Enforcement

In this section, you will find information about violations and enforcement of North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Protocols and Operating Guides, including information on sanctions and penalties; mitigation plans; and settlement procedures.

Texas Reliability Entity, Inc. (Texas RE) is authorized by NERC to enforce compliance with NERC Reliability Standards within the geographic boundaries of the ERCOT region.

Possible NERC standard violations may be identified by the entity itself by self-reports, exception reports, or as part of a self-certification or periodic data submission. NERC standard violations may also be discovered by Texas RE during an audit or spot check, or during the course of a compliance violation investigation. Others may report a NERC standard violation through an incident report.

In addition, Texas RE has been authorized by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and is permitted by NERC to investigate compliance with the ERCOT Protocols and Operating Guides, working with PUCT staff regarding any potential protocol violations.

Possible violations of the ERCOT Protocols and/or Operating Guides may be reported by the entity itself during a self-certification or periodic data submission; discovered by Texas RE during an audit or investigation; or reported through a complaint.

Texas RE validates all alleged violations of NERC standards and/or ERCOT Protocols and Operating Guides. Texas RE conducts an internal, independent review of the evidence before deciding on a course of action.