This was the most disturbing part for me: > D’Andrea’s views carry more weight than usual because he speaks for the entire three-member utility commission foll

This was the most disturbing part for me: > D’Andrea’s views carry more weight than usual because he speaks for the entire three-member utility commission following the resignations of chairman DeAnn Walker and commissioner Shelly Botkin in the wake of the crisis. Both were also appointed by Abbott. > D’Andrea indicated that he expects to remain the sole regulator over the electric markets for the foreseeable future. He said he doesn’t think Abbott is interested in appointing new commissioners during the legislative session, when appointees would have to be confirmed by lawmakers. “I went from being on a very hot seat to having one of the safest jobs in Texas,” D’Andrea said. “I think it’s just going to be me for a while.” > Given the focus on the PUC and its oversight of the market, new appointments would likely be “a big slog of a fight,” he said. Instead, he believes Abbott will wait at least until the end of the regular session in May before nominating anyone. “I think they probably enjoy having just one person up there because they can secure promises from me and I can’t say, ‘Oh, well, my fellow commissioners wouldn’t go along.’ It’s easier for everyone, actually. At a time like this when I’m communicating all the time with the Legislature, it’s easier to just be going through one person.”