Texas regulator approves ERCOT 'Batch Zero', rationing grid access for data centers
The PUCT approved a new large-load process on 18 June; it allocates connections by transmission capacity and financing, not first-come-first-served
Summary
The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved Ercot's "Batch Zero" large-load interconnection process on 18 June 2026, after the ERCOT board voted on 2 June to proceed. The framework covers loads of 75MW or more, overwhelmingly data centers , and allocates grid access by available transmission capacity and applicant readiness (financing and site control) rather than first-come-first-served. ERCOT is tracking roughly 438,000MW of large-load requests, about 89% from data centers, against a grid that peaks near 85GW. Batch Zero is meant to filter speculative applications congesting the queue. Applicants must file technical studies by 10 July; ERCOT notifies classifications by 7 August 2026. The reform parallels PJM's curtailment posture.
By the numbers
- 18 June 2026, PUCT approval date (board vote 2 June).
- 75 MW, load threshold for the new batch process.
- ~438,000 MW, large-load requests ERCOT is tracking; ~89% data centers.
- 10 July 2026, deadline for Batch Zero technical filings.
- 7 August 2026, ERCOT notifies project classifications.
Why it matters
Texas is rewriting the rules of grid access in real time: a deregulated, build-anything market is now gatekeeping AI load by who can prove money and a site. It sets a template other ISOs facing the same data-center crush will study.
What to watch
- How many of the 438GW in requests survive the Batch Zero readiness filter.
- Whether developers challenge the financing/site-control criteria as discriminatory.
- August classification results and the implied real (vs speculative) load pipeline.