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Lady Roadrunners Sweep Lamar State Port Arthur

By
Gary Stallard
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Dunn’s Walk-off Single Fuels AC Wins

The Angelina College Lady Roadrunners trailed 5-2 heading into their final at-bat in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader with Lamar State College-Port Arthur. 

AC’s Mallory Dunn made sure the margin wasn’t enough for the Seahawks.

Dunn ripped a single to left field to score teammate Ella Stephenson in the bottom of the seventh inning and give the Lady ‘Runners a thrilling 6-5, walk-off win at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. 

Katherine Page opened the Lady Roadrunner seventh by beating out an infield single, coming around to score on Emily Zunker’s double to center. Elizabeth Craig pushed Zunker to third on a single, and Ella Stephenson scored Zunker on a bloop single to right field. 

After a Jessi Sumpter sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, Megan Smith drew an intentional walk to load the bases. Ella Berger smoked a line drive to centerfield to plate Craig and tie the score at 5-5, and Dunn ended the game with her big hit.

Zunker ended the game with two RBI. 

In the nightcap, AC starting pitcher Jessi Sumpter tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out five Seahawks and walking just one in the Lady Roadrunners’ 4-0 win. Dunn added two more RBI, while Berger and Craig drove in a run each. 

The Lady Roadrunners (13-21, 4-4) will be in Galveston to face Galveston College on Wednesday, April 1 for a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.  

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu. 

The People Behind the Angelina County Fair

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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By the time the auction begins Saturday afternoon, most visitors will see the ribbons, the buckles, and the banners.

What they won’t see is the weeks’ worth of early mornings, late nights, and volunteers who made it all happen. From the first contests on Monday morning to the final events of the week, hundreds of volunteers stepped in to make this year’s fair possible. They opened gates before daylight, organized entries, judged competitions, and helped young exhibitors every step of the way.

You will read in other parts of the news about the placings, the livestock, agricultural mechanics, foods, crafts, and other activities that took place. I hope you know about our “Reach for The Stars Show” for kids with special needs. We’ve added shooting sports a couple of years ago, and this year for the first time, a light-hearted “Old Timers Show” competition to help raise funds for the auction. Undoubtedly, there is the generous support of the buyers at the auction in addition to Round Tabel that awarded $52,500 deserving graduating Seniors this year in Angelina County.    

And as the auction gets underway late this afternoon, and the ribbons, buckles, and banners will be on display. I would be remiss not to say a special thank you to all the volunteers who make each year’s show a success.

Volunteers are truly the heroes behind the scenes who make our Angelina County Fair successful.  

The first contests of the Fair started on Monday. Those were public speaking, shotgun, and archery. The public speaking event was led by Jennifer Reynolds and Bo David Williford. Shooting sports competitions such as shotgun and archery were led by volunteers Heather McCall, Christi Grandgeorge, and Ryan Merrel.

The Home Economics Division is such a large effort that Janna Brazil and Joel Redus are needed to lead this event. Additionally, there were over 35 others that stepped forward for all the organization and judging.  Yes, the judges do get to partake in some of the best cakes, pies, cheesecakes, breads, and cookies around, but they also must test and quiz the students about the ingredients, preparation, and nutritional value.  

The Floral Design competition is in its second year and is led by Ashlyn Childress, an Agricultural Science Instructor from Hudson FFA. Carrie Shockley is the Arts and Crafts superintendent and oversees the numerous volunteers and judges that help check in and evaluate the projects. 

Superintendents for the livestock show divisions include Melanie Murray, Westin Reynolds, Delbert Reynolds, Dillon Mason, Stephen Shockley, Mike Whiteman, Anna Lamb, Heith Garcia, and Summer Garcia.  Each of these men and women also have several folks who help with validation, check-in, opening gates, and several other tasks for each show.

There are “open events” where you don’t have to be a 4-H or FFA member in Angelina County to participate. These include the BBQ cook-off, the washer tournament, and the ‘Reach for the Stars’ special needs show. For those competitions, the respective superintendents are, Charlie Gumbles, Melissa Wheeler, Danielle Chumbley, and Karen Stafford.  

