TAC Meeting Summary – May 13, 2026
1. ERCOT TAC Meeting Overview
The May 13, TAC meeting primarily focused on the proposed Batch Zero framework for Large Load Interconnections, specifically PGRR145 and related NPRR1325. Although several NPRRs and voting items were included in the agenda, most discussions centered around:
- ERCOT’s May 11 comments on PGRR145
- RPG eligibility dates and inclusion of RPG-based projects in Batch Zero
- Treatment of RPG-associated load allocation
- Treatment of missing TPIT dates
- Requests to lower the 200 MW minimum allocation threshold
- Removal of “Contracts for Power” language from eligibility requirements; and
- Establishing submission deadlines for steady-state and stability
2. ERCOT Presentation and Key Updates
The main portion of ERCOT’s presentation was based on the May 11 ERCOT comments filed on PGRR145 which incorporated recent PUCT guidance and stakeholder feedback. ERCOT explained that the latest updates included:
- Revised eligibility requirements for Batch Zero participation
- Clarified attestation requirements and consequences for false attestations
- Updated prerequisite timing requirements
- Clarifications regarding base load versus studied load treatment
- Clarifications on study validity requirements
- Financial security methodology updates
- Clarified study years and assumptions for 2028, 2030, and 2032 conditions
- Additional disclosure and readiness requirements for participating loads.
ERCOT reiterated several policy positions:
- ERCOT does not support changes conflicting with PUCT guidance.
- ERCOT does not support extending the March 4, 2026, RPG eligibility cutoff date.
- ERCOT does not support broad expansion of Batch Zero eligibility.
- ERCOT does not support bypassing eligibility through PCLR or WLPUN options.
ERCOT emphasized concerns that expanding eligibility could:
- Significantly increase modeled load levels
- Create unrealistic study conditions
- Reduce study reliability and effectiveness
3. Cholla Presentation – RPG Load Allocation Issue
One of the key discussion topics during the meeting involved concerns regarding RPG-associated load treatment and transmission capability allocation, particularly for the Southern DFW projects presented by Cholla Petroleum.
Main concerns raised:
- RPG projects were originally justified by specific large loads.
- Later-filed projects were allowed to utilize transmission capability created for those projects.
- Original projects are now at risk of losing preferred Batch Zero treatment.
- Cholla referenced the Southern DFW Load Interconnection & Grid Strengthening Project and RTP-derived projects.
- Cholla argued that earlier-originating loads should retain the RPG capacity they justified.
Proposed Solution:
- Move the RPG cutoff date from March 4, 2026, to July 10, 2026.
- Allow Southern DFW and RTP-derived projects to remain eligible under Batch Zero.
4. ERCOT Response to RPG Concerns
- RPG studies submitted after implementation of the LLIS framework should not qualify as valid Batch Zero studies.
- Study completion and ERCOT approval remain the primary criteria for study validity.
- Broad expansion of RPG-associated eligibility could significantly increase total modeled load levels beyond practical study limits.
- ERCOT maintained that consistent eligibility rules are necessary to preserve fairness and reliability across all Batch Zero participants.
5. Additional Stakeholder Issues Discussed
Minimum MW Allocation Threshold
- Concerns were raised regarding the minimum MW allocation threshold.
- ERCOT addressed this issue in the updated PGRR145 and set the threshold to 100 MW.
Study Submission Deadline Clarification
- ERCOT suggested May 28, 2026 as the target date for ERCOT-guaranteed review of submitted studies.
- ERCOT will still accept studies submitted after May 28, but review completion before Batch Zero timelines may not be guaranteed.
Treatment of missing TPIT Updates
Concerns were raised regarding the treatment of TPIT updates. ERCOT stated that it plans to work with TSPs to perform an ad hoc TPIT update in late June or early July to ensure the latest transmission planning information is available for the Batch Zero Interconnection Study.
6. Voting Items
The following items were voted on and passed by TAC:
- NPRR1264- Approved as recommended by PRS in the 5/6/26 PRS report.
- NPRR1307- Approved as recommended by PRS in the 5/6/26 PRS report.
- NOGRR281- Approved as recommended by ROS in the 2/5/26 ROS report.
- NPRR1315- Approved as recommended by PRS in the 5/6/26 PRS report.
- NPRR1316- Approved as recommended by PRS in the 5/6/26 PRS report.
- NPRR1327- Approved as recommended by PRS in the 5/6/26 PRS report.
- NPRR1330- Approved as recommended by PRS in the 5/6/26 PRS report.
Conclusion
The May 13, 2026 TAC meeting was largely centered around finalizing the Batch Zero framework for Large Load Interconnections and addressing outstanding implementation concerns associated with PGRR145 and NPRR1325. Discussions primarily focused on ERCOT’s May 11 comments on PGRR145, including eligibility requirements, RPG-related load treatment, MW allocation methodology, TPIT updates, study submission timelines, and studied load treatment.
ERCOT emphasized maintaining a structured and standardized Batch Zero process aligned with recent PUCT guidance while limiting additional eligibility expansion that could impact study feasibility and reliability. The meeting also highlighted continued stakeholder concerns regarding RPG project treatment, allocation fairness, and implementation timelines as ERCOT moves toward the targeted June 1 Board approval and July 10, 2026 effective date for the Batch Zero framework.
As ERCOT continues refining the Batch Zero framework for large load interconnections, staying ahead of evolving study requirements, eligibility rules, and implementation timelines is critical. ZEG continues to monitor ERCOT stakeholder developments and helps developers, utilities, and large load customers navigate interconnection strategy, modeling readiness, and grid-related risk with greater clarity and confidence. Contact us to get started.
