AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made this statement today after issuing an interim charge to the Senate Business and Commerce Committee to examine the 2018 electric reliability forecasts announced by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The Senate Business and Commerce Committee is chaired by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills:

“Texas is a proud leader in energy independence and reliability. I am confident Sen. Hancock and the Senate Business and Commerce Committee will continue to ensure our state has reliable energy resources.”

Specifically, Lt. Gov. Patrick charged the committee to examine the 2018 electric reliability forecasts announced by ERCOT and review how expected diminished reserve markets will impact the rates of residential and business consumers. He also asked them to monitor current mechanisms available to ERCOT to ensure grid reliability, identify trends in the wholesale electric market and make recommendations to maintain grid reliability moving forward.