Texas Law Allows Grid Operator to Disconnect Data Centers During Grid Crises
By
walterbell
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Summary
A new Texas law grants the state's grid operator, ERCOT, the authority to disconnect data centers during grid crises to manage reliability. With forecasts predicting a surge in large loads like data centers, concerns about grid stability during maintenance periods are growing. The law also introduces a voluntary demand response program to mitigate risks.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledERCOT forecasts 138 GW of large loads on its grid by 2030, up from 87 GW this year.
Even if only a fraction of proposed data centers get built, the boom could threaten grid reliability during the spring and fall months, when many thermal generators go down for planned maintenance.
The new law pairs mandatory curtailment with a voluntary demand response procurement program.
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