PEC CEO put on state committee to fix electric grid

Pedernales Electric Cooperative CEO Julie C. Parsley will serve on the newly created State Energy Plan Advisory Committee. Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan appointed Parsley and three other committee members. The committee was created during the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021 and is tasked with preparing a state energy plan that will evaluate and make recommendations to improve the reliability, stability, and affordability of electric service in the state. The plan must be delivered to the Legislature by September 1.

“While Texas has a rich history of being at the forefront of the energy industry, Winter Storm Uri underscored issues that need to be addressed to ensure the future of stable and affordable power in Texas,” said Parsley. “I’m honored to serve on this important committee to help address these issues, and I thank Speaker Phelan for the opportunity to make recommendations to the Legislature and Texas Leadership.”

Parsley’s background will provide industry knowledge to the committee, having served as a former commissioner to the Public Utility Commission, President of the Regional State Committee of the Southwest Power Pool and a member of the Texas Energy Planning Council. She is also a founding member of the Association of Women in Energy and has been recognized as a top-rated utility attorney by the Thomson Reuters Texas Super Lawyers, a publication that recognizes no more than 5% of attorneys in the state. Prior to the Public Utility Commission, Parsley served as Texas Solicitor General, the first woman to serve in that role.

In addition to Parsley, committee members appointed by the Speaker of the House include Bill Barnes, Mike Greene, and Wendy King.

“I’m confident that these individuals will bring an invaluable perspective to this new committee and help make thoughtful recommendations to the Legislature,” Speaker Phelan said in his press release announcement. “The Texas House looks forward to learning more about the committee’s recommendations on how to improve our electric service in Texas.”

The 12-member advisory committee is made up of four members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker.

Planning Council. She is also a founding member of the Association of Women in Energy and has been recognized as a top-rated utility attorney by the Thomson Reuters Texas Super Lawyers, a publication that recognizes no more than 5% of attorneys in the state.