PUCurrenT-September-2026

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SEPTEMBER 2026 VOL. 13

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PUCurrenT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS

NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS

PUCT SUBMITS LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST FOR 2028-29 BIENNIUM

The PUCT has submitted its Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the 2028-29 biennium, outlining the resources and funding necessary to continue serving our growing state and oversight of increasingly complex utility systems. Read more

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

PUCT Chair Thomas J. Gleeson

Tietjen: Serving Texans for More Than 35 Years Stay Connected: PUCT Consumer Protections to Keep You Cool Industry and Public Input Helps Shape Texas Backup Power Program

PUCT STRENGTHENS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIPS AT TDEM CONFERENCE The PUCT once again showed up and showed out at the 2026 Texas Emergency Management Conference, hosted by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Read more

TEXAS ENERGY FUND DELIVERS MORE THAN $1.8 BILLION FOR GRID RELIABILITY AND GROWTH This summer, the PUCT awarded more than $1.8 billion through Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) programs to support new electric generation and strengthen critical electric systems and equipment across the state. Read more Public Utility Commission of Texas

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CHAIRMAN’S CHAIRMAN’S CORNER C ORNER

PUCT Chair Thomas J. Gleeson As the PUCT wraps up its 50th anniversary year in service to Texans, I see one constant impacting the agency more than any other: Change. And change is happening faster than ever. Public policy evolves to reflect the priorities of Texans, regulation adapts, and technology continues to transform the utility industries we oversee.

One of the most important ways the PUCT can ensure a stable regulatory environment for consumers and utilities is through leadership. That's why we created Lead@PUC, our internal leadership development program. What began last year with a class of seven employees has expanded to 10 participants this year.

As Executive Director Connie Corona has said, Lead@PUC is about more than skill-building.

It's about collaboration, professional growth, and investing in the future of the agency. And ultimately, the future of Texas.

This program doesn’t make headlines, but its impact is significant. The PUCT is fortunate to have some of the state's most talented attorneys, engineers, accountants, economists, and regulatory professionals. Preparing them to lead in a complex, fast-moving environment is essential.

The Lead@PUC Cohort learns from PUCT leadership, including Commissioner Hjaltman, during monthly sessions.

The six-month program strengthens leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills while fostering collaboration across the agency. As Texas continues to grow and utility industries evolve, future leaders must be prepared to navigate new challenges and opportunities.

Investing in leadership today ensures the PUCT remains strong and consistent in our rapidly changing world for the next 50 years—and beyond.

Thomas J. Gleeson Chairman

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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PUCT SUBMITS LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST FOR 2028-29 BIENNIUM The PUCT has submitted its Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the 2028-29 biennium, outlining the resources and funding necessary to continue serving our growing state and oversight of increasingly complex utility systems.

The LAR is the agency's formal budget request to the Texas Legislature—what we need to meet the PUCT's mission of reliability, affordability, and accountability across electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications industries.

In addition to its baseline funding request, the agency submitted several exceptional item requests to address growing workloads, new legislative responsibilities, and technology modernization.

Key requests include: Restoring funding associated with the statewide 3% budget reduction.

Supporting implementation of new laws related to wildfire mitigation plans and distribution pole management and inspection plan requirements.

Adding staff to help manage increasing workloads across the agency and to administer the Texas Energy Fund’s backup power program.

Advancing IT modernization projects across enforcement, records management, reporting, and customer relationship management service systems.

The Legislature will review the agency's request as part of the state budget process for the 2028-29 biennium.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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TIETJEN: SERVING TEXANS FOR MORE THAN 35 YEARS In January 1991, Home Alone was one of the nation’s biggest movies, George H.W. Bush was in the White House, and Darryl Tietjen joined the Public Utility Commission of Texas. After more than 35.5 years at the PUCT, he is retiring with a legacy of protecting customers and helping shape utility ratemaking across the state. As director of the agency's ratemaking division, he spent more than three decades tackling complex cases with one goal in mind: serving the public interest.

Darryl Tietjen receives the Employee of the Quarter award in June 1995. (L to R, Commissioner Robert W. Gee, Darryl Tietjen, Commissioner Sarah J. Goodfriend, Chair Pat H. Wood, III.)

