The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) open meeting on January 12th provided some guidance on the commissioners’ bias toward the next round of changes to electric market design. At the outset, Chairman Lake acknowledged that the PUC would only vote on a recommendation, not an edict for ERCOT to act. The decision will be made at the January 19th open meeting or perhaps at a meeting to follow.
Chairman Lake reiterated his support for the PCM, and Commr. Jackson also expressed support. Those are two solid votes for PCM. Commr. McAdams was noncommittal but had no other design he mentioned as an alternative. Commr. Cobos still seemed resistant to PCM, expressing concerns about affiliate market abuse (generator-REP affiliates are advantaged over non-generator REPs because of the financial benefit of the credits) and the cost to REPs and the market. Commr. Glotfelty was also noncommittal but echoed concerns about affiliate abuses.
A HillCo Report covering the meeting follows.