Energy Law Lecture Explores the Future of Texas’ Electric Grid

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW | APRIL 2, 2026

Texas Tech University School of Law recently welcomed Courtney Hjaltman, a commissioner on the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), for an engaging presentation titled “Weathering the Electricity Storm.”

Commissioner Hjaltman offered students a practical look at how Texas manages its electric grid, explaining the roles of the PUC and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas in keeping power flowing across the state. She highlighted Texas’ unique, largely self-contained energy market and discussed how competition and deregulation have shaped the system Texans rely on every day. 
 
A significant focus of the discussion was the impact of Winter Storm Uri and the sweeping reforms that followed. Commissioner Hjaltman detailed efforts to strengthen grid reliability, including new weatherization standards, improved coordination among state agencies, and strategic investments in infrastructure and energy generation.
 
She also explored the rapid growth in Texas energy demand, driven by population increases, industrial expansion, and emerging technologies such as data centers. Commissioner Hjaltman addressed the challenges of balancing supply and demand in real time. As renewable energy continues to grow, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse energy mix to ensure reliability during extreme weather events.
 
We are grateful that Commissioner Hjaltman shared her insight into the evolving energy landscape and the critical role that lawyers play in shaping policy, regulation, and the future of Texas’ electric grid.

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