Utility Dive•9 days ago
ERCOT’s large load queue jumped almost 300% last year
Key Takeaway
The dramatic increase in ERCOT's large load queue, overwhelmingly driven by data centers, signals both immense opportunity for new generation and transmission development and an urgent need for ERCOT to adapt its interconnection processes to avoid bottlenecks.
AI Summary
- •ERCOT's large load interconnection queue experienced a nearly 300% increase last year, indicating a massive surge in demand for grid capacity.
- •Data centers are the primary driver, accounting for over 70% of the new load, signaling a concentrated and rapidly growing demand segment.
- •ERCOT's existing interconnection and review processes are now 'outgrown,' implying forthcoming policy and procedural changes that will impact developers and large power consumers.
- •This unprecedented demand creates significant opportunities for new generation and transmission projects but also suggests potential for increased interconnection complexity, costs, and delays.
Topics
datacenterercotinterconnectpolicyqueuetransmission