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Connecting a large load to ERCOT

Loads of 75 MW or more now go through batch studies, posted security and a final approval to energize.

Updated November 8, 2026. Facts are dated to their source.

Who it applies to

ERCOT's large load rules cover loads of 75 MW or more at a single site.[1] The threshold comes from Senate Bill 6, which tells the PUCT to set it at 75 MW unless it chooses a lower one.[8] Loads from 25 MW to under 75 MW continue through their utility's process.[10]

The old process

PGRR115, approved by the PUCT on May 15, 2025, created the Large Load Interconnection Study (LLIS) in Planning Guide Section 9: a study of each load's reliability impact, run with the interconnecting transmission provider and reviewed by ERCOT.[2]

ERCOT later described that path as one study per project: the developer submits to the transmission provider, the study runs, initial approval follows, then construction and energization. New projects could invalidate earlier results and force restudies, and ERCOT cited a backlog of more than 200 GW.[3] The individual LLIS process ended at the end of July 10, 2026.[4]

Batch studies

Since July 11, 2026, large loads are studied together. Batch Zero (PGRR145 and NPRR1325) is a one-time, system-wide study of the loads already waiting, and ERCOT has described recurring batches after it.[4][3] In September 2026 ERCOT conditionally classified 204 projects (66.4 GW) as base load and 158 projects (127.9 GW) as studied load.[5] See Batch Zero, explained.

Security and site control

The PUCT adopted the large load interconnection standards, 16 TAC §25.194, on September 18, 2026.[6] The Texas Register lists the rule as effective October 8, 2026.[7] Its money terms, as summarized by White & Case:[1]

  • $50,000 per MW of requested peak demand, posted before the interconnection study.
  • At the interconnection agreement, the greater of $50,000 per MW of contracted peak demand or the allocated cost of transmission upgrades.
  • 20% of that security returned at initial energization, the rest released in 20% steps as milestones are met.
  • 20% forfeited by a customer that withdraws after ERCOT allocates capacity.
  • If the load is not energized within 24 months of its schedule, the security is applied to amounts owed and the rest refunded.

Senate Bill 6 also requires a flat study fee of at least $100,000 and proof of site control through ownership, a lease or a similar arrangement.[8] Under §25.194(j)(2), information that cannot be verified with supporting documents can be treated like false information: posted security may be deemed forfeited and allocated capacity reallocated.[6][9]

Approval to energize

Approval to energize is ERCOT's last step before a load can draw power. Since August 2026 ERCOT has paused it for new data centers and crypto mining facilities of 75 MW or more, pending the Batch Zero verification, audit and community impact review; other large loads can still be approved.[5][10] ERCOT will file its verification report with the PUCT by December 10, 2026.[5]

For what this means for dates, see How long until power arrives.

The record

16 of 46 first stated Texas power dates held. Every date, graded.

Building in Texas? Send the site, the megawatts and the date you were given. contact@pallara.xyz

Sources

  1. PUCT sets financial commitments for data center interconnection; Governor pauses permits. White & Case, Sep 25, 2026.
  2. PGRR115 issue page, Interconnection Requirements for Large Loads. ERCOT, accessed Nov 8, 2026.
  3. Large Load Interconnection Process Update, Board item 12. ERCOT, Feb 10, 2026.
  4. Market Notice M-B062326-01, PGRR145 and NPRR1325 approval. ERCOT, Jun 23, 2026.
  5. Batch Zero Update, Board of Directors item 14. ERCOT, Sep 14, 2026.
  6. Order adopting 16 TAC §25.194, Project 58481, Item 218. Public Utility Commission of Texas, Sep 18, 2026.
  7. Texas Register, adopted rules, 51 TexReg 6875. Texas Secretary of State, Oct 2, 2026.
  8. Senate Bill 6, enrolled text, 89th Legislature. Texas Legislature, 2025.
  9. Documentation and financial security under §25.194. Pallara Research, Oct 10, 2026.
  10. Batch Zero Verification and Audit, presentation to the PUCT. ERCOT, Aug 20, 2026.

Pallara represents no applicant and takes no position on any project. Decision support, not legal advice. Corrections: contact@pallara.xyz.

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