Project News / Data Center
Texas Utility Regulators Advance Five Data Center Grid Complaints, Including Wichita Falls' Skybox Project
The PUC also proposed a standard large-load agreement that would require water and energy disclosure and audits.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas on Nov. 5 advanced five complaints from large-load developers challenging how ERCOT classified their projects in its Batch Zero interconnection process. Lists of issues in the cases are due Nov. 19.
One of the complaints comes from Skybox Datacenters, which is developing a data center in Wichita Falls. On Sept. 3, ERCOT provisionally moved the project from base load to studied load. According to the complaint, ERCOT cited Oncor's failure to deliver an updated stability study by the July 10 deadline. ERCOT denied Skybox's dispute on Sept. 18.
Skybox has asked the commission to restore base-load status. As alternatives, it asks for a good-cause exception or faster review of Oncor's Oct. 6 supplemental study. The company has posted $20.6 million in financial security with Oncor under its interconnection agreement, plus Batch Zero security of $50,000 per megawatt. Its megawatt figure is redacted.
The other complaints advanced on Nov. 5 come from Medina County Power NR I, Rowan Stampede, Mesquite H2 and ACS DC Hicks Field Road. Skybox has asked for a ruling on suspension by Dec. 1 and a decision on the merits by Jan. 31, 2027.
The commission also proposed a standard large-load interconnection agreement under Project 59999. It would require water and energy disclosure and audits. It would also let transmission capacity be reallocated when phased energization runs more than 24 months late. Comments are due Dec. 14.
ERCOT's Batch Zero eligibility and audit reports are due Dec. 10.
