Texas power market ranked first in North America
TEXAS - TexasÂ’ oft-criticized deregulated electricity market rated first among competitive electric markets in North America in both the residential and commercial/industrial sectors, in a study done by The Energy Retailer Research Consortium.
Texas ranked excellent in both categories. New York was the only other state cited as excellent in either sector, drawing that rating for residential.
The study surveyed 14 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. Ratings were based on how effectively states implemented a competitive electric market giving consumers a choice of retail electric providers.
The consortium describes itself as "an independent research consortium that supports retail energy choice" and says it is "comprised of companies with a stake in competitive retail energy markets."
TexasÂ’ deregulated market has been heavily criticized by some consumer groups, but that has waned somewhat this year with lower natural gas prices driving down electric rates.
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Federal government spends $11.8M for smart grid technology in Sault Ste. Marie
SAULT STE MARIE - PUC Distribution Inc. in Sault Ste. Marie is receiving $11.8 million from the federal government to invest in infrastructure.
The MP for the riding, Terry Sheehan, made the announcement on Monday.
The money will go to the utilities smart grid project.
"This smart grid project offers a glimpse into our clean energy future and represents a new wave of economic activity for the region," Sheehan said.
"Along with job creation, new industries will be attracted to a modern grid, all while helping the environment."
His office says the investment will allow the utility to reduce outages, provide more information to customers…