2 key figures for ERCOT, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, expected to step down from positions

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two key figures appointed to high-level roles for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, are resigning from their positions.

As first reported by Bloomberg, Carrie Bivens has resigned from her role as the director of the independent market monitoring team.

Bivens was appointed in April 2020 and led an eight-person team charged with independently monitoring ERCOT.

It's reported that she emerged as an outspoken critic of the Texas energy market reforms, that hit consumer's energy bills this summer.

Ramanan Krishnamoorti, a professor at the University of Houston, says a growing population and the hottest summer on record in Houston contributed to high energy demands across Texas. Additionally, he says there are concerns that some power supply wasn't made available, which contributed to higher bills during the summer.

"Was it all real? And Ms. Bivens and others believe that perhaps, that supply constraint was artificial and the claim is that supply was kept offline until there was a scarcity," Krishnamoorti said.

There are also reports that another resignation is looming on the four-member panel at the Public Utility Commission, that of Commissioner Will McAdams.

He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott after the deadly winter freeze in 2021.

Krishnamoorti says these resignations should spark concern for customers.

"Having those two voices in the decision making process, I think was important, is important, and that viewpoint is important. I think the citizens in the state of Texas are going to be less well-served without those voices," Krishnamoorti said.

A spokesperson for the PUCT says McAdams has not resigned and is still currently serving on the commission.

Bivens was employed by the Virginia-based firm called Potomac Economics.

President David Patton sent a statement following Bivens' resignation.

"Carrie Bivens is resigning her position as the director of the eight-person IMM Team in ERCOT in order to pursue other opportunities. She was an outstanding director and we all wish her the best. The IMM Team will be managed by the deputy director as it begins the search for a new director and the day-to-day monitoring work of the team will not be affected."

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