The Ag-Mech division is led by Kevin Martin, the Trailer Build-Off which was headed up by Matthew Edwards, and the livestock judging was led by Courtney Daniels.

The newest event this year was the “Old Timers Show” which was led by Claire Clary.

Anita Carraway oversees the Youth Ambassador program. If you watched any part of the Fair, you saw youth in blue vests helping. This youth volunteer program strives to provide high school aged youth fair participants the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills and become an advocate for their county fair division. Applications are due in mid-September and those selected are responsible for workshops leading up the Fair, helping during their assigned division, as well as generally helping whenever they may be needed.  

The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce has numerous volunteers that give of their time for the Fair.  The County Fair Board consists of Anita Carraway, Preston Loggins, Steve Milligan, Preston Loggins, Codie Jenkins, Justin Risner, Scott Slusher, Melissa Wheeler, Stephen Corley, Chad Murray, and Chris Carraway.  The Board chairman is Todd Kassaw. 

Kody Jenkins is the Executive Director for our Fair and does a phenomenal job year-round to ensure a successful event for exhibitors and families alike. 

Finally, donors to the auction help reward the youth on Saturday evening.  Brookshire Brothers is our presenting sponsor for the Fair. There are numerous, fantastic businesses and families that support the auction, and I also want to personally thank those of you who donated any amount to one of the buyer pools.  

I know this is a long list of names. But they are the ones who show up early, stay late, and quietly do the work that allows young people to step into the spotlight.

And while the auction may recognize the exhibitors, this week is just as much a reflection of the community standing behind them.

If you want to join the auction virtually, donate to the auction, or check out pictures of this year’s winners, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.  

Capitol Update: Building Toward the Next Legislative Session

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As we approach Easter Sunday, Christians across East Texas and around the world are reminded of the hope and renewal that comes with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, we read: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” (John 11:25).

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even in uncertain times, faith gives us strength, purpose, and the promise of new beginnings. Easter is a time for families and friends to gather, for churches to celebrate, and for all of us to reflect on the blessings we enjoy in this great country and across our East Texas communities.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…

Capitol Update

This week, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows released the official interim charges for the Texas House of Representatives, marking the beginning of the work that takes place between legislative sessions. Because the Texas Legislature only meets in regular session every two years, the interim is an important time for committees to study key issues, hold hearings, and prepare recommendations so that when lawmakers return to Austin next January, we are ready to act on well-developed solutions.

Each House committee is assigned specific topics to review during the interim, and those charges guide the work that will take place over the coming months. Committees hear testimony from Texans across the state, gather input from industry experts, and examine the policies that impact our economy, our natural resources, and our rural communities. This process allows lawmakers to fully study complex issues and helps ensure that when the Legislature reconvenes, decisions are based on careful review rather than rushed debate.

One of the first committees to begin its work this interim is the House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock. The work of this committee is especially important for East Texas, where agriculture is not only a major part of our economy, but a way of life that has been passed down for generations. The discussions that take place in this committee room have real and direct consequences for the farmers, ranchers, timber producers, and agricultural businesses that keep our region strong.

Across East Texas, families depend on cattle, poultry, timber, hay, and row crops to make a living, and state policy plays a significant role in whether those operations succeed or struggle. The Agriculture & Livestock Committee has been charged with examining the long-term stability of Texas agriculture and identifying ways the state can better support the men and women who feed and clothe our nation. Farmers and ranchers today are facing rising input costs, supply chain challenges, and increased competition from foreign imports, and when those pressures grow, rural communities feel the impact first.

Another focus this interim will be the preservation of farm and ranch land. As Texas continues to grow, more agricultural land is being lost to development, and that trend can have lasting consequences for East Texas. Keeping working lands in production is critical not only for our economy, but for our heritage and our way of life. Programs designed to support land conservation and keep family farms in operation will be reviewed to ensure they are working as intended and providing real benefit to rural Texans.

The committee will also examine the broader economic challenges facing rural Texas. When agriculture is strong, our small towns are strong. Local businesses, schools, and county governments all depend on the stability that agriculture provides, which is why the work of this committee carries such importance for East Texas.

