Gov. Abbott is trying to force municipal utilities such as Austin Energy and CPS Energy to allow customers to choose between them and a private retail electricity provider - a move that would only benefit large private electric providers like Vistra and NRG.
Coincidentally, both are contributors to Abbott’s re-election campaign. During this election cycle, Vistra’s political action committee (PAC) has contributed $75,000 to Abbott’s campaign, while NRG’s PAC has contributed $25,000.
This proposal is not consumer relief - it’s a political power play designed to benefit wealthy corporations at the expense of local communities.
Public power utilities like Austin Energy and CPS Energy are not-for-profit electricity providers owned by the communities they serve. Unlike private utilities, which distribute profits to shareholders, public utilities reinvest their revenues into the electric system and the local community.
Forced deregulation would affect more than utility bills. It could reduce funding for public safety, infrastructure, parks, libraries, customer assistance, and other services residents depend on.
Abbott's latest scheme couldn't come at a worse time. Energy bills are high, the weather is getting hotter, and hard working Texans are struggling to make ends meet. Texans know better than to believe this is about lowering their bills.
Add your name to oppose forced deregulation of public power that will only make rich energy corporations richer!
