t move electricity efficiently, adding more gas plants won’t help. In fact, natural gas plants have more unplanned outages than renewables.
In recent years, other states have praised Texas for its diversity of energy sources. This robust mix has helped maintain power in times when a less diverse system would have failed.
What This Means for Texas Customers
Texans are paying more for power while the state pushes policies that make energy even pricier. Many people already can’t afford their electricity bills, and most don’t want to pay more for grid improvements. Instead of taxing TX green energy, lawmakers should focus on improving the grid and expanding battery storage. That would help lower costs and make the system more reliable for everyone.
No matter what happens at the Capitol, you still control your power to choose your provider. Shop for plans at http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electric-rates to find which one will best serve your home.