Texas electric grid operator execs resign

HOUSTON: Top directors of Texas’ electric grid operator, which faced sharp criticism after a massive failure of the state power system left millions without light, heat and water last week, resigned yesterday.

The board chairman, vicechairman, three directors and a board nominee of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot), all of whom live outside Texas, resigned effective today, according to a notice to the state Public Utility Commission.

The resignations were disclosed the same day Ercot was hit with a proposed class action lawsuit in a Texas court by customers who claim they lost power and drinkable water because of its failure to ensure the grid could function properly despite the bad weather.

There have been dozens of deaths linked to the severe cold and the state has launched investigations into what caused power generators and electrical transmission systems to shut.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state’s investigation would ‘‘uncover the full picture of what went wrong’’ and ensure it was not repeated.

Texas office director of consumer advocacy group Public Citizen Adrian Shelley said changes at Ercot must go further.

‘‘Ultimately, lawmakers are responsible for not having created a system in which more reliable energy was available.’’ — Reuters