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TPUC Staff Seeks Commission Approval of Its Draft Large Load Rule for Publication in the Texas Register
On February 13, 2026 Staff of the Texas Public Utilities Commission filed Staff ‘s Recommendation – Proposal for Publication for consideration at the Commission’s February 20, 2026 Open Meeting relating to Large Load Interconnection Standards.
Commission staff recommends the commission approve this draft for publication in the Texas Register.
The purpose of the new rule is to implement Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) §37.0561, as enacted by Senate Bill 6 during the Texas 89th Legislature, Regular Session.
Among other things, staff’s proposal will require a large load customer, before the large load customer can be included in an ERCOT interconnection study, to execute an intermediate agreement that requires the large load customer to provide certain disclosures and post financial security in the amount of $100,000 per megawatt (MW).
The new rule will also require a large load customer, not later than 30 days after ERCOT completes the interconnection study, to execute an interconnection agreement that requires the large load customer to do the following:
- update its disclosures,
- pay a non-refundable interconnection fee in the amount of $100,000 per MW;
- post financial security for significant equipment or services;
- pay contribution in aid of construction for direct interconnection costs; and
- post financial security for system upgrades.
The new rule will also set forth the consequences of withdrawing all or a portion of requested peak demand or contracted peak demand and the consequences of failing to satisfy a milestone in the large load customer’ s schedule for phased energization.
In addition, the new rule will set forth the terms for refund of financial security for a large load customer that energizes.
