Claire Hao
@clairehao.bsky.social
Reporting on energy & TX power grid @houstonchronicle.com • ✉️: claire.hao@houstonchronicle.com or clairehao.14 on Signal • RT ≠ endorsement
Pinned
Claire Hao
@clairehao.bsky.social
· Mar 7
Confused by the Texas power grid? Help us report on it.
Frustrated by the Texas power grid? Ask us your questions.
www.houstonchronicle.com
Confused or frustrated by the Texas power grid? Help us report on it.
This survey is open for anyone to 1) ask questions about the state's grid, 2) share experiences about electricity bills & power outages, and 3) send story ideas & tips 👀 www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
This survey is open for anyone to 1) ask questions about the state's grid, 2) share experiences about electricity bills & power outages, and 3) send story ideas & tips 👀 www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
Reposted by Claire Hao
Texas agency spent at least $55K to withhold info about power plant loan program, cryptocurrency mines, via @clairehao.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Texas agency spent at least $43K to withhold info on power plant loan program
The Public Utility Commission has spent at least $55K suing Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office to block disclosure of records related to the Texas Energy Fund and cryptocurrency mines.
www.houstonchronicle.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Texas agency spent at least $55K to withhold info about power plant loan program, cryptocurrency mines, via @clairehao.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
President Trump might be wind power's biggest critic. Yet, it was Texas Republicans who started the U.S. wind boom 20+ years ago.
How did Texas, a Republican stronghold, come to dominate in an energy source that many Republican politicians now love to hate? www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
How did Texas, a Republican stronghold, come to dominate in an energy source that many Republican politicians now love to hate? www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Trump hates wind energy. Why does Texas have more than any other state?
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized wind energy over the years. Yet decades ago, it was Texas Republicans who started the U.S. wind-power boom.
www.houstonchronicle.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:24 PM
President Trump might be wind power's biggest critic. Yet, it was Texas Republicans who started the U.S. wind boom 20+ years ago.
How did Texas, a Republican stronghold, come to dominate in an energy source that many Republican politicians now love to hate? www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
How did Texas, a Republican stronghold, come to dominate in an energy source that many Republican politicians now love to hate? www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
During the 2021 freeze, Griddy made lots of headlines for charging customers thousands of $$ for electricity.
It agreed to forgive all unpaid bills in a settlement w/ the Texas AG. Those who paid could seek reimbursements.
Years later, customers haven't gotten back a dime. 🧵
It agreed to forgive all unpaid bills in a settlement w/ the Texas AG. Those who paid could seek reimbursements.
Years later, customers haven't gotten back a dime. 🧵
October 15, 2025 at 8:42 PM
During the 2021 freeze, Griddy made lots of headlines for charging customers thousands of $$ for electricity.
It agreed to forgive all unpaid bills in a settlement w/ the Texas AG. Those who paid could seek reimbursements.
Years later, customers haven't gotten back a dime. 🧵
It agreed to forgive all unpaid bills in a settlement w/ the Texas AG. Those who paid could seek reimbursements.
Years later, customers haven't gotten back a dime. 🧵
Remember when some Texas lawmakers suggested CenterPoint shouldn't be allowed to charge Houston residents for its Hurricane Beryl costs last summer?
Here's my pitch for local journalism: We follow up. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Here's my pitch for local journalism: We follow up. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
CenterPoint will soon charge nearly $1.2B for Hurricane Beryl and other storms
State regulators gave CenterPoint Energy permission to charge Houston-area customers almost $1.2 billion for last year’s Hurricane Beryl and other storms.
www.houstonchronicle.com
October 3, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Remember when some Texas lawmakers suggested CenterPoint shouldn't be allowed to charge Houston residents for its Hurricane Beryl costs last summer?
Here's my pitch for local journalism: We follow up. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Here's my pitch for local journalism: We follow up. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Reposted by Claire Hao
Entergy wants to build a power line across Lake Livingston. Will it risk Houston’s drinking water? via @clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Entergy’s plan to build a power line across Lake Livingston faces pushback
Entergy Texas has proposed building a new transmission line across Lake Livingston. Some residents are worried about water quality impacts.
www.houstonchronicle.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Entergy wants to build a power line across Lake Livingston. Will it risk Houston’s drinking water? via @clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Reposted by Claire Hao
$2.4B Entergy proposal for new power plants could increase energy bills in Houston suburbs, via @clairehao.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
How much your energy bill could increase if Entergy's power plants get approved
Entergy Texas, the electric utility for Houston’s fastest-growing suburbs, says new power supply is urgently needed to keep up with the region’s expansion.
www.houstonchronicle.com
September 6, 2025 at 12:21 PM
$2.4B Entergy proposal for new power plants could increase energy bills in Houston suburbs, via @clairehao.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Earlier this month, the Houston-area application portal for utility bill assistance crashed — because a record 100k people tried to apply for just 5,000 slots set aside for August & September.
