I’m a Dem here in Texas. Our wind turbines froze.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if this is going to be a tipping point to get rid of some of the Republican leadership in Texas unfortunately memories are short when it comes to elections

just remember people this is the price you pay for low taxes and lack of regulation.

Elections are next year - hopefully memories aren’t that short.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/texas...eeze/ar-BB1dOkgd?ocid=msedgntp One lady now faces a 6k power bill, and the disaster isn't over yet
Isn't this price-gouging?

I don't understand this. Aren't utility rates regulated? How does this work in Texas?

In Texas, they can pick their energy provider. The energy providers buy in bulk from the energy generators that run the power plants and wind mills then resell it to customers for a mark-up. Usually there's a set per kw/h price but it varies by provider. I used to live in Texas and still have family there. Griddy is a provider that, for a nominal fee, passes on the actual cost of the electricity to the customers. While most utilities would have that per kw/h allowable charge and would sort of even it out over the course of the year, Griddy literally exposes the customer to the full charge. These people picked Griddy in hopes that they'd be able to save a lot of money on power by using very little power during expensive times (generally the day during the summer) and more during the off times. Now there's more demand for electricity than generation and the per kw/h rate is high to entice electricity generators to provide additional power. So no there's no regulation and no this type of "utility" shouldn't actually be allowed. Sometimes regulation is there to protect you from yourself. Heat during a sub-zero winter event isn't the kind of thing that should be subject to market forces like a used car. Heat in the winter, A/C in extreme temperatures, and water (along with other basic utilities) are fundamental human rights and needed to live. As such, "Griddy" would not even be allowed to operate in most states. At this point, these people either have to shut off the power to their entire home from the breaker box or risk bankrupting themselves.

But if they shut off the power and the pipes freeze - they’re bankrupt anyway from the repair costs of exploding ceilings?

They can drain their pipes if their house has a usable shut off valve which evidently some don't. That said, I"m in total agreement with you. I was just trying to explain why some people are getting these massive bills and others aren't. Texas doesn't think it needs to regulate things needed for basic human rights. Thank god we have the federal government so they're forced to regulate water and food. Do you remember the deadly listeria outbreak caused by Blue Bell ice cream having pipes dripping condensation into their food? This is what happens when you don't regulate basic human rights. No company should be allowed to operate that would force a person to choose between freezing to death and bankrupting themselves.

https://www.statesman.com/business/20160923/fda-reports-signal-earlier-condensation-hygiene-issues-at-blue-bell

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/pdf/bluebell-listeria-outbreak-infographic-508c.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if this is going to be a tipping point to get rid of some of the Republican leadership in Texas unfortunately memories are short when it comes to elections

just remember people this is the price you pay for low taxes and lack of regulation.

Elections are next year - hopefully memories aren’t that short.

The people in TX surely will remember the frozen windmills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Well it did not happen so ...we are good! Let’s get back to owning the libs and planning secession.

25% of their energy comes from wind power. So yes, let’s get back to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if this is going to be a tipping point to get rid of some of the Republican leadership in Texas unfortunately memories are short when it comes to elections

just remember people this is the price you pay for low taxes and lack of regulation.

Elections are next year - hopefully memories aren’t that short.

The people in TX surely will remember the frozen windmills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/texas...eeze/ar-BB1dOkgd?ocid=msedgntp One lady now faces a 6k power bill, and the disaster isn't over yet
Isn't this price-gouging?

I don't understand this. Aren't utility rates regulated? How does this work in Texas?

In Texas, they can pick their energy provider. The energy providers buy in bulk from the energy generators that run the power plants and wind mills then resell it to customers for a mark-up. Usually there's a set per kw/h price but it varies by provider. I used to live in Texas and still have family there. Griddy is a provider that, for a nominal fee, passes on the actual cost of the electricity to the customers. While most utilities would have that per kw/h allowable charge and would sort of even it out over the course of the year, Griddy literally exposes the customer to the full charge. These people picked Griddy in hopes that they'd be able to save a lot of money on power by using very little power during expensive times (generally the day during the summer) and more during the off times. Now there's more demand for electricity than generation and the per kw/h rate is high to entice electricity generators to provide additional power. So no there's no regulation and no this type of "utility" shouldn't actually be allowed. Sometimes regulation is there to protect you from yourself. Heat during a sub-zero winter event isn't the kind of thing that should be subject to market forces like a used car. Heat in the winter, A/C in extreme temperatures, and water (along with other basic utilities) are fundamental human rights and needed to live. As such, "Griddy" would not even be allowed to operate in most states. At this point, these people either have to shut off the power to their entire home from the breaker box or risk bankrupting themselves.

Hey, gambling on electric rates like it's a craps table is apparently freedom in Texas.

However, Griddy telling their customers to cancel their accounts as soon as a price spike hits? That's probably illegal. The fact that a price spike would someday hit is entirely forseeable, and they don't have the cash reserves to pay their suppliers.

