Grid operators across the country are developing policies to manage the influx of large-load consumers, such as data centers. Large load consumers are emerging faster than the grid can be built out to keep pace. To mitigate this influx of demand, grid operators are turning to policy tools as a way to keep it reliable. Texas operates its own independent grid, which is governed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and not subject to FERC jurisdiction. Texas is expected to surpass Virginia for having the most data centers in the country by 2030. To prepare, ERCOT has initiated a series of rules and procedures to ensure efficient access to the grid, a reliable grid, and protections for ratepayers.

Please join JEPIC-USA for a fireside chat with Mr. Agee Springer, Director of Grid Interconnections at ERCOT. Mr. Springer will join moderator Audrey Taucher, an energy policy consultant, for a conversation about ERCOT’s approach to meeting growing electricity demand from data centers.

Agee Springer is the Director of Grid Interconnections at ERCOT. His department is responsible for the reliable integration of generation and large load interconnection requests into the ERCOT System. Prior to assuming this position, Agee served as Manager of Large Load Integration, overseeing the interim interconnection process for large loads such as data centers, developing ERCOT Protocol and Planning Guide revisions to ensure their reliable operation on the ERCOT system, and providing support for ERCOT’s Large Load Working Group (LLWG).

Agee’s previous experience at ERCOT includes developing situational awareness displays for the ERCOT control room, providing real-time engineering support and training for system operators, performing analyses of operational and market data, and leading ERCOT’s Engineer Development Program. He has also served as Manager of Market Operations for RWE Clean Energy. Agee holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Duke University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.