Those trying to take advantage of people in the wake of last week’s devastating winter storm will face consequences from the state, according to members of the Senate Finance Committee.
Meeting Monday for the first time since the storm shut down the state, senators expressed anger at media reports of price gouging and electric bills in the multiple thousands of dollars. “Hopefully the discussion we had in this committee will go out to those that are gouging and those that are contemplating that, that we’ll use the full force of available statutes, and see what additional laws need to be made to address this,” said Houston Senator John Whitmire. “Gouging should end immediately or you will be held accountable.”
Saturday Governor Greg Abbott held a call with key members of the Senate and House regarding this issue. Finance Committee chair and Flower Mound Senator Jane Nelson, who was on that call, said addressing price gouging is a top priority for state leadership. “Other than ensuring that people are safe and have food to eat and water to drink, it is the number one priority this week to make sure that stops right now.”
Sunday, Abbott announced that the state’s Public Utility Commission had temporarily halted all electric service disconnections for non-payment while the state looks at this issue. Those who see or experience price gouging can report it to the Office of the Attorney General.
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