Dallas County Judge On Sky-High Electric Bills: ‘Don’t Pay Them’ | Stephanie Ruhle | MSNBC

As Texans struggle with the aftermath of an unprecedented winter storm leaving them with water and energy problems, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins joins Stephanie Ruhle to discuss what residents need to do now. Aired on 02/22/2021.
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Dallas County Judge On Sky-High Electric Bills: ‘Don’t Pay Them’ | Stephanie Ruhle | MSNBC

92 comments

  1. AOC raises $5m for Texans while Cruz tells them to stay at home & jets off to Mexico.
    You get what you vote for.

    1. @Cold Beer You’re going to carefully avoid learning that the 5mil actually IS going to Texans, aren’t you.

    2. @Cold Beer All of the money was given to Texas charities and AOC volunteered packing food boxes. They had only set up photo ops, but she wasn’t having that and got to work.
      It has come out that the power stayed out because the republican governor used his authority to order wholesale energy prices from $30 a megawatt to $9,000 a megawatt. Most are on fixed prices so they were never turned back on. That is why there were no rolling blackouts and why people on variable rates were getting bills as high as $20,000.
      So the governor is personally responsible for $50 billion in damages and over 60 deaths. He literally ordered the crisis so that he could trash talk green energy and rake in money for him and his friends.

  2. Similar to healthcare.
    An essential service.
    Once a profit motive is attached it becomes the primary objective.

    1. @Vernon Hector US patients pay triple the amount for most procedures, drugs and other services compared to the rest of the developed countries at health outcomes that rank far below those of systems costing consumers a fraction of the price.

      Your system has completely gone off the rails. Even your own economists say so. You have deregulated and now you have health monopolies charading as non-profits making profits on the back of consumers.

    2. And the best, most hospital conglomerates don’t even pay taxes. It’s laughable.

      The cosumer ends up with less choice due to lack of affordability.

    3. @Vernon Hector I just don’t get it. I honestly don’t. It’s very simple. Deregulation, in the long run, will NEVER benefit the private citizen. Period. It’s very simple.

  3. Gee, you mean laissez-faire economics don’t work? You mean regulation of markets IS actually necessary? You mean it’s not 1870?

    1. It is down there. It’s a conservative Republican bastion. People still gasp at the idea of integration in some areas there!! They still have cotillions for God’s sake!!

    2. All the while point and laughing at California. Complaining about all the regulations keep companies “honest.” (I use the term very loosely) I wonder how they feel about those regulations right about now.

  4. Texas is expecting that the Feds bail out customers of their sky-high electric bills. This must not happen, Texas legislators and Governor must resolve this in favor of the customer and asking the supplier and the distributor to eat the over normal costs. If the Feds bail out the consumers and pay all these bills the fat cat suppliers will get rich from federal funds and the distributers will be left without any sacrifice with their normal profit margin.

    1. I really hope Biden does not bail out these fools. I don’t want to pay for their stupidity. They vote Republican let them live with GOP policies.

    2. Hopefully nobody would be so stupid. There needs to be a reckoning and a group of people/system held to high account.

    3. The Governor is the one who raised the prices, causing over 60 deaths and $50 billion in damages from burst pipes.
      Griddy is saying that the market price of energy didn’t go up that much, rather that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) acting under the authority of the governor, cited its “complete authority over ERCOT” to direct that ERCOT set pricing at $9/kWh, when the wholesale market price had only risen to $0.03/kWh making it a 300x markup by PUCT, and Griddy would have been charging $0.30 a 10x markup(still disgusting).
      PUCT’s 3 commissioners are Arthur C. D’Andrea, DeAnn T. Walker, and Shelly Botkin, and were appointed by governor Gregory Wayne Abbott. So ask the governor why he was bleeding Texans dry during a state emergency.
      https://www.griddy.com/post/griddy-update-why-energy-prices-were-sky-high-this-week
      Everybody stayed without power because most were on fixed rates and these energy retailers weren’t willing to pay $9/kWh and sell it for pennies. That is why there were no rolling blackouts and people died and their pipes froze. So the governor willfully created the crisis and is directly responsible for $50 billions in damages and over 60 deaths.

