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ERCOT Sunset Review

 

What is the Sunset Review?

The state of Texas regularly assesses the continued need for its state agencies and the efficiency of each agency’s programs.

Why is ERCOT undergoing review?

State law requires that ERCOT, as the independent organization, be subject to Sunset Review during the same period as the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

What is the status?

ERCOT is currently in Phase 3 of the Sunset Review process. The Texas Legislature considers Sunset's recommendations and makes final decisions. The public may participate in the legislative process.

The Sunset Advisory Commission is reviewing the mission and performance of ERCOT and welcomes public comments on ideas to improve ERCOT operations and services.

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What is the process?

This is a diagram of the Sunset Review process. 

Sunset Staff Evaluation (Completed)

Sunset staff performs extensive research and analysis to evaluate the need for, performance of, and improvements to the agency under review.

Sunset Commission Staff

  • Reviews agency’s self-evaluation report
  • Receives input from interested parties
  • Evaluates agency and identifies problems
  • Develops recommendations
  • Publishes staff report
Public input is confidential.

Sunset Commission Deliberation (Completed)

The Sunset Commission conducts a public hearing to take testimony on the staff report and the agency overall. The Sunset Commission conducts a second meeting to vote on which changes to recommend to the Texas Legislature.

Public Hearings

  • Sunset staff presents its report and recommendations
  • Agency presents its response
  • Sunset Commission hears public testimony and receives written comments
  • Sunset Commission meets again to consider and vote on recommendations
Public input is published on the website.

Legislative Action

The Texas Legislature considers Sunset's recommendations and makes final decisions.

Public Hearings

Texas Legislature

  • Sunset bill on an agency is drafted and filed
  • Sunset bills go through normal legislative process
  • The Senate and the House conduct committee hearings and debate the bill
  • Bill passes or fails adoption
  • Governor signs, vetoes, or allows bill to become law without signature
Public may participate in legislative process.

Frequently Asked Questions

ERCOT is currently in Phase 3 of the Sunset Review process.  The Sunset Advisory Commission will submit Sunset bills that will go through the normal legislative process within the 88th Legislative Session.

Interested parties can find more information on the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission website.

Documents and Helpful Links

Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report with Commission Decisions
This is a PDF of the Sunset Commission Staff Report updated with the Sunset Advisory Commission Decisions published on January 19, 2023.
Executive Summary of Sunset Staff Report
This is a PDF of the Executive Summary of the Sunset Commission Staff Report published on Nov. 17, 2022. The Executive Summary is provided by the Sunset Commission Staff.
Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report
This is a PDF of the corrected Sunset Commission Staff Report published on Nov. 17, 2022 to the Sunset Advisory Commission.
ERCOT’s Self-Evaluation Report
This is a PDF of the Self-Evaluation Report ERCOT submitted Sept. 1, 2021, to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.
Introduction to ERCOT for the Staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission
This presentation was provided by ERCOT to staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission, the PUC, and others involved in the Sunset Review process on April 18, 2022.
Notice Inviting Public Input
ERCOT welcomes public comment on ideas to improve its operations and services. Read the public notice detailing the various ways to provide comments and suggestions to Sunset staff by July 15, 2022.
ERCOT Review page on Texas Sunset Advisory Commission website
View the latest information published on the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission website related to the ERCOT Sunset Review.