Regrettably, nobody will go to jail. They will end up in bankruptcy. It's possible the consumers will still end up on the hook for the bills though, as the accounts receivable will get handed off to debt collectors. Or maybe Texas will do the very un-Texan thing and bail them out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if this is going to be a tipping point to get rid of some of the Republican leadership in Texas unfortunately memories are short when it comes to elections

just remember people this is the price you pay for low taxes and lack of regulation.

Elections are next year - hopefully memories aren’t that short.

The people in TX surely will remember the frozen windmills.

Wind turbines in Antarctica work just fine. Did Texas buy defective ones??

[Anonymous]

Griddy sounds like the evil twin of Gritty. Or the good twin if you think Gritty is a Chavista in disguise.

[Anonymous]

Did Griddy allow the user to buy call options in NG and other futures? I mean if it’s a free market I should be able to buy the equivalent of call options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/texas...eeze/ar-BB1dOkgd?ocid=msedgntp One lady now faces a 6k power bill, and the disaster isn't over yet
Isn't this price-gouging?

I don't understand this. Aren't utility rates regulated? How does this work in Texas?

In Texas, they can pick their energy provider. The energy providers buy in bulk from the energy generators that run the power plants and wind mills then resell it to customers for a mark-up. Usually there's a set per kw/h price but it varies by provider. I used to live in Texas and still have family there. Griddy is a provider that, for a nominal fee, passes on the actual cost of the electricity to the customers. While most utilities would have that per kw/h allowable charge and would sort of even it out over the course of the year, Griddy literally exposes the customer to the full charge. These people picked Griddy in hopes that they'd be able to save a lot of money on power by using very little power during expensive times (generally the day during the summer) and more during the off times. Now there's more demand for electricity than generation and the per kw/h rate is high to entice electricity generators to provide additional power. So no there's no regulation and no this type of "utility" shouldn't actually be allowed. Sometimes regulation is there to protect you from yourself. Heat during a sub-zero winter event isn't the kind of thing that should be subject to market forces like a used car. Heat in the winter, A/C in extreme temperatures, and water (along with other basic utilities) are fundamental human rights and needed to live. As such, "Griddy" would not even be allowed to operate in most states. At this point, these people either have to shut off the power to their entire home from the breaker box or risk bankrupting themselves.

Hey, gambling on electric rates like it's a craps table is apparently freedom in Texas.

However, Griddy telling their customers to cancel their accounts as soon as a price spike hits? That's probably illegal. The fact that a price spike would someday hit is entirely forseeable, and they don't have the cash reserves to pay their suppliers.

Regrettably, nobody will go to jail. They will end up in bankruptcy. It's possible the consumers will still end up on the hook for the bills though, as the accounts receivable will get handed off to debt collectors. Or maybe Texas will do the very un-Texan thing and bail them out.

Apparently no other provider would take on new customers during the emergency so those customers were stuck with Griddy which is why they're being charged $1,000 a day for the pleasure of not freezing to death.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/texas...eeze/ar-BB1dOkgd?ocid=msedgntp One lady now faces a 6k power bill, and the disaster isn't over yet
Isn't this price-gouging?

I don't understand this. Aren't utility rates regulated? How does this work in Texas?

In Texas, they can pick their energy provider. The energy providers buy in bulk from the energy generators that run the power plants and wind mills then resell it to customers for a mark-up. Usually there's a set per kw/h price but it varies by provider. I used to live in Texas and still have family there. Griddy is a provider that, for a nominal fee, passes on the actual cost of the electricity to the customers. While most utilities would have that per kw/h allowable charge and would sort of even it out over the course of the year, Griddy literally exposes the customer to the full charge. These people picked Griddy in hopes that they'd be able to save a lot of money on power by using very little power during expensive times (generally the day during the summer) and more during the off times. Now there's more demand for electricity than generation and the per kw/h rate is high to entice electricity generators to provide additional power. So no there's no regulation and no this type of "utility" shouldn't actually be allowed. Sometimes regulation is there to protect you from yourself. Heat during a sub-zero winter event isn't the kind of thing that should be subject to market forces like a used car. Heat in the winter, A/C in extreme temperatures, and water (along with other basic utilities) are fundamental human rights and needed to live. As such, "Griddy" would not even be allowed to operate in most states. At this point, these people either have to shut off the power to their entire home from the breaker box or risk bankrupting themselves.

Hey, gambling on electric rates like it's a craps table is apparently freedom in Texas.

However, Griddy telling their customers to cancel their accounts as soon as a price spike hits? That's probably illegal. The fact that a price spike would someday hit is entirely forseeable, and they don't have the cash reserves to pay their suppliers.

Regrettably, nobody will go to jail. They will end up in bankruptcy. It's possible the consumers will still end up on the hook for the bills though, as the accounts receivable will get handed off to debt collectors. Or maybe Texas will do the very un-Texan thing and bail them out.

Apparently no other provider would take on new customers during the emergency so those customers were stuck with Griddy which is why they're being charged $1,000 a day for the pleasure of not freezing to death.

The company knows that the Feds will pay those bills

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/texas...eeze/ar-BB1dOkgd?ocid=msedgntp One lady now faces a 6k power bill, and the disaster isn't over yet
Isn't this price-gouging?

