Lawmakers press PUC and ERCOT for clear "batch 0" rules and protections against speculative queue entries

Committee members repeatedly asked PUC and ERCOT staff to explain how they will prevent speculative entries from driving transmission planning.

Barksdale English (PUC) described three core objectives for batch screening: (1) demonstrate projects are real (site control, lease or deed), (2) protect other ratepayers from stranded costs (financial security and interconnection payments), and (3) ensure repeatable, objective criteria. He said the interconnection standards rulemaking will propose financial security and nonrefundable components tied to the stage at which a project backs out. ERCOT's Nathan Bigby explained there are "base load" candidates that would be guaranteed megawatt allocations if they meet development milestones and "studied" loads that will require further analysis.

Lawmakers pressed staff on refund policy for money already paid by applicants who later fail to obtain allocation, how partial refunds might work if a project receives fewer megawatts than requested, and whether a six‑month ramp deadline is realistic. Staff acknowledged these are live issues and said some nonrefundable minimum payments are being considered only after a megawatt allocation is awarded. Industry participants warned that overly punitive clawbacks and short hard deadlines could chill legitimate industrial development and urged clearer paths for projects that can demonstrate commercial readiness.