Get involved
It is vitally important that individuals communicate their preferences to decision makers like the Governor, the Texas Legislature, members of the Electric Restructuring Oversight Committee, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Everyday decision makers hear from paid lobbyists for the utility companies, retail electric providers, electric cooperatives, municipalities, power producers, large industrial customers and other businesses that are making profits or want to make profits from deregulation. The only reason that residential customers are not a priority topic with decision makers is because small consumers are not speaking up on the issues.
Testimonials
As a Weatherization Program Coordinator, I see our low-income, elderly and disabled citizens trying to cope with high utility bills. Some try to pay them even though they need the money for vital medicine. Weatherization can help lower utilities. We need Texas ROSE to continue its fine work in speaking out for the people of this state. We thank you for all you do.
Barbara Reynolds
Greater East Texas Community Action Program (GETCAP)
As a fellow advocate, as a public utility commissioner, and most importantly, as a citizen and consumer in the state of Texas, Texas ROSE has been the single best resource and undaunted champion of my interests and the public interest. Policy makers and concerned citizens alike have learned that if they want to do right, for the long term, they simply must listen to Texas ROSE."
Karl R. Rábago
Former Texas Public Utility Commissioner
"Texas ROSE has worked with me as an AARP volunteer. I've seen how the system works. People have no idea. Without Texas ROSE providing information in the process many important decisions would be based solely on proposals from the industry. Consumers would have better service and protection if they spoke up more. It makes a difference. Everyone consumer should be a member of Texas ROSE."
George Berasley
AARP Utility Volunteer
"Texas Rose has been instrumental in educating low income customers on their rights as ratepayers. The organization has helped Dallas ACORN members navigate the treacherous waters of deregulation, it has helped us understand how deregulation will effect us and how specific changes to the system could help make it better. A very good community resource."
Kimberly Olsen
Dallas ACORN organizer
"Deregulation of electricity has resulted in unstable prices and declining service standards. We've got to protect consumers' pocketbooks from high energy bills and hold on to programs that help consumers save money by saving energy. No organization has worked harder than Texas ROSE in fighting for consumer protections in an era of deregulation. Texas ROSE has been crucial to the consumer advocacy effort in Texas, taking the lead on regulations implementing energy efficiency programs, environmental labeling standards and low-income rate discount programs."
Janee Briesemeister
Consumers Union Southwest Regional Office
You Can Make a Difference. Be Heard.
Attending public hearings and meetings and speaking up, scheduling meetings with members of the restructuring oversight committee and the PUC, writing letters, using the media to report information on deregulation, and protesting the old fashioned way.
Electric Utility Restructuring Oversight Committee
The oversight committee was created by the legislature to review rules and decisions proposed by the Public Utility Commission and to monitor the effectiveness of electric utility restructuring including the fairness of rates, the reliability of service, and the effect of stranded costs, market power, and regulation on the normal forces of competition.
Committee Members:
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/commit/c850/c850.htm
Regulated Industries Committee: All legislation related to electric utilities must originate in this committee of the Texas House of Representatives.
http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/425.htm
Business and Commerce Committee
All legislation related to electric utilities must originate in this committee of the Texas Senate.
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/commit/c510/c510.htm
Sunset Advisory Commission: The Sunset Commission is reviewing the Public Utility Commission and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to make recommendations to the Texas Legislature regarding the continuation of the agencies and the laws governing them.