As ERCOT continues to grapple with unprecedented large load growth, a major shift is underway in how Large Load Interconnection (LLI) requests will be studied. During recent Large Load Working Group (LLWG) discussions, ERCOT outlined a proposed Batch Study framework intended to replace today’s largely individualized study approach.
The Batch Study framework creates a new Large Load Interconnection Study (LLIS) process and establishes that large loads must be included in ERCOT’s stability and reliability assessments prior to energization. While this framework is still preliminary, it signals a meaningful evolution in ERCOT’s interconnection process and is expected to shape how large load projects progress through studies, agreements, and ultimately energization.
During the February 6th PUCT meeting, ERCOT provided an update on their proposed batch study framework and feedback received from the February 3rd workshop. ERCOT requested a Good Cause Exception to allow them to move forward with their Batch 0-A and 0-B studies as outlined. The PUCT denied this request, stating that while changes to the process are needed quickly, they must be made correctly and through the stakeholder process. ERCOT was directed to revise their proposed batch process and have a final process ready for approval at the June Board meeting.
In the meantime, the current PGRR115 process remains in effect as ERCOT returns to the drawing board to draft a new Batch study process.
Why ERCOT is Moving to Batch Studies
At the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Open Meetings, ERCOT highlighted growing challenges with the current one-off LLI study process. As more large load requests enter the queue, assumptions used in earlier studies can quickly become outdated as neighboring projects reach “must study” milestones. This has driven repeated restudies, added uncertainty for developers, and slowed overall interconnection timelines.
The proposed Batch Study framework is designed to address these issues by:
- Studying groups of large load projects together using common assumptions
- Improving transparency around transmission limits and upgrade needs
- Reducing restudy risk as projects progress in parallel
ERCOT is actively engaging stakeholders and plans to present a refined framework to the PUCT at its February 20, 2026, Open Meeting.
High-Level Overview of the Proposed Batch Study Process
Under the hypothetical Batch Study process presented by ERCOT, large load requests would be grouped into defined batches aligned with ERCOT planning forecasts and case-building cycles. Each batch would follow a structured sequence, with ERCOT performing a batch-level transmission security analysis to identify system limits, MW allocations, and required transmission upgrades.
ERCOT’s illustrative timeline assumes roughly six months per batch, though ERCOT has noted that timelines may evolve as the process is refined.
Transitional “Batch Zero” for Projects Already in the Queue
Recognizing that many large load projects are already well advanced, ERCOT is also considering a Transitional Batch Zero process.
The purpose of Batch Zero is to provide a comprehensive transmission evaluation for LLI requests currently in the interconnection process, while bridging the gap before the full Batch Study rules are finalized.
ERCOT is evaluating a two-phase approach:
- Batch Zero A, supporting projects targeting earlier energization and entry into the Quarterly Stability Assessment (QSA) in early 2027
- Batch Zero B, supporting additional projects with QSA entry later in 2027
ERCOT noted that some projects may need to proceed to QSA before Batch Zero studies are fully complete, and that final Batch Study entry criteria are not expected to be established until mid-2026.
Key Considerations Still Under Discussion
ERCOT emphasized that many design parameters remain under active development, including:
- Criteria and deadlines for inclusion in Batch Zero and future batches
- Allocation of MWs when transmission constraints are identified
- Treatment of co-located generation and committed controllable load resources
- Alignment with The Regional Transmission Plan (RTP) and Regional Planning Group (RPG) processes
- Codification of the Batch Study framework in the Protocols and Planning Guide
ERCOT expects to continue refining these elements through upcoming workshops before filing formal revisions.
What This Means for Large Load Developers
While preliminary, the Batch Study framework represents a clear signal that early coordination, POI readiness, and agreement milestones will become even more critical for large load projects in ERCOT. Developers should expect a more structured, milestone-driven process with greater emphasis on batch timing and system-wide impacts.
At EPE, we are closely tracking ERCOT’s Batch Study discussions, workshops, and forthcoming filings. As ERCOT finalizes this framework, we will continue to share updates and practical insights in future Watt’s Current articles. If you have questions about how the proposed Batch Study process could affect your project, or need guidance on how to prepare for upcoming milestones, reach out to our team using the form below.
