Texas PUC Chair Submits Resignation (Effective Upon Appointment Of Successor), After Request From Gov. Abbott

Texas PUC Chair Arthur D'Andrea has submitted his resignation from the PUC, effective immediately upon the appointment of his successor.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had requested the resignation

"Tonight, I asked for and accepted the resignation of PUC Commissioner Arthur D’Andrea. I will be naming a replacement in the coming days who will have the responsibility of charting a new and fresh course for the agency. Texans deserve to have trust and confidence in the Public Utility Commission, and this action is one of many steps that will be taken to achieve that goal," Abbott said.

D'Andrea's resignation comes after Texas Monthly published audio of a March 9 call hosted by Bank of America Securities in which D'Andrea discussed with investors various issues arising from the ERCOT weather event

In such call, D’Andrea, in discussing efforts to re-price the ERCOT market, had stated, "I apologize for the uncertainty." D’Andrea on such call also said that he would put, "the weight of the Commission", against efforts to re-price the market

As published by Texas Monthly, PUC spokesman Andrew Barlow said that the call was part of regularly scheduled discussions between Commissioners, "with constituent groups across the spectrum who are interested in myriad issues." Per Texas Monthly, Barlow stressed that D’Andrea did not reveal confidential information or make comments that he hasn’t said publicly or in recent testimony before the Legislature.