Former ERCOT Independent Market Monitor Carrie Bivens has been named vice president of SPP’s Market Monitoring Unit, replacing her predecessor after he took an executive position with the Texas grid operator.
SPP said it selected Bivens after a national search, saying her “extensive” experience as a market monitor and 14 years in leadership positions at ERCOT “set her apart among many highly qualified applicants.” Her tenure begins Dec. 2.
Bivens replaces Keith Collins, who left the MMU in May to take a position as ERCOT’s vice president of commercial operations. (See SPP Monitor Collins Joins ERCOT as VP of Market Ops.)
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to work for such a great organization in such a meaningful role,” Bivens told RTO Insider. “I look forward to building upon the solid foundation that Keith has laid at the MMU. With Keith, ERCOT is in good hands, and I now have big shoes to fill at SPP.”
Director Ray Hepper — chair of SPP’s Oversight Committee, which ensures the MMU’s independence — said the organization is “incredibly excited” about Bivens’ arrival.
“Her experience speaks for itself,” Hepper said in a statement. “She has detailed knowledge of electricity markets, especially as they impact RTOs. She’s carved a progressive career path, demonstrating leadership skills throughout. The SPP MMU will continue to provide an invaluable service to the region and grow under her guidance.”
Bivens previously served as the ERCOT IMM for more than three years before resigning in 2023. Among her last actions was defending an IMM report that said the grid operator’s newest ancillary service “likely” raised the real-time market’s energy value by at least $8 billion. (See Bivens Resigns as ERCOT’s Market Monitor.)
After leaving the IMM, Bivens joined NextEra Energy Resources as its executive director for regulatory and political affairs. She was responsible for oversight of policy and advocacy in ERCOT and at the Texas Public Utility Commission.
Bivens has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston.