I don't understand this. Aren't utility rates regulated? How does this work in Texas?

In Texas, they can pick their energy provider. The energy providers buy in bulk from the energy generators that run the power plants and wind mills then resell it to customers for a mark-up. Usually there's a set per kw/h price but it varies by provider. I used to live in Texas and still have family there. Griddy is a provider that, for a nominal fee, passes on the actual cost of the electricity to the customers. While most utilities would have that per kw/h allowable charge and would sort of even it out over the course of the year, Griddy literally exposes the customer to the full charge. These people picked Griddy in hopes that they'd be able to save a lot of money on power by using very little power during expensive times (generally the day during the summer) and more during the off times. Now there's more demand for electricity than generation and the per kw/h rate is high to entice electricity generators to provide additional power. So no there's no regulation and no this type of "utility" shouldn't actually be allowed. Sometimes regulation is there to protect you from yourself. Heat during a sub-zero winter event isn't the kind of thing that should be subject to market forces like a used car. Heat in the winter, A/C in extreme temperatures, and water (along with other basic utilities) are fundamental human rights and needed to live. As such, "Griddy" would not even be allowed to operate in most states. At this point, these people either have to shut off the power to their entire home from the breaker box or risk bankrupting themselves.

Hey, gambling on electric rates like it's a craps table is apparently freedom in Texas.

However, Griddy telling their customers to cancel their accounts as soon as a price spike hits? That's probably illegal. The fact that a price spike would someday hit is entirely forseeable, and they don't have the cash reserves to pay their suppliers.

Regrettably, nobody will go to jail. They will end up in bankruptcy. It's possible the consumers will still end up on the hook for the bills though, as the accounts receivable will get handed off to debt collectors. Or maybe Texas will do the very un-Texan thing and bail them out.

Apparently no other provider would take on new customers during the emergency so those customers were stuck with Griddy which is why they're being charged $1,000 a day for the pleasure of not freezing to death.

The company knows that the Feds will pay those bills

Will they? I mean, the state grid isn't regulated by the federal government. If the government pays those bills then they should be able to regulate Griddy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if this is going to be a tipping point to get rid of some of the Republican leadership in Texas unfortunately memories are short when it comes to elections

just remember people this is the price you pay for low taxes and lack of regulation.

Elections are next year - hopefully memories aren’t that short.

No, people. Rs are party over country.

#stickitothelibs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/texas...eeze/ar-BB1dOkgd?ocid=msedgntp One lady now faces a 6k power bill, and the disaster isn't over yet
Isn't this price-gouging?

I don't understand this. Aren't utility rates regulated? How does this work in Texas?

In Texas, they can pick their energy provider. The energy providers buy in bulk from the energy generators that run the power plants and wind mills then resell it to customers for a mark-up. Usually there's a set per kw/h price but it varies by provider. I used to live in Texas and still have family there. Griddy is a provider that, for a nominal fee, passes on the actual cost of the electricity to the customers. While most utilities would have that per kw/h allowable charge and would sort of even it out over the course of the year, Griddy literally exposes the customer to the full charge. These people picked Griddy in hopes that they'd be able to save a lot of money on power by using very little power during expensive times (generally the day during the summer) and more during the off times. Now there's more demand for electricity than generation and the per kw/h rate is high to entice electricity generators to provide additional power. So no there's no regulation and no this type of "utility" shouldn't actually be allowed. Sometimes regulation is there to protect you from yourself. Heat during a sub-zero winter event isn't the kind of thing that should be subject to market forces like a used car. Heat in the winter, A/C in extreme temperatures, and water (along with other basic utilities) are fundamental human rights and needed to live. As such, "Griddy" would not even be allowed to operate in most states. At this point, these people either have to shut off the power to their entire home from the breaker box or risk bankrupting themselves.

Hey, gambling on electric rates like it's a craps table is apparently freedom in Texas.

However, Griddy telling their customers to cancel their accounts as soon as a price spike hits? That's probably illegal. The fact that a price spike would someday hit is entirely forseeable, and they don't have the cash reserves to pay their suppliers.

Regrettably, nobody will go to jail. They will end up in bankruptcy. It's possible the consumers will still end up on the hook for the bills though, as the accounts receivable will get handed off to debt collectors. Or maybe Texas will do the very un-Texan thing and bail them out.

Apparently no other provider would take on new customers during the emergency so those customers were stuck with Griddy which is why they're being charged $1,000 a day for the pleasure of not freezing to death.

The company knows that the Feds will pay those bills

Why in the world would the feds pay the bills on state grid that specifically declined to be part of the national grid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if this is going to be a tipping point to get rid of some of the Republican leadership in Texas unfortunately memories are short when it comes to elections

just remember people this is the price you pay for low taxes and lack of regulation.

Elections are next year - hopefully memories aren’t that short.

No, people. Rs are party over country.

#stickitothelibs

The Republicans I knew when I lived in Texas would not vote for a Republican in this case. It's why Ann Richards was elected for one term. You might be surprised how angry it makes people to sit in freezing cold houses with burst pipes and no drinking water. Or maybe you wouldn't be surprised. It doesn't take much imagination.