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Senators press ERCOT and PUC for visibility and limits on large loads, crypto and behind‑the‑meter arrangements
Summary
Committee members pressed regulators over rapid large-load interest — data centers and cryptocurrency mining — and how behind‑the‑meter contracts and new connection forms could reduce grid visibility. ERCOT and the PUC said registrations and new rules increase transparency but recommended statutory clarifications to define and monitor load types.
Senators questioned ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas about how large commercial loads and cryptocurrency mining facilities are being counted, monitored and connected to the grid.
Benjamin Barclay, chief executive and public counsel at the Office of Public Utility Counsel, highlighted concerns about cost allocation: “It follows that transmission cost allocation should be based on cost causation that reflects electricity usage by each class,” he said, pointing to large industrial growth in the Permian and recommending options such as voluntary demand-response programs and requiring proof of firm investment from large prospective loads.
Thomas Gleason and Woody Rickerson described…
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