PUConnecT-July-2025

July 2025 | Volume 24

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ONNEC T PUC PUCONNEC T Public Utility Commission of Texas

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 89th Texas Legislature Provides PUCT with Additional Resources Major Milestone: PUCT Executes First Texas Energy Fund Loan Agreement

PUCT In The Media

ETHICS AND FRAUD, WASTE, ABUSE REQUIRED TRAINING DUE JULY 31 The PUCT is committed to ethical standards so we can serve Texans with accountability. To help us all better understand our responsibilities regarding Ethics and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, our Agency Counsel and Internal Audit departments are teaming up with Learning and Development to bring you a required training this month— due on July 31!

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OUT AND ABOUT (AND A COUPLE OF CONGRATS TO BOOT)…

Where we share your latest milestones and cheer-worthy activities…

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Message from Connie Corona, Executive Director

CULTURE OF LEARNING: LEARNING MORE ABOUT PUCT-REGULATED INDUSTRIES Learning and Development always strives to bring training directly to you that helps you understand your job better. In your 2025 Learning and Development survey responses, you told us you want to learn LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS more about the industries the PUCT INVESTING IN YOU regulates.

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Public Utility Commission of Texas

CONNIE’S CORNER It May Be Summer, But There’s a Lot to Do… While summer has officially started, you wouldn’t know it by looking at my desk—this is always one of the busiest times of the year for the PUCT. Now that the dust has settled on the 89th Texas Legislative Session, there are important priorities and areas of focus that are keeping all of us busy these days.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s going on: Legislative Implementation: The regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature concluded on June 2 and the governor’s veto period ended on June 22. You can read more of the details about the legislative session on page 4. Our focus now turns to implementing the bills that were passed.

Our Rules and Projects Division has been working with teams to craft the implementation plan the agency will follow.

Texas Energy Fund (TEF): This session, the Legislature appropriated, and Gov. Abbott signed into law, an additional $5 billion to fund the four TEF programs. The PUCT’s approved budget also includes additional staff to implement the programs. Work continues in earnest on each of the four programs. Late last month, I signed the first loan agreement on behalf of the Commission for the In-ERCOT Loan Program. You can read more about that on page 2.

Case Management System: The Legislature also appropriated money during the next biennium to fund a case management system. This system will improve the agency’s data collection and contested case processes, fulfilling a Sunset Commission recommendation from the 88th Texas Legislative Session. The agency will receive more than $3.95 million, including six new full-time employees, to create this system.

As always, thanks for the hard work you do every day on behalf of Texans across our great state.

Connie

SAVE THE DATES: JULY 2025 Keep an eye out for the following events and things to remember in July.

July 4 (all day): Happy Independence Day! The PUCT will be closed in observance of the holiday.

July 8 (3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Virtual on Teams): Join us on Tuesday, July 8, for the first Lead@PUC Agency-wide Leadership Development Training Session, led by executive leadership. Virtual and open to the entire agency— click here to enroll.

July 11: Save the Date for a Fun Friday lunchtime activity! (stay tuned for more details) July 15 (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., In-Person in Hearing Room B, 7th Floor) or July 17 (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., InPerson in Hearing Room B, 7th Floor): Calling all PUCT Managers! Join us on either Tuesday, July 15, or Thursday, July 17, for a MGMT@PUC Seminar on Social Media. Attendance at one seminar is mandatory for all PUCT managers—choose the day and time that best fits your schedule. Click here to enroll.

July 15 (2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., Barksdale’s office, Room 7-194A): Join us for the next installation of GTKExecs@PUC—Brownies with Barksdale on Tuesday, July 15! Click here to save your spot.

July 17 (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Hybrid: Virtual on Teams and In-Person in Hearing Room B, 7th Floor): Join the PUCT Book Club on Thursday, July 17, to discuss Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes by Jessica Pan. The club meets quarterly(-ish); books and dates are chosen by popular vote. Click here to attend virtually. Please contact Lauren Callahan with questions, including to get updates by email. (Please note the time and location change this month. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you haven’t read the book!)

July 17 (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., In-Person in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room): Join us on Thursday, July 17, for a potluck lunch to celebrate the PUCT’s 50th Birthday! Wear your craziest (work appropriate) 70s outfit and come ready to party! Sign up to bring food.

July 31 (all day): DEADLINE to complete Agency Counsel and Internal Audit’s FY 2025 Required Training on Ethics and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. All PUCT staff must complete this training. Click here to get started.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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MAJOR MILESTONE: PUCT EXECUTES FIRST TEXAS ENERGY FUND LOAN AGREEMENT In June, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the PUCT executed the first Texas Energy Fund loan agreement with Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) to fund the construction of a 122 megawatt (MW) natural gas power plant 75 miles outside of Houston.

