PUCT adopts new 16 TAC §25.194 Large Load Interconnection Standards
The Public Utility Commission of Texas filed an Order Adopting new 16 Texas Administrative Code §25.194, relating to Large Load Interconnection Standards, in Project 58481 on September 18, 2026 (Interchange Item 218). The rule implements Public Utility Regulatory Act §37.0561 as enacted by Senate Bill 6. Before a large load customer can be included in an Electric Reliability Council of Texas interconnection study, the order’s summary requires an intermediate agreement, disclosures, and financial security of $50,000 per megawatt; customers must also execute a standard large load interconnection agreement, update disclosures, post financial security, and pay contribution in aid of construction for direct interconnection costs. A Texas Register Acknowledgement of Receipt (Item 219) lists an effective date of October 8, 2026, for issue of October 2, 2026. The Friday morning weekday edition had treated the Recommended Adoption Order as still pre-decision; Interchange now shows the filed Order Adopting.
Why it matters
This is the binding PUCT rulebook for how large loads enter ERCOT interconnection studies—security, disclosures, withdrawal consequences, and CIAC—taking effect October 8 after a multi-month SB 6 rulemaking.
Companies
- IREN
- Core Scientific
- CleanSpark
- Hut 8
- Cipher Digital
- Riot Platforms
- MARA Holdings
- TeraWulf
- Keel Infrastructure
- Bitdeer
- HIVE
- Applied Digital
- Bit Digital
Risks
- Implementation details and ERCOT protocol alignment can still shift practice after the effective date.
- Batch Zero loads already in process may face transitional compliance questions the order addresses case-by-case in commentary.