Although quite technical in nature, the change has the potential to curb any instances of very high wholesale power prices in Texas this summer. High wholesale prices indirectly can affect the retail cost of power for homes and businesses.
Cobos has over 17 years of broad experience in the Texas electric power industry in both the public and private sector.
Along with the release of its new reports this week, ERCOT also announced plans to visit selected power plants to review their summer weatherization plans. While ERCOT has visited plants in the past to check for winter weatherization, this is the first time officials will visit plants for summer weatherization, according to ERCOT.
The ERCOT board authorized Mr. Jones’ interim appointment during an April 27 emergency board meeting. He will take the reins May 4.
The new data comes just as Texas lawmakers and the PUC grapple with energy market reforms.
All else equal, a higher reserve margin should mean less likelihood of certain kinds of reliability problems, as well as lower wholesale prices.