Large Load Developments

ERCOT and NERC continue to characterize how interconnection and operation of large computational loads affect grid reliability and address impacts. Sudden disconnection of large computational loads from the grid due to transmission disturbances has the potential to create stability issues; a potential risk that increases as more facilities are added. The largest such event to date occurred July 22, 2026, with a disconnection of approximately 3,800 MW of Virginia data centers following a 230 kV transmission fault. Afterwards, voltage and frequency excursions were observed across the Eastern Interconnection, even though the grid operator restored system balance within nine minutes and avoided broader reliability impacts.

An event of this magnitude might have more serious repercussions in the Texas Interconnection. A recent ERCOT stability study suggests that groups of large loads already approved for energization by July 1, 2026 lack ride-through capability. These loads could create significant frequency stability issues if over 3,200 MW disconnected after certain transmission faults. ERCOT has suggested that operational mitigation strategies limiting large load operation may be necessary in the future. To date, these facilities have not been built out to their approved capacity. ERCOT now has strict “ride-through” requirements in NOGRR282 for future large load additions.

NERC’s stakeholder Large Loads Working Group (LLWG) was drafting a large-load disturbance-performance white paper at the time of the Virgina disturbance; the group accelerated its posting and received public comments in August. On August 19, NERC posted proposed registry criteria for large computational load owners and operators along with three draft standards in Project 2026-02, out for comments until September 18. NERC aims to file standards that address core, process-related items by year-end to meet FERC’s July orders. Additionally, LLWG posted its Computational Loads Standard Authorization Request Roadmap last month for multiyear Standards development covering more complex, emerging issues. LLWG kicked this off by posting a draft Standards Authorization Request to Address Computational Load Disturbance Performance, out for comments until September 24, and added three additional roadmap SAR’s to its workplan.