What is ERCOT?
Managing Texas's Power Grid
ERCOT: Texas Power Grid Management and Operations
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) serves as the independent system operator managing the flow of electric power to over 26 million Texas customers, covering 90% of the state’s electric load. Operating under the oversight of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), ERCOT coordinates more than 46,500 miles of transmission lines and 710+ generation units.
The PUCT regulates ERCOT’s operations, establishes market rules, approves transmission projects, and ensures consumer protection. While ERCOT handles day-to-day grid operations and market facilitation, the PUCT sets the regulatory framework, reviews ERCOT’s performance, and enforces compliance with state laws. This dual structure maintains checks and balances in Texas’s unique standalone electric grid system.
ERCOT manages the wholesale electricity market, schedules power delivery, and ensures grid reliability, while the PUCT oversees competitive retail markets, approves rate changes, and investigates market violations. Together, they maintain Texas’s energy independence while working to provide reliable and affordable electricity to consumers.
ERCOT Board Meetings and Public Engagement
ERCOT: Texas Power Grid Management and Operations
ERCOT conducts regular board meetings that are open to the public. These meetings address:
- Grid performance reports
- Market operations updates
- Infrastructure planning
- Emergency preparedness
- Budget approvals
Meeting Schedule and Participation
Board meetings typically occur monthly, with additional special meetings as needed. The public can:
- Attend meetings in person
- Watch live webcasts
- Access meeting materials online
- Submit public comments
Watch all ERCOT meetings at Gridmonitor.com
Sign Up today
Grid Management Technologies
ERCOT employs sophisticated technologies to maintain grid reliability and optimize power distribution:
Real-time Monitoring and Control Systems
- Energy Management System (EMS) for 24/7 grid status monitoring
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
- Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for consumption tracking
- Synchrophasor measurement units for grid stability assessment
- Outage management systems for rapid response
Weather Integration and Forecasting
- High-resolution weather modeling systems
- Renewable energy production forecasting
- Load forecasting algorithms incorporating weather data
- Extreme weather event prediction and response systems
- Strategic reserve management based on weather patterns
Demand Response Technologies
- Automated Load Management (ALM) systems
- Smart meter integration for real-time consumption data
- Emergency Response Service (ERS) platforms
- Price signal automation for peak demand management
- Load resource participation systems
Renewable Energy Integration
- Wind and solar generation forecasting tools
- Battery storage management systems
- Grid frequency regulation technology
- Distributed energy resource (DER) management platforms
- Virtual power plant coordination systems
Cybersecurity Infrastructure
- Advanced firewalls and intrusion detection
- Real-time threat monitoring
- Secure data communication protocols
- Redundant control systems
- Regular penetration testing and security audits
Contact Information:
https://www.ERCOT.com
ERCOT Main Office: 7620
Metro Center Drive Austin, Texas 78744
Phone: (512) 248-3000
