Texas approves ERCOT’s request to delay grid reviews for data centers and crypto miners

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has approved ERCOT’s request to delay parts of its large-load interconnection process while the grid operator audits data center and crypto mining projects.

The move follows an Aug. 3 directive from Governor Greg Abbott ordering a comprehensive verification of data centers moving through ERCOT’s interconnection process before additional projects advance.

The order allows ERCOT to postpone classifying loads of 75 MW or more for the Batch Zero study, which had an Aug. 7 classification deadline. ERCOT said the verification will take several months and will include checking information submitted by large-load developers and gathering community-impact data from data centers and crypto mining facilities of 25 MW or more that have not yet begun operations.

The commission also granted ERCOT flexibility around its quarterly stability assessments and dynamic-data reviews. Certain large loads already deemed eligible for base-load status can be included in the August and November assessments despite not yet being formally classified, while developers can receive 24 days to fix deficiencies in data submissions.