In the months ahead, House committees will continue their work on a wide range of issues, and I will be following those discussions closely to make sure the voices of East Texans are heard. The interim may not always receive much attention, but it is one of the most important parts of the legislative process because it allows us to prepare, study, and get the facts before new laws are written.

The mobile office is on the road again in April, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: April 1 at the County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:30-11:30 am, April 8 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; April 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 pm.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By
Carey Kinsolving
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Why Didn’t the Disciples Understand That Jesus Must Rise From the Dead?

“If I saw an empty tomb, I’d check for zombies,” says Logan, 9. “I wouldn’t think, ‘Oh, Jesus rose from the dead!’ because that would sound like a fairy tale.”

That may be exactly what the disciples thought at first. On that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb early and saw the stone rolled away. She didn’t shout, “He’s risen!” Instead, she ran to tell Peter and John that someone had taken Jesus’ body.

When Peter and John got to the tomb, they found the linen burial cloths still there, folded, not ripped or scattered like you’d expect if someone had stolen the body. But even then, John 20:9 says, “For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”

How could Jesus’ closest friends miss something so important?

People tend to hear what they want to hear. The idea of a suffering, crucified Messiah didn’t fit what the disciples were hoping for. Like many in Israel, they were looking for a strong king to defeat the Romans, not a Lamb who would be sacrificed for the sins of the world.

When someone you love dies, your world turns upside down. Grief can cloud your thinking. The disciples were heartbroken, confused and scared. Resurrection wasn’t on their radar.

But that empty tomb began to change everything.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “He has forced open a door that had been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death.” The resurrection is not just a nice ending to the story. It’s the story’s turning point.

As author Josh McDowell said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is either the most wicked, heartless hoax ever foisted upon the minds of men, or it is the most fantastic fact of history.”

The apostle Paul put it this way: “If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14). In other words, without the resurrection, Christianity collapses.

Why is the resurrection so central? Because it proves that Jesus is who he said he is. He’s the Son of God, the Savior, the one with power over death. If Jesus stayed in the tomb, we’d have no reason to hope. But because he rose, we have every reason to trust him with our lives and futures.

“Sometimes God tells us things we’re not ready to understand,” says Noah, 11.

Yes, and the same is true for us today. God’s promises may not always make sense right away, especially in moments of grief or fear.

No matter how famous or prosperous, everyone succumbs to death. Not Jesus. He defeated death and now offers that same victory to all who believe in him.

The disciples didn’t understand at first. But Jesus met them in their confusion. He showed them his scars. He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And their confusion turned into conviction so strong that they were willing to die for what they saw and believed. They went from hiding behind locked doors to boldly preaching in the streets.

Think About This: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. It proves that life wins over death, truth wins over lies, and God keeps his promises, even the ones we don’t yet understand.

Memorize This Truth: “For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead” (John 20:9).

Ask This Question: If Jesus really rose from the dead, what should that change about the way I live today?

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Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God twice a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email. 

The First Spring Mow: Why Timing and Technique Matter More Than You Think

By
Billy Forrest
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For many East Texas homeowners, the first mow of spring feels like a milestone—a sign that winter is finally over. But mowing too early or too aggressively can do more harm than good.

Grass needs time to transition out of dormancy. While lawns may appear green, growth below the surface often lags behind visual cues. Mowing before grass is actively growing can stress roots and compact wet soil, slowing recovery.

Waiting for the Right Conditions

Rather than watching the calendar, it’s better to watch the lawn. Grass should be tall enough to justify mowing, and soil should be dry enough to support equipment without leaving ruts.

Mowing on wet ground compresses soil and limits oxygen flow to roots—damage that can linger for months.

Height Matters

One of the most common spring mistakes is cutting grass too short. Scalping removes the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently and gives weeds room to establish themselves.

Leaving grass slightly taller early in the season protects the crown and supports deeper root growth.

Equipment Makes a Difference

Sharp mower blades are essential. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, increasing stress and making turf more vulnerable to disease.

A Thoughtful Start Pays Off

Lawns that receive a careful first mow tend to grow more evenly, resist weeds better, and handle summer heat with less stress. Taking a measured approach early often reduces maintenance challenges later in the season.

