Drier, warmer weather in November
Blame it on La Niña.
By the end of November, nearly half the state was experiencing drought conditions, up 25 percentage points from the end of October, according to Dr. Mark Wentzel, a hydrologist with the Texas Water Development Board. La Niña conditions are “defined as below-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific,” Wentzel wrote. This results are warmer and drier weather than normal for much of Texas.

State lowers price cap for power providers
The state’s Public Utility Commission last week lowered the maximum allowable wholesale price for electricity by almost half, from $9,000 per megawatt hour to $5,000.
The move came after prices soared to the maximum during last February’s deadly freeze, causing financial havoc along with the widespread power outages. A number of electric providers declared bankruptcy after being faced with enormous bills, including Brazos Electric Power Cooperative and Griddy Energy.

By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant

As we exit the Thanksgiving holidays and approach the Christmas and New Year seasonal festivities I would like to share some thoughts with my fellow members of the Pica Pole.
1. I have not been a big fan of holidays ever since I ran Westward’s East Texas printing plant for 20 years and had to deal with holiday schedules. Sure — I love all the presents and food with my family. I’m not THAT much of a Grinch.

Samsung taps Taylor for new plant

Extreme weather could still threaten grid
 
The state’s power grid could still be at risk under extreme winter conditions, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, but should operate fine under normal conditions.
The Seasonal Assessment of Resource Adequacy, issued Friday, said the grid can meet normal and even moderately challenging weather conditions but could break down if the state faces winter storms such as occurred last February.
During Winter Storm Uri, much of the state experienced prolonged blackouts.

Happy September - or is it still August? I don’t really know if I’m coming or going these days. No doubt I am not in this leaky boat by myself. Am I right? Suzanne and I are headed to the NNA convention in Jacksonville, Fl., at the end of September and then slipping over to Orlando for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World for some much-needed R&R.

By Jim Pumarlo,
Consultant

Abbott calls third special session for Sept. 20

EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS IS A REVISED BULLDOG EDITION OF CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS TO ACCOMMODATE EARLY DEADLINES BECAUSE OF THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY. IT HAS BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT THE LEGISLATURE’S ADJOURNMENT THURSDAY NIGHT. AN UPDATED VERSION WILL GO OUT SUNDAY IF NEEDED.