PUC Chair Peter Lake has resigned from the helm of Texas’ energy regulatory agency, according to a news release from Gov. Greg Abbott.
Abbott accepted Lake’s resignation on June 2, but did not share why he resigned. Lake will continue to serve as one of five PUC commissioners until July 1.
His replacement will be announced in the coming days, the release said.
Lake previously led the Texas Water Development Board. He took over as head of the PUC in April 2021, after former commissioners resigned in the wake of Winter Storm Uri. During his term, Lake has collaborated with lawmakers and other state leaders to strengthen the state power grid against severe weather and other threats.
In an emailed statement, Lake called the grid “more reliable than ever.”
“Together we’ve overcome sometimes seemingly insurmountable challenges and delivered on our promise to Texans that we’d keep the lights on,” Lake wrote. “While there are challenges ahead, I know the PUCT is well positioned to continue the incredible progress we’ve made.”
No Texans lost power due to the grid during recent periods of extremely cold and hot weather, which officials have credited to the weatherization of generation facilities, increased communication with fellow state agencies and other reforms.
Regardless, energy regulators have faced consistent backlash and skepticism from Texans in the two years since the devastating winter storm.
This summer, demand for electricity will exceed the available amount of on-demand dispatchable power, which comes from natural gas, coal and nuclear sources. As a result, Texas will need to rely on renewable energy sources, such as the wind and sun, to keep the lights on, Lake said at a May 3 news conference.
The PUC and Electric Reliability Council of Texas are implementing continued reforms under the direction of the Texas Legislature.
“Peter Lake is a true public servant who stepped up during a critical time in our state to help rebuild not only the PUC, but Texans’ trust in those charged with providing reliable power,” Abbott said in the release. “... I thank Lake for his service to Texas, and his tireless work to secure and strengthen our state’s power grid.”
