The CEO of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation has resigned after being arrested this month on a domestic violence charge involving his wife.
NERC, which was designated by Congress as the nation’s electric reliability organization, announced Gerry Cauley’s resignation in a statement Monday.
Charles Berardesco, NERC’s general counsel, will remain acting CEO until the power reliability group finds a permanent replacement. The board had already placed Cauley on a leave of absence following his arrest on Nov. 10 at his home outside Atlanta.
“NERC has a talented staff and an experienced leadership team that is well-equipped to continue the forward momentum on key initiatives. I am confident we will continue to meet milestones and expectations going forward,” said board Chairman Roy Thilly. “NERC remains committed to maintaining the reliability and resilience of the bulk power system.”
Cauley was charged with “battery-family violence” and released later that day on a $2,400 bond.
NERC is the nation’s electric reliability watchdog, overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and charged with developing enforceable standards for the utility industry that cover everything from tree cutting to ensure uninterrupted electricity flows to guarding against physical and cyber attacks.
Cauley was NERC’s chief executive for nearly eight years.
