As of June 18, 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved rules for the state’s grid operator to process large load interconnection requests, including data centers. [1] The first set of projects to navigate the new process is called “Batch Zero.” The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is tracking over 438 GW of large-load requests, and almost 90% are from data centers. Under the framework, ERCOT will look at batches of projects that are 75 MW or larger in a single study to “assess the full picture of future electricity demand at once.” The grid operator stated that the principles established through the Batch Zero framework will be the basis for an ongoing, comprehensive transformation planning process, which includes provisions for large loads to develop their own generation on-site. The process creates a path to interconnect large load customers that agree to let ERCOT curtail their power use in response to local constraints.

[1] https://www.ercot.com/news/release/06182026-puct-approves-ercots