The first mow isn’t about speed or appearance—it’s about setting your lawn up for long-term success.

My Five Cents: A Monthly Column by Senator Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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This month marked the 175th birthday of Governor Jim Hogg, the first native-born Governor of Texas and a proud East Texan. Governor Hogg was born near Rusk and spent much of his life advocating for the people of this region. His legacy is a reminder of the deep roots East Texas has in shaping our state’s history and the responsibility we carry to continue that work today. 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

  1. Lone Star Legislative Summit coming to Nacogdoches

On April 9th and 10th, Nacogdoches will host the Lone Star Legislative Summit, bringing together state leaders for important policy discussions. The event, hosted by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and held at Stephen F. Austin State University, provides a valuable opportunity for East Texans to engage directly with those shaping policy at the state level. The summit will feature a series of public panel discussions on issues impacting our region, including water policy, workforce development, and the role of media in state government. I will be joining several of my colleagues for a panel discussion on water policy, which remains one of the most important issues facing our region as it continues to grow. I encourage anyone interested to attend and take part in these discussions. For more information or to register, please visit https://nacogdoches.org. 

  1. TxDOT approves rail separation grants to improve safety and mobility

The Texas Department of Transportation recently approved more than $160 million in funding for rail grade separation projects across the state. These projects are designed to eliminate dangerous at-grade crossings by separating roadways from rail lines, which helps reduce traffic delays, improve emergency response times, and enhance overall safety for drivers. This funding comes through a new program created by the Legislature last session to support communities with significant rail activity. I was proud to file and pass the legislation establishing this program, which provides meaningful resources to address long-standing rail and roadway conflicts across Texas. In addition to the initial project funding, the Commission also set aside nearly $90 million to help local communities compete for federal grant opportunities, allowing Texas to maximize its investment in critical infrastructure.

  1. Governor announces grant funding for psychiatry fellowships 

This month, Governor Greg Abbott announced $5 million in grant funding to expand Texas forensic psychiatry fellowship programs. These programs provide advanced training for physicians specializing in mental healthcare, particularly in cases involving the legal system such as competency evaluations and treatment for individuals involved in criminal or civil proceedings. This investment will support nine medical institutions across the state, including University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, which plays an important role in serving East Texas. By strengthening these training programs, Texas is working to grow its mental health workforce and improve access to care in communities that need it most.

  1. SFA students advocate in Washington, D.C.

Students from Stephen F. Austin State University recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in a national undergraduate research advocacy program. These students were selected through a competitive process and represented both their university and the state of Texas while engaging with policymakers on the importance of research funding. During their visit, the students met with congressional offices to discuss how undergraduate research supports innovation and strengthens our workforce. I commend these students for their leadership and for representing East Texas so well on the national stage. Their efforts are a strong reminder that advocacy plays an important role in shaping public policy, and that even a single conversation can help make a meaningful difference.

  1. SNAP purchase changes will take effect on April 1st

Beginning April 1st, new changes will take effect for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Texas. SNAP benefits will no longer be eligible for use on certain items, including candy, gum, and sweetened beverages. The updated guidelines are intended to encourage healthier food choices and support long-term wellness for recipients across the state. Texans with questions about their benefits or eligible purchases can contact 2-1-1 or visit http://www.hhs.texas.gov/. 

Angelina College Visual Arts Students To Display Works

By
Gary Stallard
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Exhibition Open March 31 through April 15 in ACA Gallery

Angelina College’s Visual Arts will wrap up the Spring 2026 semester by displaying their talents in an exhibition scheduled to run from Tuesday, March 31 through Wednesday, April 15 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the AC campus.

An artists’ reception will take place at 6 p.m. on March 31 in the ACA foyer. 

Students in instructor Le’Anne Alexander’s Visual Arts courses include those enrolled in drawing, design and painting courses. 

Participating students and their specific classes are as follows:

ARTS 1311 (Design I, 2D): Kendahl Brown, Sydney Cunyus, Madyson Lewis, Zunayla McQueen, Morgan Peterson and Matthew Rivera.

