HOUSTON — A week ago, a company representing itself as Enron announced it was rebooting.

The new website featured a countdown clock that hit all zeros on Monday morning. Shortly thereafter, the company introduced its new CEO – 28-year-old Connor Gaydos, who helped write the satirical conspiracy theory “Birds don’t exist.” In a video posted to the site on Monday, he acknowledged Enron’s history and said what they are about to release is “truly groundbreaking.”

Three other employees were identified on the website:

• Magan Redino was listed as president and COO
• Daniel Wong is listed as chief technology officer
• Rich Sybert is listed as general counsel

In addition, another countdown clock has been put online. It is apparently on the way to a so-called “power summit” planned for January 6th.

Last week, Enron announced its return with a new website and billboards in the Houston area. There is even a social media account called “Enron.” A video was posted that seemingly announced the company’s comeback – the new logo is the same as the old company logo.

RELATED: What we know about the company that represents itself as Enron

A full-page ad also appeared in an edition of the Houston Chronicle. The ad featured the company logo with the words “We’re back. Can we talk? (TM)” and the URL of the website.

What we found on the Enron.com website

The site appears to promote sustainable energy and also offers merchandise for sale, including t-shirts, hats, water bottles and stickers.

“An energy company with global impact is not just a job. It is a calling for those who want to pave a cleaner, fairer and brighter path for the rest of humanity,” the website’s careers section reads in part.

According to a press release on the website, the company is relaunching with the goal of “solving the global energy crisis.”

We wanted to get to the bottom of the new project.

Upon closer inspection of the website, the “Terms and Conditions” section states that the website “is a parody protected by the First Amendment, depicts performing arts, and is for entertainment purposes only.”

KHOU 11 searched for trademark records and found that Arkansas-based The College Company currently owns the trademark for the Enron logo, including for clothing sales. The company is owned by the co-founder of the group Birds Aren’t Real, a satirical conspiracy theory movement that also sells merchandise.

The PR firm representing the current Enron declined an interview, saying only that more would come soon.

Enron filed for bankruptcy in 2001.

The company’s downfall was caused by a massive fraud scandal. It is considered one of the largest corporate scandals in United States history and resulted in indictments, convictions and prison sentences for many executives.

The scandal rocked Houston and the corporate world. The return of the logo brings back memories of a painful chapter in the city’s history.

In 2021, KHOU 11 News spoke with Enron scandal whistleblower Sherron Watkins.

“5,000 people are put on the streets with nothing. Terrible,” she said.

Watkins reflected on everything from the pursuit of justice for the company’s fraud to the disastrous impact on workers who relied on the company’s perceived success for salaries and pension funds.

“Many people paid a price, but so did all employees and all shareholders,” she said.