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Senate committee hears wide-ranging testimony on Senate Bill 6 aimed at large loads and grid planning
Summary
Witnesses representing data centers, industry groups and utilities told the Senate Business & Commerce Committee they broadly support Senate Bill 699but asked for clarifications on minimum transmission charges, disconnect devices and how ERCOT will distinguish "phantom" from real loads.
The Senate Business & Commerce Committee heard several hours of testimony on Senate Bill 6, a measure that would change how very large electricity customers are treated in interconnection, cost allocation and emergency operations.
The bill attracted developers of large data centers, trade groups and utilities, who described a shared interest in clearing ERCOT's interconnection queue and ensuring reliable service while asking for clearer definitions and protections for industry investment. "First off, I'd like to commend the committee for prioritizing this very nuanced and important topic to ensure greater liability," said Lee Bratcher, representing the Texas Blockchain Council.
Why it matters: SB 6 seeks to speed planning and to give ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission clearer tools to identify and remove "phantom" requests in the interconnection queue, set a minimum transmission charge for some new large loads, and permit control or shedding of large loads during…
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