ARTS 1316 (Drawing I): Ashley Escalante, Elizabeth Goodwin, Christopher Gonzalez, Natalie Green, Ashari Jackson, Logan Jetty, Katherine Lopez, Yajaira Mendoza, Samara Reagan, Valerie Runnels, Payton Russaw, Anthony Varkadoz and Johnlee Velasquez.

ARTS 2316 (Painting I):  Elizabeth Goodwin, Brynn Jones, Randy McKelvey and Jade Scott. 

Admission to the reception and gallery is free and open to the public.

For information on AC’s Visual Arts programs, contact Le’Anne Alexander at lalexander@angelina.edu. 

Gary Stallard’s email address is gstallard@angelina.edu. 

NOTE: The contributed image is the official Visual Arts Student Exhibition poster.  

Child Development Behaviors and Boundaries Webinar Set for April 8

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and OneOp will host the webinar, “Child Development: Knowledge, Behavior and Healthy Boundaries,” on April 8. (Adobe Stock)

Event to provide overview of developmental domains in preschoolers and school-age children

March 25, 2026 – by Tim Schnettler

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and OneOp will host the webinar, “Child Development: Knowledge, Behavior and Healthy Boundaries,” on April 8.

The free webinar will be from 10-11:30 a.m. on OneOp, a virtual professional development platform for providers who serve military families. 

Participants can register by visiting tx.ag/ChildDevelopment. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing connection information. 

About the webinar

The webinar will provide an overview of developmental domains in preschoolers — ages 5 and under — and school-aged children — ages 6-12. Participants will learn how these domains relate to children’s sexual knowledge and behaviors. The session will review typical sexual development across these age ranges, as well as protective and supportive strategies. 

The webinar will be presented by Benjamin Sigel, Ph.D., licensed psychologist and associate professor, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

CEUs available

One-and-a-half continuing education units will be available in the following areas:

  • Certified in family and consumer sciences, American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences. 
  • Board-certified patient advocates, Patient Advocate Certification Board. 
  • Board-certified case managers, Commission for Case Manager Certification.
  • Certified family life educators, National Council on Family Relations.
  • Certified health education specialists and master certified health education specialists, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. 
  • Social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. 

OneOp certificates of attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.

‘Runners Rout No 13 San Jacinto

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College pitcher Garrett Burks (26) delivers to the plate during Monday’s game against San Jacinto College. The Roadrunners beat the No. 13 Ravens 9-1 in seven innings at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

Burks Pitching Gem Fuels AC

A four-run first inning combined with a five-run third provided all the offensive fireworks the Angelina College Roadrunners would need in Monday’s 9-1, seven-inning rout of No. 13 San Jacinto College at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.

It didn’t hurt that starting AC pitcher Garrett Burks was spinning a gem on the mound.

Burks pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits and a single earned run while striking out six Ravens. Reliever Harrison Hankins mopped up with 2 2/3 innings of work, giving up a single hit while fanning five batters. 

AC’s Marco Bandiero knocked in three runs in a 2-for-3 day at the plate. Jackson Todd added two RBI, while Daigan Venable and Colton Haas also drove in runs for the Roadrunners.

Angelina College’s Marco Bandiero picks up an RBI the hard way, getting hit by a pitch during Monday’s game against San Jacinto College. The Roadrunners beat the No. 13 Ravens 9-1 in seven innings at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

The Roadrunners loaded the bases in the bottom of the first inning without putting a ball in play: Seth Sloan and Cole Standley drew walks, and Brayden Pate took one for the team on a hit-by-pitch to fill up the sacks. Bandiero then drove a long double to the right-field gap to plate a pair of runs, and after a Jackson Pullen walk, Jackson Todd drove home another run with a groundout. Later in the inning, Haas drew a bases-loaded walk for a 4-0 AC lead.

In the third inning, Todd reached on an error and scored ahead of Venable’s single. Seth Sloan singled, and Venable scored on a wild pitch. With the bases loaded, Bandier took a pitch off his thigh for an easy RBI. Sloan would later score on another Raven wild pitch, and Todd earned another RBI after drawing a bases-loaded walk.

