Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program

In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed Texas Senate Bill 936 (S.B. 936), which amended the Texas Utilities Code to provide for a cybersecurity monitor for certain electric utilities.  Following S.B. 936, Section 39.1516 of the Texas Utilities Code provides that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and ERCOT contract with an entity to act as the PUCT’s cybersecurity monitor. The cybersecurity monitor is tasked with managing a cybersecurity outreach program, communicating emerging threats and best business practices, reviewing cybersecurity self-assessments, researching and developing best business practices for cybersecurity, and reporting to the PUCT on cybersecurity preparedness for "monitored utilities" (Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program). In addition to monitored utilities, an electric utility, municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative operating solely outside the ERCOT region (non-ERCOT utility) may elect to participate in the Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program.

The fee for a non-ERCOT utility to participate in the Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program for the 2026 calendar year is $4,150.10.  The fee for a non-ERCOT utility to participate in the Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program for the 2027 calendar year is $4,061.60.

Registration

In order for a non-ERCOT utility to participate in the Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program, the non-ERCOT utility must:

• File a notice of intent to participate in the Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program with the PUCT in Project No. 49819.  A separate notice of intent to participate must be filed for each program (calendar) year in which the non-ERCOT utility wishes to participate in the program;
  
• Complete and submit the Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program Application and Agreement for the applicable program year, as provided below;
• Pay ERCOT the non-refundable fee; and
• Review 16 Texas Administrative Code § 25.367, which establishes the requirements for the Texas Cybersecurity Monitor Program, for the cybersecurity monitor, and for participants in the program.