Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), recently expressed his support for the Texas Legislature’s efforts to bolster the state’s energy infrastructure. Reflecting on the vital role of the Texas oil and natural gas industry as one of the largest industrial consumers of electricity, Staples emphasized the industry’s reliance on a stable and dependable power supply to maintain operations and produce energy that serves not only Texas but also the nation and its allies abroad.
Staples thanked the Texas Legislature for establishing the Texas Energy Fund (TEF), which was approved by voters last fall. He described the TEF as a valuable tool designed to incentivize investments in dispatchable generation projects that will enhance grid reliability and help meet the state’s growing electricity demands.
Staples commended the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for their preliminary review of 17 potential new generation projects, which collectively represent nearly 10,000 megawatts of additional capacity. He noted the PUC’s thoughtful consideration of diverse geographic locations, load growth regions, and transmission constraints in their assessment. He also highlighted the significance of new generation projects and the development of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan as critical steps towards ensuring Texas can meet future energy needs while maintaining grid stability and supporting continued economic growth across the state.
In a related statement, TXOGA expressed its support for the passage of Propositions 6, 7, and 8, which aim to expand water, electricity, and broadband infrastructure across Texas. Staples pointed out that with an estimated 1,000 people moving to Texas every day, expanding infrastructure is crucial for the success of all Texans.
Propositions 6, 7, and 8 are seen as essential for supporting the development of new water supplies, strengthening the reliability of the electric grid—regardless of weather conditions—by encouraging additional generation, and closing the digital divide by expanding broadband access in rural and underserved areas. Staples praised the overwhelming support from voters for these propositions, stating that by approving them, Texans are ensuring that the state remains a prime location to live, work, play, and raise a family.
TXOGA is actively involved in the Texas Infrastructure Coalition, a diverse group of industry leaders and organizations dedicated to expanding water, electricity, and broadband infrastructure throughout the state.What is the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) all about ?
The Texas Energy Fund
The Public Utility Commission of Texas was directed by the Texas Legislature through Senate Bill 2627 (88R), The Powering Texas Forward Act, to create and administer the Texas Energy Fund (TEF). The TEF will provide grants and loans to finance the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric facilities in Texas. Texans voted to create the TEF on November 7, 2023.
The Texas Energy Fund (TEF) will provide funding opportunities for electric generation projects through four programs based on an application process and award system developed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