The facility, Rock Island Generation Project, will provide reliable, on-demand power generation near one of the ERCOT region’s largest electricity demand centers. The power plant is expected to interconnect by June 1, 2027.

Representatives from the PUCT and KPUB gathered in the Commissioners Hearing Room on June 25 for a signing ceremony.

“The goal of the Texas Energy Fund has always been clear: secure reliable, affordable power that will serve the state for decades to come. Today, we achieved a major milestone in that effort and are one step closer to bringing new power online,” PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson said. “This new facility will benefit every Texan by helping us ensure continued electric reliability and support Texas’ incredible economic growth.”

THE PUCONNECTIONNAIRE Richard Saldaña, Consumer Protection Division Where did you grow up? Down the street—Montopolis neighborhood, Austin.

As a kid, what did you most want to be when you grew up? A Texas State Trooper.

Where would you most like to visit that you’ve never been? Nashville, Tennessee.

What is your greatest pet peeve? High Fence Hunting.

What do you most value in your friends? Trust.

What is your most treasured possession? I actually have two—my Gulf Coast Bay Boat and 1996 Chevrolet 2500 4x4 (aka The Green Machine).

What talent would you most like to have? Play the guitar.

What is your greatest extravagance? My Bay Boat.

What is your greatest happiness? Fishing 100+ miles offshore, not knowing what you just might catch.

What is your greatest fear? Falling off the boat 100+ miles offshore.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My 22 ft. deep x 92 ft. long pole barn I welded myself.

What is your favorite thing about working at the PUCT? When my efforts make a difference, whether it’s helping consumers or supporting my team or division.

Choose five words that best describe you. Trustworthy, Hard worker, Dedicated, Helpful, Prompt.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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ETHICS AND FRAUD, WASTE, ABUSE REQUIRED TRAINING DUE JULY 31 The PUCT is committed to ethical standards so we can serve Texans with accountability. To help us all better understand our responsibilities regarding Ethics and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, our Agency Counsel and Internal Audit departments are teaming up with Learning and Development to bring you a required training this month—due on July 31!

The training is an e-course you can complete within an hour.

Everyone must complete the training. Learning and Development will enroll all PUCT staff in the training, including interns and commissioners.

Click this link to get started now: Ethics and Fraud, Waste, Abuse Awareness Required Training.

A strong ethical foundation is essential for maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust at the PUCT. Reporting suspected fraud, waste, and abuse ensures resources are used responsibly and that integrity remains at the core of operations. By recognizing our ethical responsibilities, we all contribute to a culture where ethical decision-making becomes the norm rather than the exception. Encouraging open communication and safeguarding whistleblowers reinforces that commitment.

To highlight the most important tips to remember, the Agency Counsel and Internal Audit teams have five tips to boost accountability and ethics across the PUCT. 1. Avoid all conflicts of interest and even the appearance of impropriety.

2. Know the rules regarding accepting gifts, food and beverages, and entertainment.

3. Only use state resources for state purposes.

4. Everyone is responsible for reporting suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

5. If you see something or believe something is not right, say something.

Please email Jena.Abel@puc.texas.gov if you have questions about Ethics and email Nicky.Carter@puc.texas.gov if you have questions about Fraud, Waste, Abuse.

WELLNESS 101: OPEN ENROLLMENT OPENS JULY 7!

It’s one of the most important times of the year—open enrollment season! Please double-check your insurance and health benefits selections for FY 2026 and make any changes before July 18. Please click here for more information.

THE PUCT TURNS FIFTY, AND TO CELEBRATE, WE’RE THROWING IT BACK TO THE 70S!

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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89 T H TEXAS LEGISLATURE PROVIDES PUCT WITH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The 89th Texas Legislative Session is in the books! Now that the governor’s veto period is over, PUCT staff have started working on an implementation plan for the newly-passed legislation that will strengthen utility services for all Texans.

By the Numbers By the end of the veto period, Gov. Abbott: Signed 1,155 bills; Vetoed 28 bills; and Signed the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Budget.

Legislative Appropriations Request In line with the agency’s legislative appropriation request for this session, the Commission will receive funding for: The baseline appropriation for the ongoing operations of the agency; A case management system to improve data collection and the agency’s contested case process, fulfilling a Sunset Commission recommendation from the 88th Texas Legislative Session; A refresh of the Power to Choose website, which was last updated in 2015; The second tranche of funding for the Texas Energy Fund and additional full-time employees (FTEs) to implement the programs; and An increase in full-time employees (FTEs) across multiple divisions to support agency workload.

New Legislation The 89th Texas Legislature passed more than 70 bills that will impact the PUCT’s work, including key initiatives in the following areas.

Electricity*: In response to hurricanes and wildfires, a new law directs the PUCT to develop minimum regional design and construction standards for transmission and distribution poles, applying to both new and replacement infrastructure.

