PUCT approves ERCOT Batch Zero for large electricity users

ERCOT has announced PUCT approval of its “Batch Zero” process to group and study large electricity user interconnection requests to protect Texas grid reliability.

• Main announcement: ERCOT’s Batch Zero framework will group qualified large projects of 75 megawatts (MW) and greater into a single study to assess aggregate future demand; ERCOT is tracking more than 438,000 MW of large load requests (about 89% from data centers). Notifications of project classification to Batch Zero applicants are expected in August 2026, and a final transmission plan for the batch is expected in Fall 2027.
• Background and approvals: The framework was developed via a stakeholder-driven process (200+ hours of discussion, ~500 participants per workshop, ~200 survey responses, >290 written comments) and was approved by PRS, ROS, TAC, the ERCOT Board of Directors, and subsequently the PUCT; Batch 1 applications are expected to open Summer 2027. The framework includes pathways for onsite self-generation, curtailment agreements, and treatment of truly islanded facilities.