Hankins finished off the final eight outs to leave AC with a run-rule win.

The Roadrunners (17-10, 8-7) open a three-game series Wednesday at home against Navarro College. Wednesday’s single, nine-inning game starts at 2 p.m. at Poland Stadium.

The series wraps up on Saturday in Corsicana with a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. 

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

A More Thoughtful Way for Texans to Approach Electricity Decisions

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Electricity doesn’t need to be a constant concern. But it does benefit from thoughtful attention — and the payoff for that attention is real.

Over the course of this series, we’ve covered a lot of ground: how the Texas electricity market works, what drives pricing, how to read your bill, what’s happening with the grid, and how technologies like solar and battery storage fit into the picture. If there’s a single takeaway that ties it all together, it’s this: the Texans who consistently make the best electricity decisions are the ones who approach them with awareness rather than urgency.

That doesn’t require becoming an energy expert. It doesn’t require constant market monitoring or spreadsheet obsession. It just requires a willingness to pay attention at the right moments and make decisions before pressure forces your hand.

The Value of Planning

Most of the expensive electricity mistakes Texans make share a common trait: they happen under pressure. A contract expires without the homeowner noticing, and they’re rolled onto an expensive month-to-month rate. A grid event makes headlines, and someone locks into a long-term contract at inflated prices because fear overrode patience. A solar installer’s pitch creates urgency that doesn’t match the buyer’s actual financial situation.

The antidote to all of these is planning. Knowing when your contract ends gives you the time to shop before you have to. Understanding your usage patterns helps you evaluate plans at realistic consumption levels. Reviewing your options during favorable market windows — typically spring and fall, when wholesale prices are lower and providers compete more aggressively for customers — means you’re choosing from the best available options rather than whatever’s left.

This is especially important in Texas’s deregulated market, where the range of available pricing is wide. Residential rates currently average 15 to 16 cents per kWh statewide, but active shoppers regularly find fixed-rate plans below 9 cents. The gap between those two numbers represents real money — hundreds of dollars a year for a typical household. And the primary difference between paying the average and paying the lower rate isn’t luck or special access. It’s timing and attention.

From Reaction to Confidence

The electricity market in Texas is changing. Demand is growing — driven by population growth, data centers, industrial expansion, and the electrification of more aspects of daily life. ERCOT projects that demand could increase by roughly 10% in 2026 alone, with some forecasts suggesting a 50% rise by 2029. That demand growth puts upward pressure on prices over time, which means the value of proactive management is increasing, not decreasing.

At the same time, the grid is evolving. Solar and battery storage set multiple records in 2025, and Texas is poised to become the nation’s leading battery storage market. These technologies are helping stabilize the grid and keep wholesale prices more competitive than they might otherwise be. But they don’t eliminate the need for consumer awareness. Whether you’re a homeowner, a small business owner, or someone managing a larger commercial operation, the fundamentals haven’t changed: know your usage, understand your options, and act before urgency removes your best choices.

Texans who approach electricity with awareness rather than urgency tend to feel more confident about their decisions — and they often make better ones as a result. Confidence comes from understanding, not from certainty. You don’t need to predict where electricity prices are going to make a good decision. You need to know your own situation well enough to make a decision that fits it.

Electricity Isn’t About Perfection

There is no perfect electricity plan. There is no guaranteed-best time to sign a contract. There is no technology that eliminates all risk or all cost. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.

What there is, however, is preparation. And preparation consistently beats reaction. A homeowner who sets a calendar reminder 90 days before their contract expires, compares a handful of plans, and chooses a fixed rate during a favorable window will almost always come out ahead of someone who notices their bill spiked and scrambles to fix it. A business owner who reviews their load profile once a year and times their contract renewal to the market cycle will pay less than one who signs whatever’s in front of them when the current deal runs out.

Electricity is not about perfection. It’s about preparation. And in a state where the market rewards attention, even a small amount of preparation goes a long way.

Thank you for following along with this series. If it’s helped you think about electricity a little differently — with less stress and more confidence — then it’s done its job.

This article is part of an ongoing energy education series for Texas Forest Country Living.

The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Electricity markets are complex and subject to change. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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