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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.
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
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
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