For context, in the entirety of 2024, 44k people applied: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
For context, in the entirety of 2024, 44k people applied: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Why aid for energy bills is falling short in Houston’s hottest months
Demand for utility bill assistance is only growing as rising energy costs strain families’ wallets across the Houston region, nonprofits and advocates say.
www.houstonchronicle.com
August 25, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Earlier this month, the Houston-area application portal for utility bill assistance crashed — because a record 100k people tried to apply for just 5,000 slots set aside for August & September.
For context, in the entirety of 2024, 44k people applied: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
For context, in the entirety of 2024, 44k people applied: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Reposted by Claire Hao
Are those Houston yard signs offering free generators too good to be true? Here’s what @clairehao.bsky.social found. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Are those Houston yard signs offering free generators a scam? What we found.
The messages on yard signs around Houston promoting free back-up generators through a government-funded program might sound too good to be true.
www.houstonchronicle.com
August 5, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Are those Houston yard signs offering free generators too good to be true? Here’s what @clairehao.bsky.social found. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Reposted by Claire Hao
Houston-area cities fight CenterPoint’s proposed $1.3B rate hike for Hurricane Beryl, other storms, via @clairehao.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Houston-area cities fight CenterPoint’s $1.3B rate hike for Beryl, other storms
CenterPoint Energy wants to charge customers $1.3 billion for Hurricane Beryl and other storms. Houston-area cities say that’s too much.
www.houstonchronicle.com
August 1, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Houston-area cities fight CenterPoint’s proposed $1.3B rate hike for Hurricane Beryl, other storms, via @clairehao.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Reposted by Claire Hao
Response to deadly Texas floods was 'a masterclass in how not to communicate,' experts say, via @clairehao.bsky.social and @rebekahfward.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Texas flood response sparks outrage: 'A masterclass in how not to communicate'
Professional crisis communicators watched the news conferences with dismay. Deflecting blame is not helpful if politicians want to build trust with the public, they say.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 19, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Response to deadly Texas floods was 'a masterclass in how not to communicate,' experts say, via @clairehao.bsky.social and @rebekahfward.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Houston solar powerhouse Sunnova Energy had a quick rise — and a dramatic fall.
What happened, and what does Sunnova's bankruptcy filing mean for the U.S. residential solar industry's future? I tackled those questions here: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
What happened, and what does Sunnova's bankruptcy filing mean for the U.S. residential solar industry's future? I tackled those questions here: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
The dramatic rise and fall of Houston solar powerhouse Sunnova Energy
Houston-based rooftop solar company Sunnova Energy filed for bankruptcy in June. It offers stark lessons for the future of the U.S. residential solar industry.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 19, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Houston solar powerhouse Sunnova Energy had a quick rise — and a dramatic fall.
What happened, and what does Sunnova's bankruptcy filing mean for the U.S. residential solar industry's future? I tackled those questions here: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
What happened, and what does Sunnova's bankruptcy filing mean for the U.S. residential solar industry's future? I tackled those questions here: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Less clean energy — perhaps much less — will be built in Texas as a result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law by President Donald Trump on the Fourth of July.
That could raise energy costs for everyday residents: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
That could raise energy costs for everyday residents: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Texans could see rising energy costs as Trump's new law slows clean energy
Less solar and wind power will be built in Texas as a result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law by President Donald Trump on the Fourth of July.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 14, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Less clean energy — perhaps much less — will be built in Texas as a result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law by President Donald Trump on the Fourth of July.
That could raise energy costs for everyday residents: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
That could raise energy costs for everyday residents: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
After Hurricane Beryl, Houston-area Democrats redoubled their fight to require generators or other types of backup power at senior homes.
A year later, none of their bills passed. The only new law cancels out Harris County's own backup power mandate: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
A year later, none of their bills passed. The only new law cancels out Harris County's own backup power mandate: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Efforts to protect Houston seniors with backup power fail in Texas Legislature
A year after Hurricane Beryl, none of the many bills filed by Houston-area lawmakers to require backup power at senior homes passed.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
After Hurricane Beryl, Houston-area Democrats redoubled their fight to require generators or other types of backup power at senior homes.
A year later, none of their bills passed. The only new law cancels out Harris County's own backup power mandate: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
A year later, none of their bills passed. The only new law cancels out Harris County's own backup power mandate: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Low- to moderate-income residents in the Houston area struggle to pay their energy bills more than residents in other parts of Texas, a statewide nonprofit found in its new report.
Meanwhile, the government's safety net to help such residents is fraying: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Meanwhile, the government's safety net to help such residents is fraying: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Many Texans cut back on ‘basic needs’ to pay electricity bills, study finds
Nearly 80% of low- to moderate-income Houston-area residents said they cut back on “basic household needs” to afford electricity.
www.houstonchronicle.com
July 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Low- to moderate-income residents in the Houston area struggle to pay their energy bills more than residents in other parts of Texas, a statewide nonprofit found in its new report.
