Today's hearing sends a signal to all Texans that the Railroad Commission is looking at all sides of this issue and taking action. Williams, Matthews, and Garza said they will take the information gathered during today's hearing and formulate recommendations, which would be voted on during the Commissioner's next public meeting on March 1. Those recommendations will then be passed onto the House Committee on Energy Resources and the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Commodity cost of natural gas is not regulated on any level of government, but is strictly market driven. The Railroad Commission does have jurisdiction over the cost of transporting, storing, and delivering gas to consumers outside city limits.
Cities have jurisdiction on the cost of delivery within their boundaries.
Cost of delivery is generally not impacted by gas cost changes. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the state's chief energy agency. Through its Gas Services Division, the Commission works to ensure a continuous safe supply of natural gas is available to Texas consumers at the lowest, reasonable price.