Republican Aims To Keep Texas Energy Rates High — Bill Threatens To Kill TXU Buyout Deal

AUSTIN A Republican state lawmaker is aiming to keep electricity rates high and unchecked for consumers in Texas.

Last Wednesday, Rep. Robert Tarlton (R-Pasadena) successfully stalled debate on two senate bills that would give the state Public Utility Commission new power to regulate the electricity industry.

This power includes the authority to lower rates, a proposal which was passed in the Senate last month.

The author of the House versions, Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford), said time remains to act on the bills.

One of the bills could lead to the PUC killing the proposed TXU buyout deal.

The $39 billion deal was shaped with help from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Such an accord had never been made before with the environmental advocates at the bargaining table.

The private equity investment groups pushing the deal