Hinojosa pledges to freeze rates, require data centers pay fair share
Newly elected Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa, who won the November 2026 election, has made a campaign promise to freeze residential electricity rates and require large electricity users including data centers to pay more of the costs associated with the power grid. University of Houston energy expert Ramanan Krishnamoorti said wholesale electricity prices in Texas have stayed flat or declined slightly over the past six years, but infrastructure costs are adding to what consumers pay.
Single source. Only one outlet has reported this so far. This label comes off on its own when a second, independent outlet confirms it. Until then it is also listed in The Spin Bin.
- When it happened
- November 5, 2026
- Where
- Houston, Texas
- First reported by an outlet
- Nov 5, 2026 at 6:28 pm
- Reported by
- 1 outlet so far (not yet confirmed)
Taxes & money
None stated in sources.
Who's involved
The facts
- Electricity prices have increased about 40% over the past five years, according to University of Houston energy expert Ramanan Krishnamoorti.[1]
- Wholesale electricity prices in Texas have either stayed flat or declined slightly over the past six years.[1]
- The Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates key parts of the electricity market.[1]
- Texas lawmakers have already passed Senate Bill 6, which establishes requirements for large electricity users connecting to the grid.[1]
- Hinojosa is expected to take office in January.[1]
Who said what
- Ramanan Krishnamoorti, University of Houston energy expert If large electricity users pay their fair share of accessing power, there is a way to freeze and potentially reduce the average cost of electricity.[1]
- Celeste Crutchfield, Houston resident There should be someone in place to advocate for lower electricity prices.[1]
- Cecily Crutchfield, Houston resident Hinojosa says she will do things but should be given time to follow through.[1]
Sources
- News Center The cost of keeping the lights on: What Texas’ next governor could do to lower electricity bills KPRC 2 Houston · Nov 5, 2026
Written by AI from the sources above, under fixed rules: every fact is cited, claims are kept apart from facts, and dollar figures appear only when a source states them. Mistakes get corrected in public.