Water*: Legislation enhancing the PUCT’s ability to respond to distressed water utilities by allowing more entities to serve as temporary managers and speeding up system improvement charges to fund urgent repairs faster than traditional rate cases.

Enforcement*: A key enforcement tool for the PUCT is the ability to settle matters through informal settlement negotiations. To protect sensitive data in enforcement cases, a new law makes PUCT investigation files explicitly confidential.

Natural Disasters: A new law clarifies standards for pole maintenance and replacement after the Panhandle Wildfires in 2024. The law requires utilities to submit a wildfire mitigation plan, along with pole inspection and management plans, to the PUCT. *Indicates a recommendation from the PUCT’s 2025 Agency Biennial Report.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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OUT AND ABOUT (AND A COUPLE OF CONGRATS TO BOOT)…

The PUCT hosted its first booth at the 2025 Texas Emergency Management Conference in Fort Worth from May 27-30. Staff from CISRM, CPD, DUO, OPE, and Financial Resources staffed the booth and chatted with emergency management and government officials from all over the country. Watch the video here.

Congrats to the 2025 Lead@PUC Cohort, who were recognized at the June 5 Open Meeting. From L to R: Chris Brown, Kelsey Daugherty, Sherryhan Ghanem, Laura Clark, Peter Ajai, Courtney Caro, and Nathalie Barba (not pictured: Rama Singh Rastogi).

In June, staff from across the agency took part in two verbal communication courses as part of the 2025 Effective Communication Series.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the first Book and Puzzle Swap on Friday, June 13!

On June 26, David Berlin, Glen Imes, and Garrett Sharp from the PUCT Legal team expertly led “Witness Preparation for CrossExamination,” an in-person CLE for PUCT attorneys and SMEs that could potentially testify in a contested case.

Congrats to Rate Regulation’s Steven Cole, who recently passed the AUD (auditing and attestation) section (his first) of the four-part CPA exam!

A high five for Brady Cox, who fulfilled a professional career goal from his graduate school days by attending InterPARES Summer School in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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CULTURE OF LEARNING: LEARNING MORE ABOUT PUCT-REGULATED INDUSTRIES WITH JOSEPHINE JUAREZ-DELGADO

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS INVESTING IN YOU

Learning and Development always strives to bring training directly to you that helps you understand your job better. In your 2025 Learning and Development survey responses, you told us you want to learn more about the industries the PUCT regulates.

On June 25, several industry experts from American Electric Power provided an inperson talk about Meter Tampering, Theft, and Identity Protection. The presentation shed light on energy theft concerns and energy distribution and provided high level insights into some of the operational challenges utilities are facing.

While we typically do not record the utility presentations, don’t forget that PUCT staff can access the slide decks of previous utility presentations by visiting Learn@PUC – Utility Presentations E-Courses. And don’t forget to check out the Learn@PUC Calendar, located at the bottom of the landing page, to find other upcoming learning opportunities.

STAFF SHOUTOUTS

PUCT IN THE MEDIA Texas Lawmakers Create Committee to Coordinate Energy Conservation, As Grid Faces Growing Demand

OLIVIA HEMBY

Nicole Williams-Quezada and Dylan McKim, KXAN

AUSTIN — With Texas headed into another summer of record-breaking heat forecasts, state lawmakers took steps to better coordinate billions of dollars in energy conservation programs amid warnings that power demand could outstrip supply as early as 2026.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) recently forecast that the state’s growing demand for power could surpass available energy supply beginning in summer 2026, with demand nearly doubling by 2030 due to population growth, extreme weather and large industrial users including cryptocurrency mines and data centers.

In response, the Legislature passed House Bill 5323, creating the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate state programs that reduce energy waste and improve electric grid reliability.

The new committee will bring together eight state agencies including the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT and the State Comptroller’s office, to coordinate the existing funding for demand reduction programs across different agencies.

[By some estimates], those programs could reduce peak demand by up to 4.5 gigawatts if properly coordinated.

“Ms. Hemby’s experience with, knowledge of, and passion for the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System, combined with her exceptional skills as an instructor, resulted in a superior quality learning experience for all course participants.

“I feel confident that because of successfully completing this course, all class participants understand the duties, responsibilities, importance and capabilities of an effective Incident Command System and possess the knowledge and skills required to be proficient members of an Incident Management Team.”

--Excerpt from a letter from Gregory Klaus, Bastrop County Judge, after Olivia co-taught two incident command system courses in Bastrop County this spring

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!

CONTACT ELLIE BREED FOR STAFF SHOUTOUT: ELLIE.BREED@PUC.TEXAS.GOV

CONTACT LAUREN CALLAHAN FOR FEATURES: LAUREN.CALLAHAN@PUC.TEXAS.GOV

Public Utility Commission of Texas

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