Batch Zero Reaches Major Milestone, Receiving ERCOT Board Approval

ERCOT's large load interconnection process reached a major milestone this month with Board approval of PGRR145 and NPRR1325, formally establishing the Batch Zero Study Process framework.

At the May 20 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting, ERCOT presented the proposal incorporating stakeholder feedback received through May 18. It received unanimous TAC approval, with one abstention, before advancing to the ERCOT Board. On June 1-2, the Board unanimously approved the final Batch Zero framework under PGRR145 and NPRR1325 with an effective date of July 10, 2026. The final step in the approval process is consideration by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).

Model Requirements

Large Electronic Loads (LELs) that previously submitted Composite Load Models (CMLDs) will need to transition to EPRI's PERC1 format. Developers should also confirm that submitted Dynamics Working Group (DWG) surveys remain aligned with current project designs and operating assumptions.

New Project Pathways: CLR and WLPUN

The Batch Zero framework introduces two important classifications for large load projects.

• Controllable Load Resources (CLRs): Projects may register as a CLR or Provisional CLR (PCLR), allowing ERCOT to curtail load in real time based on system conditions. Loads registered as either CLRs or PCLRs will receive their full MW allocation within the Batch study process.
• Withdrawal-Limited Private Use Networks (WLPUN): Projects registering as a WLPUN will receive an annual MW allocation representing the incremental load that may be served from the grid in addition to load supported by on-site generation. To qualify, the associated generation application must be submitted to and approved by ERCOT by July 10, 2026, and the generation must not have already met the requirements of Protocol Section 6.9 for inclusion in ERCOT planning models.

What Developers Should Be Doing Now

With the July deadlines approaching, developers should be focused on:

• Confirming load study status with their TSP
• Verifying all required models and surveys are complete and ready for submission
• Reviewing existing CMLD models for PERC1 conversion needs
• Evaluating whether CLR/PCLR or WLPUN registration aligns best with project objectives
• Verifying any associated generation applications are progressing on schedule

With several key deadlines approaching, developers should verify their studies, models, surveys, and registration strategies remain aligned with the new requirements under PGRR145 and NPRR1325. To find out how EPE can support you with PERC1 model updates, DWG survey revisions, Batch Zero readiness reviews, and strategic evaluations of PCLR and WLPUN participation options, contact our team using the form below.