ERCOT’s Large Load Queue Jumped Almost 300% in 2025
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
Rapid growth in large load interconnection requests, driven mostly by data centers, is pushing ERCOT to overhaul planning and interconnection processes.
In 2025, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas saw an unprecedented surge in large load interconnection requests, with total capacity seeking grid access rising nearly 300% compared to year‑end 2024. Much of this increase came from data centers, which now account for more than 70% of the queue. At a December 2025 board meeting, system planners said the current process for reviewing large loads is no longer adequate and that changes are needed to better assess the combined impact of clustered interconnection requests. The Texas Public Utility Commission is working on implementing state law changes to standardize forecasting and improve queue management.
ERCOT reported roughly 233 GW of large load interconnection requests by late 2025, up almost 300% from the year before.
More than 70% of these requests are driven by data centers seeking grid connections.
The rapid growth is overwhelming the existing interconnection review process, which was designed for far fewer requests.
ERCOT is coordinating with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to implement standardized rules under SB 6 to improve forecasting and grid planning.
System planners note that not all requests will ultimately materialize, but better forecasting and transparency are critical for reliability.
“We have outgrown the process that was established for reviewing these large loads.”
CONCLUSION
This dramatic increase in large load interconnection requests highlights a core regulatory challenge for U.S. power markets: an interconnection process not built for modern demand dynamics. Understanding these queue pressures is essential because interregional HVDC corridors will rely on transparent, scalable planning frameworks to secure approvals and justify investment. Regulatory reforms that improve forecasting, queue management, and planning coordination will reduce risk and make HVDC project proposals more credible to policymakers, grid operators, and financiers.
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