Brad Jones, the former CEO and president of ERCOT, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, according to the state’s electricity grid manager. Jones had retired from ERCOT in 2018, but from May 4, 2021, to November 1, 2022, he was back at the firm serving as the acting President and CEO. Jones intervened during that period to handle the aftermath of the winter storm that impacted numerous Texans around the state.
During days in February 2021, the devastating winter storm left Texans without power and in the cold. 246 deaths were confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The victims, who came from 77 different counties in Texas, ranged in age from under a year old to 102 years old.
Prior to that, from April 1, 2013, to October 10, 2015, Jones was the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ERCOT.
The business released a statement saying, “No words can express our gratitude for the opportunity to have known and worked with him, and our sadness for his passing.” “Brad was a leader, a friend, a coworker, and a very kind individual. Numerous coworkers in the sector and ERCOT personnel had their lives and careers impacted by him. We shall really miss him.
In recognition of Jones’ legacy, Texas Tech University has established a scholarship. Junior engineering students at Texas Tech University are awarded the Brad Jones Engineering Scholarship to assist with their senior year expenses.
Jones studied mechanical engineering at Texas Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. He completed his Master of Business Administration studies at the University of Texas at Arlington.