Meanwhile, the government's safety net to help such residents is fraying: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Meanwhile, the government's safety net to help such residents is fraying: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Reposted by Claire Hao
NEW: We asked TX leaders if they're REALLY sure CenterPoint is giving back $100s of millions consumers spent on unused generators -- since documents indicate otherwise.
They pointed us to a spreadsheet that is VERY scant on detail. w/
@clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
They pointed us to a spreadsheet that is VERY scant on detail. w/
@clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
Texas leaders vowed to make CenterPoint pay after Beryl's blackouts. Did they?
Vows of a $480M refund for CenterPoint customers have yet to be fulfilled a year after Hurricane Beryl left nearly a million Texans without power for four days.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 26, 2025 at 6:07 PM
NEW: We asked TX leaders if they're REALLY sure CenterPoint is giving back $100s of millions consumers spent on unused generators -- since documents indicate otherwise.
They pointed us to a spreadsheet that is VERY scant on detail. w/
@clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
They pointed us to a spreadsheet that is VERY scant on detail. w/
@clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
There was a lot of anger at CenterPoint after Hurricane Beryl last year — and a lot of talk from Texas politicians about reform.
Nearly a year later, did leaders keep those big promises? Mostly no.
W/ @neenareports.bsky.social, who I learn so much from: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
Nearly a year later, did leaders keep those big promises? Mostly no.
W/ @neenareports.bsky.social, who I learn so much from: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
Texas leaders vowed to make CenterPoint pay after Beryl's blackouts. Did they?
Vows of a $480M refund for CenterPoint customers have yet to be fulfilled a year after Hurricane Beryl left nearly a million Texans without power for four days.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 26, 2025 at 5:13 PM
There was a lot of anger at CenterPoint after Hurricane Beryl last year — and a lot of talk from Texas politicians about reform.
Nearly a year later, did leaders keep those big promises? Mostly no.
W/ @neenareports.bsky.social, who I learn so much from: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
Nearly a year later, did leaders keep those big promises? Mostly no.
W/ @neenareports.bsky.social, who I learn so much from: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
Reposted by Claire Hao
Interactive map: How AI is fueling a surge of gas power-plant proposals in the Houston area, via @rebekahfward.bsky.social and @clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
Why Houston could see a surge of new gas-fired power plants
A new report from the Environmental Integrity Project tracks 130 proposals for gas-fired power plants in Texas.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 12, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Interactive map: How AI is fueling a surge of gas power-plant proposals in the Houston area, via @rebekahfward.bsky.social and @clairehao.bsky.social
www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
Renewable energy & battery project cancellations in April and May spiked to levels unseen since 2021's COVID-19 woes, per a recent analysis of ERCOT data.
Tariffs and the uncertain fate of the tax credits are to blame: “It’s like a canary in a coal mine.” www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Tariffs and the uncertain fate of the tax credits are to blame: “It’s like a canary in a coal mine.” www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Renewable energy project cancellations spike in Texas: 'A canary in a coal mine'
Renewable energy and battery storage companies are canceling their Texas projects at rates unseen since 2021, according to an analysis of ERCOT data.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 10, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Renewable energy & battery project cancellations in April and May spiked to levels unseen since 2021's COVID-19 woes, per a recent analysis of ERCOT data.
Tariffs and the uncertain fate of the tax credits are to blame: “It’s like a canary in a coal mine.” www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Tariffs and the uncertain fate of the tax credits are to blame: “It’s like a canary in a coal mine.” www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Texas is betting big on nuclear: Lawmakers have approved a new $350M taxpayer-backed fund to give companies grants to develop new projects.
The amount did drop significantly after months of debate. Gov. Abbott said he looks forward to signing the bill: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
The amount did drop significantly after months of debate. Gov. Abbott said he looks forward to signing the bill: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Can $350M in taxpayer funds make Texas the next nuclear energy powerhouse?
Texas sets aside $350M to lure advanced nuclear companies, fueling debate over risks, rewards, and the state’s energy ambitions.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 9, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Texas is betting big on nuclear: Lawmakers have approved a new $350M taxpayer-backed fund to give companies grants to develop new projects.
The amount did drop significantly after months of debate. Gov. Abbott said he looks forward to signing the bill: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
The amount did drop significantly after months of debate. Gov. Abbott said he looks forward to signing the bill: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Houston's Sunnova Energy has filed for bankruptcy, according to court & regulatory filings.
