The Aggarwal Family Trust has filed a significant lawsuit against multiple energy corporations, alleging misconduct during the infamous Winter Storm Uri. This legal action was initiated by the Aggarwal Family Trust and others in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on January 9, 2025. The complaint targets several major players in the energy sector, including Atmos Energy Corporation and ExxonMobil Corporation.
The plaintiffs claim that these energy companies engaged in deliberate market manipulation during Winter Storm Uri, which struck Texas with unprecedented severity. According to the complaint, defendants had prior knowledge of the storm's potential impact but chose to exploit it for financial gain rather than preparing adequately to meet consumer needs. "Defendants willfully and intentionally reduced supply," reads the filing, accusing them of artificially inflating natural gas prices during a critical period. The plaintiffs argue that such actions led to severe power outages across Texas and resulted in exorbitant utility bills for consumers.
In their pursuit of justice, the plaintiffs are seeking damages for losses incurred due to this alleged misconduct. They demand that all profits gained through these wrongful activities be disgorged by the defendants. The complaint outlines various schemes employed by these companies, such as withholding production and manipulating pipeline deliveries through force majeure declarations. The plaintiffs assert that these tactics not only interfered with retail customers' contracts but also caused an unjust price surge affecting both electricity and natural gas consumers.
Representing the plaintiffs is attorney Eric B. Dick from Dick Law Firm, PLLC. The case is presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID 2025-02228.