Even if the fines are ever levied, and I'm skeptical even of that, as an ordinary software developer I could easily weather that fine especially if it is a fine

Even if the fines are ever levied, and I'm skeptical even of that, as an ordinary software developer I could easily weather that fine especially if it is a fine for not spending money elsewhere, and my revenue is way down in the six figures. Imagine how hard this must hit a company with the kind of revenue a gas company makes. Oddly, even advocates for the industry feel the same way: "Texas Competitive Power Advocates, who represent power producers, said the fine was not a severe penalty. 'Penalties should be used as an incentive to avoid infractions and not as minor inconveniences,' the group said in comments sent to the Railway Commission."