When Darryl joined the PUCT, he knew little about the agency's work. He quickly discovered a field that was challenging, intellectually demanding, and constantly evolving. Over the years, he built expertise in utility rates and regulation while working alongside engineers, economists, accountants, attorneys, and other industry professionals.

PUCT’s Rate Regulation Division led by Director Darryl Tietjen, January 2026.

Among his proudest accomplishments was a 2015 case involving the proposed restructuring of an investor-owned utility. Darryl's testimony helped persuade the Commission that the proposal could have imposed approximately $250 million in annual costs on ratepayers that the company would not have actually paid.

"It was extremely gratifying because I really did feel that I played a key role in saving customers literally a quarter of a billion dollars every year," he said.

One of Darryl’s final victories came this year, when the Commission agreed with his recommendation to deny a requested electric utility rate adjustment. Darryl personally took the lead on the testimony and was the only PUCT Staff witness on the issue.

Reflecting on nearly 36 years of service, Darryl said the work remained meaningful because of its complexity and purpose.

Chairman Gleeson presenting Darryl Tietjen with an award and commemorative flag for his 35.5 years of state service, August 2026.

"I really do feel like I genuinely served the public interest."

Darryl, thank you for your service to Texas!

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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PUCT STRENGTHENS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIPS AT TDEM CONFERENCE The PUCT once again showed up and showed out at the 2026 Texas Emergency Management Conference, hosted by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). The annual conference connects emergency managers from across the state and showcases resources to support emergency preparedness and response.

Building Connections Through Outreach The PUCT’s prime booth location helped the team engage attendees on two key topics: working with the PUCT as electric customers and preparing for electricity-related emergencies. The team also provided guidance on how emergency management professionals work with the PUCT in an official capacity.

PUCT attendees included staff from the Critical Infrastructure Security and Risk Management, Office of Consumer Assistance, and Division of Utility Outreach Divisions.

Helping Emergency Managers Understand the Grid PUCT Staff members Shawn Hazard and Olivia Hemby partnered with ERCOT to present a "Grid 101" session. Their presentation gave emergency management professionals a clearer understanding of how the Texas electric grid operates and performs during challenging conditions.

PUCT staff members Shawn Hazard and Olivia Hemby partnered with ERCOT to present a "Grid 101" session.

Strengthening Preparedness Before the Next Emergency Events like the TDEM Conference build relationships and improve coordination before emergencies occur. By engaging directly with emergency management professionals, the PUCT gained valuable insights into partner needs while strengthening the connections that support effective response across Texas.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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TEXAS ENERGY FUND DELIVERS MORE THAN $1.8 BILLION FOR GRID RELIABILITY AND GROWTH This summer, the PUCT awarded more than $1.8 billion through Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) programs to support new electric generation and strengthen critical electric systems and equipment across the state.

The investments are increasing grid capacity in ERCOT and strengthening reliability for Texans served by electric systems outside the ERCOT region.

The In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program continues to support new dispatchable generation. This summer, the PUCT signed two new low-interest loan agreements totaling $994 million for future projects committing to add 1,430 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity – enough to power more than 350,000 Texas homes. Two In-ERCOT Generation Loan projects also moved forward in a big way: a 570 MW facility broke ground, and a 456 MW facility celebrated its ribbon-cutting.

The Completion Bonus Grant Program is rewarding projects that bring new power online as soon as possible. Four applicants began operations before June 1, 2026, adding 1,250 MW of new capacity to the ERCOT grid. The PUCT entered into grant agreements with these projects that may be awarded up to $150 million over the next 10 years, as long as performance requirements are met.

Chairman Gleeson helping cut the ribbon on NRG Energy’s new 456 MW facility near Houston.

Commissioner Jackson in Sherman for the groundbreaking of Rayburn Electric Co-op’s new 570 MW natural gas power plant.

The Outside ERCOT Grant Program is helping modernize and strengthen electric infrastructure in Texas communities outside the ERCOT footprint. This summer, the PUCT executed ten grant agreements totaling more than $658 million. The funding will support 18 projects focused on weatherization and reliability and resiliency. Together, these investments are expected to benefit more than 949,000 Texans served by electric systems outside ERCOT. Through loans and grants, the Texas Energy Fund is accelerating new generation, improving grid reliability, and delivering long-term infrastructure investments for Texans across the state.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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INDUSTRY AND PUBLIC INPUT HELPS SHAPE TEXAS BACKUP POWER PROGRAM The PUCT is using stakeholder feedback to guide development of the Texas Energy Fund’s (TxEF) Texas Backup Power Package (TBPP) Program. It’s a $1.8 billion initiative to strengthen resilience at critical facilities across the state.

