ERCOT’s Latest Updates: Key Changes for Grid Reliability and Interconnection

ERCOT continues to move forward with market rule changes that directly impact how projects are planned, interconnected, and operated across Texas. From new reporting requirements for large loads to stronger protections against subsynchronous oscillations and higher performance expectations for storage resources, stakeholders face a shifting compliance landscape.  

Understanding these developments early is critical for developers, investors, and operators. Our team tracks these changes in real time and helps clients anticipate what they mean for project design, timelines, and regulatory obligations. 

PUCT Approves NPRR1267: New Reporting on Large Load Interconnections 

On July 31, 2025, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved Nodal Protocol Revision Request (NPRR) 1267, which creates a new monthly Large Load Interconnection Status Report. 

The report will provide aggregated visibility into projects with peak demand of 75 MW or greater that are seeking interconnection, including load zone, transmission service provider, load type (e.g., data center, refinery), requested energization dates, size ranges, and project status. Confidential customer data will remain protected through aggregation and anonymization. 

The change comes at a time of growing interest in large load projects across Texas, particularly energy-intensive facilities such as data centers and industrial users. Stakeholders have expressed strong public interest in better transparency around the status of these interconnections, given their potential impact on grid reliability, transmission planning, and wholesale market dynamics. 

ERCOT will publish the new report on its website beginning after system implementation, with updates every month. The goal is to improve market visibility, support system reliability, and align with ERCOT’s broader strategic objectives of resilience, competitiveness, and innovation. 

Why It Matters 

For developers, policymakers, and market participants, the new reporting framework will provide timely insight into the pipeline of large load connections. This can help inform investment decisions, transmission planning, and expectations for grid stress in high-growth regions of Texas. 

TAC Endorses PGRR120: Strengthening Grid Protections Against Subsynchronous Oscillations

On July 30, 2025, ERCOT’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) unanimously recommended approval of Planning Guide Revision Request (PGRR) 120, SSO Risk Reduction for Generator Interconnection. The proposal now heads to the ERCOT Board of Directors for final approval. 

PGRR120 aims to prevent generators from interconnecting to the ERCOT grid in ways that could expose them to subsynchronous oscillation (SSO) risks when radial to series capacitors under N-1 conditions. Past events, including several in 2023, demonstrated that even with mitigation in place, SSR and related phenomena can threaten both system reliability and resource operations. 

If approved by the Board and the PUCT, the new rules would take effect beginning April 1, 2026.  

By tightening interconnection standards, ERCOT is working to protect the grid against known reliability risks while reducing potential delays, disruptions, and costly interventions later in the interconnection process. 

Why It Matters

This revision reflects lessons learned from real-world SSO events and marks another step in aligning interconnection processes with ERCOT’s broader strategic goals of reliability, competitiveness, and resilience. Developers with projects in areas near series-compensated lines should be aware of these coming restrictions when evaluating future sites and timelines. 

NOGRR272 Advances in Approval Process  

On August 7, 2025, ERCOT’s Reliability and Operations Subcommittee (ROS) voted to recommend approval of Nodal Operating Guide Revision Request (NOGRR) 272. This revision would require advanced grid support capabilities from inverter-based Energy Storage Resources (ESRs), including the ability to maintain internal voltage phasor control and dynamic grid-forming support during disturbances. 

Under NOGRR272, any ESR connected under a Standard Generation Interconnection Agreement (SGIA) executed on or after April 1, 2026, or any that undergo non-like-for-like equipment replacements or MW capacity expansions, must comply with these requirements. ESRs under earlier SGIAs will be exempt unless they make such changes. 

ROS emphasized the urgent need for enhanced grid support as ERCOT’s system becomes increasingly dependent on inverter-based resources. NOGRR272 now advances to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and then to the ERCOT Board of Directors for final consideration. Until it receives full approval, the proposal remains pending. 

Looking Ahead: 

Each of these updates reflects ERCOT’s drive to balance growth, transparency, and reliability as Texas’ grid evolves. For companies navigating interconnection or operating resources in the market, the practical implications can be complex. We can help by interpreting the requirements, assessing potential impacts on your portfolio, and advising on strategies to stay ahead of regulatory approvals.  

To discuss how we can support your projects and keep you ahead in the dynamic energy landscape, contact our team today using the form below.