Texas Residents Energy Independence

In addition to our abundant below ground natural energy resources, let’s find more ways to tap our UNTAPPED above ground natural energy resource we have here in Texas – energy from the SUN! Let’s empower individual citizens with locally generated distributed rooftop solar. Let’s make sure that we are removing any policy barriers so that individual citizens may choose to generate some of their own electricity where they live. This will help reduce the strain on the electric grid, reduce transmission losses, reduce the strain on our water resources (because electricity generated from solar PV does not require water for operation), and empower individual citizens who desire to make their own long term investment choice to invest in solar energy. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has been wrestling with “resource adequacy” – i.e. enough generation resources available on the grid at peak demand periods. In Texas, we use the most electricity when the sun is shining! When the sun is not shining – cloudy days and nights – we use MUCH LESS electricity. Technology is now available to take advantage of this untapped natural resource when we need it the most. Let’s encourage citizen investments in rooftop solar PV! I am a native Texan and am proud of our independent thinking. When Texas led the way in electric utility reform and deregulation, the Texas PUC developed a great consumer tool – The Power to Choose – website. Let’s take this tool to the next step by expanding the “Power to Choose” website to help educate Texas citizens about how to generate some or all of their electricity needs using local rooftop solar PV!