AUSTIN – In response to the rolling blackouts of Feb. 2, members of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Thursday accused the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) of ignoring dire energy forecasts, failing to communicate with other important decision makers, and “understating the risk” of rolling blackouts.
As part of a routine review of rules governing its relationship with ERCOT, one commission member is now requesting unilateral authority to fire ERCOT’s CEO.
“I would also propose adding language that says the commission at its own discretion and without ERCOT board approval may terminate the employment of the chief executive officer,” said PUC Member Donna Nelson.
That was how Nelson opened her questioning of ERCOT CEO Trip Doggett. The power probe quickly got even more pointed.
"I know you've probably seen this memo a lot of times,” Nelson said holding up a color-coded piece of paper which was sent by ERCOT engineers at 3 a.m. on the day of the blackouts. Commissioners believe it’s clear evidence that ERCOT should have known trouble was coming down the line.
According to the memo, ERCOT engineers estimated customers would need 61,459 units of electricity. By 8 a.m. ERCOT also estimated the grid would be generating 59,615 units at that time. Still, ERCOT described the risk of blackouts as "low."
"To put the category as 'low' seems to be understating the risk,” said PUC Member Kenneth Anderson, Jr.
Board members believe it is just part of a pattern of failing to communicate with the public and the three-member utility commission.
Doggett admitted ERCOT could do a better job communicating.
Following the meeting, though, Doggett stood behind the forecast and the decision to call for rolling blackouts.
“The operators have much more information than is contained in that report,” he said. “It would be very difficult for me to explain all the data that’s behind that."
While top ERCOT leadership conceded they could have done things differently, they stood behind the decisions of ERCOT employees. They say their actions kept the entire electric grid from going off-line.
Commissioners seemed to think it was nothing more than sidestepping responsibility.
“It’s your job to second guess. I mean, you’re the CEO of ERCOT,” said Nelson. “If they were wrong, if they made a mistake, you’re the one who’s ultimately responsible."
State officials seem determined to hold somebody accountable. The state Senate will also hold hearings in to the blackouts beginning next week.
