Carrie Bivens worked previously at ERCOT and FERC.
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An energy market veteran and former staffer at both the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has assumed the role of independent monitor of the ERCOT market.
Carrie Bivens, new Independent Market Monitor for ERCOT
Carrie Bivens, currently an employee of Potomac Economics, a Virginia-based consulting firm, will replace outgoing ERCOT Independent Market Monitor Beth Garza. ERCOT is the organization that oversees the state’s primary wholesale energy market and manages its network of high voltage power lines.
“Carrie has long been a highly regarded member of the electric utility community in Texas,” said Public Utility Commission Chairman DeAnn Walker shortly after the PUC announced Ms. Biven’s appointment. “After spending nearly 14 years working at ERCOT, she has a firm footing in the unique characteristics of the electric market in Texas and is highly qualified to serve in this vital role.”
As Independent Market Monitor, Bivens will be charged with identifying potential design flaws in the ERCOT market and with guarding against manipulation by power traders. A 2005 statute established the IMM watchdog position, and Potomac Economics — Ms. Bivens’ employer — recently was re-awarded the IMM contract by the PUC.
Ms. Bivens has served as ERCOT’s Director of Wholesale Operations that oversees the day-ahead market. Previous to her work at ERCOT, she served as a market power analyst at FERC, according to biographical information provided by the PUC. Ms. Bivens grew up in Houston and has a B.B.A. in Operations Management from the University of Houston.