As Texas prepares to build a $40 billion-plus high-voltage transmission backbone, Barry Smitherman argues the PUC can open those contracts to competitive bidding if a 2019 law is repealed.
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Author: Rachael Tison
Competitive transmission delivers benefits for the AI economy and customers
When utilities lose in legislatures and lose at the bidding table, they go back to FERC. Regulators should reaffirm competition as the default for regional projects. America’s electric grid is straining under aging transmission infrastructure, surging new generation and an explosion of demand from electricity-hungry data centers and heavy manufacturing. In April, incumbent utilities in […]
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Texas transmission policy sharpens US competition fight
Electric utilities in other states are asking federal regulators to allow monopoly control over projects, while some critics want Texas to have more competitive bidding.
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Polling Data Confirms: Texans Overwhelmingly Support Competitive Transmission Policies to Lower Energy Costs and Accelerate Grid Improvement
For Immediate Release Contact: Matt Welch / matt@conservativetexansforenergyinnovation.org AUSTIN, Texas (July 8, 2026) – Polling data released today confirms that Texans overwhelmingly support introducing competition to the process of building new transmission projects, rejecting the current system in which private monopolies are automatically awarded construction projects with no competitive bidding. The survey, commissioned by Texans […]
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Speed to power requires more transmission, not less competition
A complaint at FERC seeking to limit competition among transmission developers would inject uncertainty into the process and spur regulatory delays, writes Will Hazelip from National Grid Ventures US. America’s ability to lead in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and energy innovation depends on something that rarely makes headlines: electric transmission infrastructure. Electricity demand is rising faster […]
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Competitive transmission projects come online faster than incumbent projects in 4 regions: R Street
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It’s Time for Texas to Get Competitive on Transmission Development
Texas operates the most competitive wholesale electricity generation market in the United States. Every day, hundreds of power generators compete in ERCOT-run auctions to deliver the cheapest power to homes and businesses. The retail electric market is equally robust, with retail electric providers (REPs) vigorously competing for customers based on price, service, and preferences. The […]
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State utility laws are the primary barrier to Trump’s AI ratepayer protection pledge
Last month, President Trump issued a Ratepayer Protection Pledge that called on hyperscalers and artificial intelligence companies to “build, bring, or buy all of the energy” needed for data centers.
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Midwest utilities are looking to FERC for monopoly expansion
0 on Midwest utilities are looking to FERC for monopoly expansion
Xcel Energy and others tell regulators and the Trump administration that the thirst for electricity requires a suspension of competition rules.
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Texans for Affordable Transmission Launches to Advance Competitive Transmission in Texas
385 on Texans for Affordable Transmission Launches to Advance Competitive Transmission in Texas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Matt Welch matt@conservativetexansforenergyinnovation.org Texans for Affordable Transmission Launches to Advance Competitive Transmission in Texas AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 9, 2026) – With a potential for over $40 billion in spending over the next 10 – 15 years for new and upgraded transmission lines, Texans for Affordable Transmission (TAT) has stepped forward to […]