Energy, Oil & Gas, and Nuclear Policy
ERCOT and PUC for electric grid | Railroad Commission for oil and gas | NRC, DOE, and TANEO for nuclear
JD Key Consulting is a Texas government affairs firm that represents clients before all three major energy regulators in the state: ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for the electric grid, the Railroad Commission of Texas for oil and gas, and the newly created Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office (TANEO) for nuclear development. Unlike firms that specialize in only one sector, we coordinate strategy across regulatory domains when client interests span multiple agencies.
Texas made the nation's largest state investment in advanced nuclear energy in 2025. The 89th Legislature established TANEO within the Governor's office and created the $350 million Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund. JD Key Consulting has represented clients in proceedings before both the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and we help companies access state nuclear incentives while navigating federal licensing requirements.
The Texas electric grid operates independently from the rest of the United States, creating unique market rules and regulatory requirements. We participate in ERCOT's Technical Advisory Committee and stakeholder processes, represent clients in PUC rulemakings and contested cases, and track legislation affecting generation, transmission, and large load interconnection—including the 89th Legislature's SB6, which fundamentally changed data center interconnection requirements.
The Railroad Commission of Texas regulates oil and gas production, pipelines, and surface mining. We engage the RRC on drilling permits, pipeline certifications, flaring and emissions rules, injection wells, and compliance matters. Our team understands how energy legislation at the Capitol translates into Railroad Commission rulemaking, allowing us to coordinate advocacy across both venues.
Key Capabilities
ERCOT & PUC Engagement
Participating in ERCOT stakeholder processes, PUC rulemakings, market design discussions, and grid reliability initiatives.
Railroad Commission
Oil and gas permitting, pipeline certifications, flaring and emissions rules, and compliance matters before the RRC.
Nuclear Development
Navigating TANEO, Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, NRC licensing, DOE programs, and SMR deployment.
Legislative Advocacy
Tracking and advocating on energy legislation in the Texas House and Senate, including State Affairs and Energy Resources committees.
Grid Interconnection
Large load interconnection strategy, transmission planning, and navigating SB6 requirements for data centers and industrial facilities.
Federal Coordination
Coordinating state advocacy with federal regulatory strategy at NRC, DOE, FERC, and other relevant agencies.
Who We Help
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TANEO and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund?
TANEO is the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, established by the 89th Legislature within the Governor's office to coordinate the state's nuclear energy development efforts. The Legislature also created the $350 million Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund—the largest state investment in advanced nuclear in the United States. These programs support small modular reactor (SMR) development, site preparation, and workforce training. JD Key Consulting helps clients access these state incentives while coordinating with federal NRC and DOE requirements.
What does the Railroad Commission of Texas regulate?
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates the oil and gas industry, including drilling permits, well completions, pipeline safety, natural gas utilities, propane dealers, and surface coal mining. Despite its name, it no longer regulates railroads. The RRC issues permits for drilling, injection wells, and pipelines, and enforces flaring limits and emissions rules. JD Key Consulting represents clients before the RRC on permitting, compliance, and rulemaking matters.
How does ERCOT differ from other U.S. power grids?
ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) operates the Texas Interconnection, which is electrically isolated from the Eastern and Western Interconnections that serve the rest of the continental U.S. This independence means Texas sets its own market rules through ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission (PUC), without FERC jurisdiction over wholesale markets. The tradeoff is limited ability to import power during emergencies. JD Key Consulting participates in ERCOT stakeholder processes and PUC proceedings to help clients navigate this unique regulatory environment.
What is Texas SB6 and how does it affect large electrical loads?
SB6 (89th Legislature) reformed how large electrical loads—including data centers over 75 MW—interconnect with the Texas grid. Key requirements include mandatory remote disconnection equipment (allowing ERCOT to curtail loads during grid emergencies), substantial upfront fees and security deposits, and PUC review of behind-the-meter generation arrangements. The law ended speculative queue positions by requiring financial commitment before securing interconnection rights. JD Key Consulting helps data centers and industrial facilities navigate these new requirements.
What federal agencies regulate nuclear power plants?
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses and regulates commercial nuclear power plants, including new reactor designs like small modular reactors (SMRs). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports nuclear development through research funding, loan guarantees, and programs like the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. For projects in Texas, state coordination through TANEO is increasingly important. JD Key Consulting has represented clients before both NRC and DOE and coordinates federal regulatory strategy with state-level advocacy.
Ready to discuss your needs?
Schedule a confidential conversation with James Dickey.
Call 512.543.4971