09/19/2025 ERCOT LLWG Meeting Summary

The meeting centered on the growing risks tied to large electronic loads (LELs), such as data centers and crypto mining, in regions with weak system strength like West Texas and the Panhandle. ERCOT studies are examining how transmission upgrades and ride-through requirements can reduce loss-of-load events that may exceed 2,600 MW. Simulations modeled over 15 GW of LELs—most with power electronics—using ITIC curve assumptions for ride-through, showing vulnerabilities when faults occur at 345-kV buses. Transmission upgrades, synchronous condensers, and E-STATCOMs are being benchmarked, but the effort is focused on risk analysis rather than justifying projects. Alongside this, ERCOT clarified its interim energization process: there is no moratorium on large loads, but entities must submit DWG surveys and updated dynamic models. Failures in ride-through tests can lead to curtailments or delays until procedures and tools are in place.

Further updates covered the evaluation of proposed Voltage Ride-Through (VRT) standards, a frequency limit study, and new Interconnection Reliability Operating Limits (IROLs) in Far West Texas. The VRT study uses new EPRI models to better represent nonlinear load behavior, with sensitivity studies on reconnection timing. Frequency limit work showed that system inertia strongly influences how much load loss can be tolerated before exceeding 60.4 Hz, with ongoing analysis of fast frequency response (FFR). ERCOT also introduced two Far West IROLs to manage transmission constraints under high load and weak generation conditions, potentially requiring targeted load shedding. Finally, proposals for using Controllable Load Resources (CLRs) were presented as a way to allow earlier energization of large projects while shifting delivery risk privately. The meeting closed with reminders on upcoming updates and the next scheduled session.