    1. @blupheonix44 That’s a pretty messed-up kind of way to define supply and demand. When the demand goes up, some people are forced to foot the difference that others don’t have to pay because they’re well-off enough to be able to afford a higher-but-fixed amount? It totally sounds like a trap that those with less means are more likely to end up in. Utilities are supposed to have safeguards to stop people’s bills from climbing to something beyond reasonable. Here, our water company doesn’t charge you if they detect the likelihood of a leak and you take care of it.

    2. There use to be a cartoon call under dog.One criminal on that show was Simon bar sinister.He had a saying I have no shame.The elected officials seem to be saying the same thing.

    3. @Ismael Ausua I know, but I was replying to this sick and disturbing idea that ‘Texans are getting what they deserve’.
      What is happening to America?
      😵

  5. Elections matter. I have sympathy for the Democrats, but I have zero sympathy for the Republicans. They voted for the governor, they got what they voted for.

    1. That’s the way I feel. If they voted for it, they should have to pay. If you didn’t vote for it, you should have it taken care of.

    2. These people you do not have sympathy for are our people; our family. And those unregulated power companies no doubt were brought in by corrupt politicians in favor of price gouging. They are learning a hard lesson on the current corrupt economics, and all the Republican’s need to see the support of family that believe in regulation that ensure fair market value from property value, home building, electricity, water, to the cheapest items in a store. We want fair pricing all across the board, fair taxes, and fair wages. Opportunity should be there equally for everyone to have a good living. That good living has everything to do with honorable behavior instead of greed. No one should be profiting off of pandemics, drastic weather change, or the corruptions of politicians. This last year, and this one have undoubtedly opened the eyes of many people as to the corruptions, and those who have no problem profiting off of other people’s loss.

    1. Why privatize in the first place if you’ll pass the bill to the tax paxer? Should have done it properly the first time, government regulated, and we’d have avoided this unnecessary catastrophe. Republicans making money off the dying minorities doesn’t get clearer than that, systemic racism _does_ exist

    2. Yes, a governor should willfully murder 60 people and cause $50 billion in damages. Abbott ordered wholesale prices increased 300x above their already inflated prices. That is why almost everybody’s power stayed off. They were on fixed rate and their providers couldn’t afford to cover a 300x markup.

  6. Well Texans……Have Cruz pay your bill. Time to look at your Millionaire Politicians……… Something we all should do. I feel sorry for the working class….we will pray for you and all of us working people. Peace

  7. They didnt want regulations this is what happensnt the little gets d’s over …make your politicians pay next election cycle

  8. Jerry Jones owns a natural gas supplier and they raised prices 7500% last week as the demand skyrocketed, resulted in them saying “It was like hitting the lottery!” Nothing like profiting off the misery of others, brought on by the negligence of the people he paid to get into office. 🙄

    1. @Darryl Bloominton We can just sum it up to Texans are screaming a lot…. Like that orange toad formerly of the white house. Problem is, just because you are loud doesn’t mean you are right.

    2. @BigMamaDave X it is but we will have to see whether or not these republicans investigate him and his company as well as who is going to pay for all these price increases if it’s not the people with their own electric bill?

    3. Griddy is saying that the market price of energy didn’t go up that much, rather that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) acting under the authority of the governor, cited its “complete authority over ERCOT” to direct that ERCOT set pricing at $9/kWh, when the wholesale market price had only risen to $0.03/kWh making it a 300x markup by PUCT, and Griddy would have been charging $0.30 a 10x markup(still disgusting).
      PUCT’s 3 commissioners are Arthur C. D’Andrea, DeAnn T. Walker, and Shelly Botkin, and were appointed by governor Gregory Wayne Abbott. So ask the governor why he was bleeding Texans dry during a state emergency.
      https://www.griddy.com/post/griddy-update-why-energy-prices-were-sky-high-this-week
      Everybody stayed without power because most were on fixed rates and these energy retailers weren’t willing to pay $9/kWh and sell it for pennies. Those with variable rates stayed on but are getting bills as high as $20,000. That is why there were no rolling blackouts, people died and their pipes froze. So the governor willfully created the crisis and is directly responsible for $50 billions in damages and over 60 deaths. The governor intended survival of the fittest; Hunger Games while robbing people blind.

