The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) staff filed reports of violation against eight generation companies for failure to file winter weather readiness reports by the December 1, 2021 deadline. Out of the 850 generation resources in the state, PUCT’s Division of Compliance and Enforcement identified 13 separate generation resources owned by these 8 companies that missed the deadline. These 13 resources have the ability to generate 801 MW of electricity out of the state’s total installed capacity of 120,000 MW, or less than one percent of the state’s total.
“Texans expect the power plants in our state to be better prepared for winter weather,” said Thomas Gleeson, executive director, PUC. “The Governor and Legislature provided us the tools to improve the stability of our grid and our commissioners have been abundantly clear that they expect generation entities to get ready for this winter. The PUCT cannot tolerate the failure of these companies to even file their readiness reports.”
The winter weather readiness reports are critical to ensure the generation fleet in Texas is more prepared to provide service through severe winter weather. Failure to file winter weather readiness reports on time does not indicate whether or not these companies have taken the steps to weatherize their facilities. Subsequent inspections by ERCOT will verify that.
In October 2021, the PUCT adopted a new rule requiring power generators and electric transmission companies to take actions based on weather preparation best practices in advance of the 2021-2022 winter season. Here is the prior press release on this rule.
Entities receiving violations have 20 days to respond to the notice of violation and can request a hearing.
Gleeson added, “We are recommending stiff administrative penalties against each of these entities. The Governor, Legislature and the Commission have consistently told PUC staff that they expect compliance with our new rules and that we must be swift and meaningful with our enforcement action. Today’s actions demonstrate just how seriously this agency takes its job to improve the reliability of the grid.”
