Texas Utility Commission Chair Resigns in Wake of Blackouts

(Bloomberg) -- Texas Public Utility Commission Chair DeAnn T. Walker resigned from her position as the fallout from the state's energy crisis continues to spread.

Walker's resignation comes after Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick on Monday called for her ouster, saying she had failed to adequately prepare for the grid emergency that left more than 4 million in the dark and dozens dead during an historic winter storm. Walker last week drew the ire of Texas lawmakers when she repeatedly disavowed any responsibility for the disaster.

The high-profile departure follows the resignation of seven board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages most of the state's grid, including its chair and vice chair.

In her resignation letter, Walker laid blame for the crisis on many others, from gas producers and electric generators to the legislature itself.

“I believe others should come forward in dignity and courage and acknowledge how their actions or inactions contributed to the situation,” she wrote. “Despite the treatment I received from some legislators, I am proud that I spoke the truth.”

Patrick also called for the resignation of Bill Magness, chief executive officer of the grid operator known as Ercot. In response, an Ercot spokesperson said in a statement: “Our corporate secretary will be working with the current, remaining members to consider this request.”

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