  9. This is what happens when you have Corrupt Republicans running the State…This should be Abbotts LAST term…

    1. @miss rayelyn Yup. Wealth redistribution will be required to help Republican Texas stand on its own two feet.

    2. @Cold Beer No, the topic the adults were discussing is the video about Texas Republicans deregulating their power grid and screwing over average Texans.

    3. @Brittany Waller They aren’t voting against their best interests, they’re voting against what they believe are YOUR best interests and mine. They hate “the other” and want them to be targeted and to suffer. They hate others more than they live themselves and their own families.

    1. @Lüc NOPE…I’M LOSING MY EYESIGHT…TYPING IN ALL CAPS HELPS ME SEE…VISIT MY CHANNEL AND YOU’LL SEE THAT EVERY VIDEO TITLE, EVERYTHING I TYPE IN THE DESCRIPTION BOX, EVERY COMMENT I MAKE IN MY COMMENT SECTIONS IS ALL IN ALL CAPS…

    2. Griddy is saying that the market price of energy didn’t go up that much, rather that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) acting under the authority of the governor, cited its “complete authority over ERCOT” to direct that ERCOT set pricing at $9/kWh, when the wholesale market price had only risen to $0.03/kWh making it a 300x markup by PUCT, and Griddy would have been charging $0.30 a 10x markup(still disgusting).
      PUCT’s 3 commissioners are Arthur C. D’Andrea, DeAnn T. Walker, and Shelly Botkin, and were appointed by governor Gregory Wayne Abbott. So ask the governor why he was bleeding Texans dry during a state emergency.
      https://www.griddy.com/post/griddy-update-why-energy-prices-were-sky-high-this-week
      Everybody stayed without power because most were on fixed rates and these energy retailers weren’t willing to pay $9/kWh and sell it for pennies. So the governor willfully created the crisis and is directly responsible for $50 billions in damages and over 60 deaths.

    1. Texas is gerrymandering in favor of Republicans. Very hard to get a Democrat elected. Texas needs redistricting.

    2. The primary goal of the republican party is to convince its voters that Democrats are villains. All other republican goals then become possible.

  10. Please stop electing fat cat republicans that are just gonna bail when things get too tough.. not just a Texas problem. When will people learn.

  11. If this was a democratic state, you’d have the republicans on right wing media mocking the left.
    The difference between left wing and right wing media, one reports the news and the other reports falsities and then gives opinions on it.

    1. democrats are going TO texas to help… AOC and her fundraising efforts have brought in over 5 million for texas that shes putting towards the foodbanks and recovery efforts

    2. I’m not sure there really is a full blown left wing media, at least not in the mainstream. It’s media, maybe with a centrist or progressive bent in some cases, like the New York Times and MSNBC, and then the full on right wing media like Fox News, Newsmax and WSJ. To them, anything that is not as wacko, loopy-right as them is far left. They are so far off the right end they can’t see where the center is anymore – if ever.

  12. Not one penny of bail out money to any Texas business, until Texas agrees to join the national grid and comply with regulations. Our tax dollars should not go to corrupt scams that have so mistreated their customers.

    1. I know … I should feel sorry for Texas. But I find it hard. They keep electing Republicans.
      And …
      In 2013 Hurricane Sandy devestated the N.E. United States. After the emergency relief money ran out, Congress was asked to provide more relief. Every Texan Congressional member voted against it.
      Now Texans want help.
      I really want to say F U, but I won’t. Well, I guess I did, didn’t I?

