Are new changes proposed for ERCOT’s independent oversight body routine clarifications or censorship?

Beth Garza, who was IMM director from 2014 to 2019, said she didn’t find the changes to be substantial. Notifying the PUCT before speaking publicly was standard practice while she was the IMM director, even if not explicitly stated in her contract, she said.

Additionally, earlier contracts said the director can be replaced if their performance is deemed inadequate in the PUCT’s sole judgment, though it is not clear whether this referred to the PUCT executive director or the full five-member commission.

The PUCT’s executive director manages the agency’s staff and daily operations. The five commissioners are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate for six-year terms, voting on utility rules and regulations at public meetings. 

The new language specifying that the PUCT’s executive director has the authority on their own to replace the market monitor director is a helpful clarification, Garza said.