In May, the Commission adopted rules establishing the TBPP’s framework. The rules outline how eligible facilities can receive backup power equipment to strengthen resilience during outages.

In July, TxEF staff hosted an in-person workshop that brought together engineering firms, design-build contractors, and other industry experts to discuss program implementation. The goal: gather practical input to support procurement and planning efforts.

Discussion included: Backup power system design requirements Construction, installation, and permitting Supply chain considerations Utility interconnection challenges Testing, warranties, and long-term reliability

Texas Energy Fund Staff heard from stakeholders to guide the development of the TBBP Program during a July in-person workshop.

The workshop gave participants a chance to share feedback and identify potential challenges early in the process. A recording of the workshop is available.

The public comment period for the workshop closed July 31, 2026. Feedback submitted through Project No. 59939 will help inform ongoing TBPP program planning and development.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR TEXAS: WORK WITH US! If you want to be part of a mission-driven organization filled with Texans working for Texans, we want to work with you! It’s our job to ensure reliable, affordable, and accountable electric, water and telecom utility service for Texans and our fast-growing state.

We have several openings in various programs across the agency. Please visit our website for our latest career opportunities.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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STAY CONNECTED: PUCT CONSUMER PROTECTIONS TO KEEP YOU COOL Texas summers can bring dangerous heat and higher electric bills. The PUCT wants consumers to know about protections that can help keep their power on during extreme weather.

What to know: Electric companies cannot disconnect service for non-payment during an officially declared extreme weather emergency, including periods of extreme heat.

Providers must offer deferred payment plans for bills that come due during an extreme weather emergency.

Additional protections are available for customers with documented medical conditions if losing power could cause illness or make a condition worse.

Need help paying your bill?

Contact your electric provider to ask about assistance programs or payment options.

Call 2-1-1 to learn about local resources that may be available in your area.

If you have a service issue: Start by contacting your electric provider. If the issue is not resolved, reach out to the PUCT Office of Consumer Assistance at consumer@puc.texas.gov or 1-888-782-8477.

Learn more: Visit the PUCT Know Your Rights webpage for consumer protection information and Power to Choose for energy-saving tips and electric plan comparisons.

OPE CORNER: A BETTER WAY TO SIGN UP TO SPEAK

By Mike Hoke, Director, Office of Public Engagement Public participation is at the heart of the PUCT's work, so we’re making the process easier with a new electronic sign-in tool. Anyone who wants to speak during Open Meetings and oral arguments will use it to register.

By law, the Commission accepts public comment on uncontested matters during Open Meetings. We also hear oral arguments in contested cases. Historically, speakers signed up using a paper sheet, which worked well when only a handful of people participated. Moving to this electronic registration will make for a more efficient process, especially when larger groups sign up.

The benefits are simple:

Sign-In

Clearer instructions for members of the public.

Real-time visibility into a speaker's place in line.

Better tools for commissioners and staff to manage meeting flow.

A record of participants so staff can follow up when needed.

A special thanks goes to the PUCT’s IT team for their help building the new sign-in app.

Our goal is to make participation easier and more transparent while helping meetings run smoothly, especially when public interest is high. We look forward to putting this new tool to work and continuing to improve how we engage with Texans.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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CONSUMER RESOURCES

POWER TO CHOOSE Monitor outage maps and find contact information for them on our Storm Resources page: https://puc.texas.gov/storm

Comparison shop between different plans and rates offered by retail electric providers in Texas.

Use the USERS GUIDE for best results!

Visit Powertochoose.org to learn more!

PUCT IS HERE TO HELP! CONSUMER HELP HUB Your Most Common Utility Questions — Answered.

$654,254 CUSTOMER REFUNDS/BILL CREDITS FISCAL YEAR 2026

QUESTION OR COMPLAINT ABOUT YOUR UTILITY SERVICE?

CONTACT US 1-888-782-8477 consumer@puc.texas.gov

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The mission of the Public Utility Commission of Texas is to protect customers, foster competition, and promote high quality utility infrastructure.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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