    2. The corruption in Texas is extreme.
      Griddy is saying that the market price of energy didn’t go up that much, rather that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) acting under the authority of the governor, cited its “complete authority over ERCOT” to direct that ERCOT set pricing at $9/kWh, when the wholesale market price had only risen to $0.03/kWh making it a 300x markup by PUCT, and Griddy would have been charging $0.30 a 10x markup(still disgusting).
      PUCT’s 3 commissioners are Arthur C. D’Andrea, DeAnn T. Walker, and Shelly Botkin, and were appointed by governor Gregory Wayne Abbott. So ask the governor why he was bleeding Texans dry during a state emergency.
      https://www.griddy.com/post/griddy-update-why-energy-prices-were-sky-high-this-week
      Everybody stayed without power because most were on fixed rates and these energy retailers weren’t willing to pay $9/kWh and sell it for pennies. So the governor willfully created the crisis and is directly responsible for $50 billions in damages and over 60 deaths.

    1. @Matthew Green or the ones being elected here are one party. I didn’t say its because they are Republicans…its just we have a guy who is our AG under indictment when elected

    2. @Matthew Green THEY DON’T WANT “UNITY”, THEY NEVER HAVE…THEY WANT IT THEIR WAY OR NOT AT ALL….SMH

    3. @FTL NO…YOU CHEATED HIM ACROSS THE FINISH LINE…HE IS AND WILL ALWAYS AND FOREVER BE REMEMBERED AS THE FIRST ILLIGITIMATE PRESIDENT EVER…

    1. @Jimmy Mays 70 cents Oh boy if You can’t Handle that Best Not get a house In TX your electric will go Up 10,000. Give Me a Break It was 2.50 Higher when Bush[ a Gas Man from TX] was In Office Or are you to Young to remember that Because you couldn’t drive?

    2. PSALM 2:1-4
      1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
      2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
      3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
      4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

    3. @Jimmy Mays Griddy is saying that the market price of energy didn’t go up that much, rather that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) acting under the authority of the governor, cited its “complete authority over ERCOT” to direct that ERCOT set pricing at $9/kWh, when the wholesale market price had only risen to $0.03/kWh making it a 300x markup by PUCT, and Griddy would have been charging $0.30 a 10x markup(still disgusting).
      PUCT’s 3 commissioners are Arthur C. D’Andrea, DeAnn T. Walker, and Shelly Botkin, and were appointed by governor Gregory Wayne Abbott. So ask the governor why he was bleeding Texans dry during a state emergency.
      https://www.griddy.com/post/griddy-update-why-energy-prices-were-sky-high-this-week
      Everybody stayed without power because most were on fixed rates and these energy retailers weren’t willing to pay $9/kWh and sell it for pennies. Those with variable rates stayed on but are getting bills as high as $20,000. That is why there were no rolling blackouts and people died and their pipes froze. So the governor willfully created the crisis and is directly responsible for $50 billions in damages and over 60 deaths. The governor intended survival of the fittest; Hunger Games while robbing people blind.

  13. “This is what happens when you have Corrupt Republicans running the State…This should be Abbotts LAST term…” AGREED, but I would add “LYIN’ TED CRUZ” to that list as well.

    1. Griddy is saying that the market price of energy didn’t go up that much, rather that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) acting under the authority of the governor, cited its “complete authority over ERCOT” to direct that ERCOT set pricing at $9/kWh, when the wholesale market price had only risen to $0.03/kWh making it a 300x markup by PUCT, and Griddy would have been charging $0.30 a 10x markup(still disgusting).
      PUCT’s 3 commissioners are Arthur C. D’Andrea, DeAnn T. Walker, and Shelly Botkin, and were appointed by governor Gregory Wayne Abbott. So ask the governor why he was bleeding Texans dry during a state emergency.
      https://www.griddy.com/post/griddy-update-why-energy-prices-were-sky-high-this-week
      Everybody stayed without power because most were on fixed rates and these energy retailers weren’t willing to pay $9/kWh and sell it for pennies. So the governor willfully created the crisis and is directly responsible for $50 billions in damages and over 60 deaths.

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