Natural Gas

Unlike in February, the supply disruption did not translate into problems for the electric grid. But, energy experts say, it shows Texas has more work to do to safeguard its energy infrastructure against weather-related blackouts.

In this episode of The Disconnect, we visit a Texas gas power plant that is preparing for winter, talk about the drama in Austin as lawmakers and oil and gas regulators square off over policy, and ask the question: Is Texas ready for another big freeze?

Several groups are investigating manipulation of the electric and natural gas markets during the Texas blackout. But the rules are different for different kinds of energy.

In Texas’ deregulated energy market, high prices during times of scarcity are often considered a sign that the market is working. But many utilities say the high price of natural gas during the winter storm was different. They're calling it price gouging.

Natural gas was in short supply during the blackouts and could be sold at a premium. With no market controls, gas increased hundreds of times its normal value.

House Bill 17 was initially written in response to California cities banning natural gas use in new buildings to fight climate change. But the legislation got a rebranding in Texas when it was included on the list of bills prioritized in response to the February blackout.

It's understandable to think that if more homes use natural gas for heat than more people could stay warm during a blackout. But the opposite could be true.

In a phone call billed as a primer on “The Texas Two Step,” Public Utility Commission of Texas Chair Arthur D'Andrea talked about a lot more than repricing. He talked about natural gas, falling trees, Austin Energy and frog boils.

Texas Gas Service supplies natural gas to around 650,000 customers, including many in Central Texas. When gas supplies dropped during the storm, the company had to buy it at higher prices on the spot market.

Demand for natural gas skyrocketed last week, and the cost suppliers paid is now being passed on to customers.