The news comes days after Sunnova told federal regulators it had laid off 55% of its workforce: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
The news comes days after Sunnova told federal regulators it had laid off 55% of its workforce: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Houston solar company Sunnova Energy files for bankruptcy after mass layoffs
Sunnova Energy, the struggling Houston-based residential solar company, has filed for bankruptcy, according to court and regulatory filings.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Houston's Sunnova Energy has filed for bankruptcy, according to court & regulatory filings.
The news comes days after Sunnova told federal regulators it had laid off 55% of its workforce: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
The news comes days after Sunnova told federal regulators it had laid off 55% of its workforce: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
So, the jokes about announcing bad news yesterday, when everyone's attention was elsewhere? Houston's Sunnova Energy seems to have actually done that.
The solar company has laid off 700+ employees, or 55% of its workforce, per a Thursday SEC filing: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
The solar company has laid off 700+ employees, or 55% of its workforce, per a Thursday SEC filing: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Houston solar company Sunnova Energy lays off 700+ employees
Sunnova Energy has laid off 718 employees, or approximately 55% of its workforce, in a desperate bid to slash costs as one of its subsidiaries files for bankruptcy.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 6, 2025 at 8:13 PM
So, the jokes about announcing bad news yesterday, when everyone's attention was elsewhere? Houston's Sunnova Energy seems to have actually done that.
The solar company has laid off 700+ employees, or 55% of its workforce, per a Thursday SEC filing: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
The solar company has laid off 700+ employees, or 55% of its workforce, per a Thursday SEC filing: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Is CenterPoint ready for hurricane season? CEO Jason Wells touted a list of "unprecedented" prep to the Chronicle's ed board yesterday.
City & community leaders say CenterPoint's responsiveness has improved since Beryl. Still, they want more transparency. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
City & community leaders say CenterPoint's responsiveness has improved since Beryl. Still, they want more transparency. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Is CenterPoint ready for hurricane season? CEO touts ‘unprecedented’ prep
CenterPoint executives say they have made key changes since Hurricane Beryl, so its Houston-area power grid is ready for hurricane season this year.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 6, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Is CenterPoint ready for hurricane season? CEO Jason Wells touted a list of "unprecedented" prep to the Chronicle's ed board yesterday.
City & community leaders say CenterPoint's responsiveness has improved since Beryl. Still, they want more transparency. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
City & community leaders say CenterPoint's responsiveness has improved since Beryl. Still, they want more transparency. www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Reposted by Claire Hao
I was joined by the @houstonchronicle.com's @clairehao.bsky.social to unpack the major energy issues in the 89th Legislature, including the anti-energy development bills that didn't make, the nuclear and large load bills that did, and much more. #txlege #txenergy
www.douglewin.com/p/its-easier...
www.douglewin.com/p/its-easier...
"It's Easier to Build Here," Texas Energy After the 89th Legislature with Claire Hao
Houston Chronicle energy reporter Claire Hao covered the legislative session in depth; she joined me to discuss what passed, what didn't, and what it means for the future of the Texas grid
www.douglewin.com
June 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I was joined by the @houstonchronicle.com's @clairehao.bsky.social to unpack the major energy issues in the 89th Legislature, including the anti-energy development bills that didn't make, the nuclear and large load bills that did, and much more. #txlege #txenergy
www.douglewin.com/p/its-easier...
www.douglewin.com/p/its-easier...
It’s official: Texas bills targeting solar and wind power are dead.
Here's a recap of the arguments that worked, as the renewable energy industry tries the same appeals to lobby against Trump's "big, beautiful bill." www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Here's a recap of the arguments that worked, as the renewable energy industry tries the same appeals to lobby against Trump's "big, beautiful bill." www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Renewable energy survived Texas attacks. Its future now depends on Trump.
Texas bills targeting solar and wind power are dead, so the state’s flourishing renewable energy industry remains alive and well — for now.
www.houstonchronicle.com
June 3, 2025 at 4:13 PM
It’s official: Texas bills targeting solar and wind power are dead.
Here's a recap of the arguments that worked, as the renewable energy industry tries the same appeals to lobby against Trump's "big, beautiful bill." www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Here's a recap of the arguments that worked, as the renewable energy industry tries the same appeals to lobby against Trump's "big, beautiful bill." www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Texas lawmakers have advanced a bill to prohibit offshore wind turbines in the Gulf from connecting to the ERCOT power grid through state waters.
All that’s left before it goes to the governor’s desk is a full House vote: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
All that’s left before it goes to the governor’s desk is a full House vote: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
Lawmakers: Offshore wind farms should be banned from connecting to ERCOT's grid
The bill bars any offshore wind project or related grid infrastructure in Texas waters from connecting to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas power grid.
www.houstonchronicle.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Texas lawmakers have advanced a bill to prohibit offshore wind turbines in the Gulf from connecting to the ERCOT power grid through state waters.
All that’s left before it goes to the governor’s desk is a full House vote: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
All that’s left before it goes to the governor’s desk is a full House vote: www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...