ERCOT Creates Curtailment Program for Large Flexible Customers during Peak Demand Periods

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
December 10, 2022

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is implementing a voluntary curtailment program allowing large flexible customers, such as bitcoin mining facilities, to reduce their power use during periods of high demand, it said on Dec. 6.

“Our goal with this program is to work with large customers in supporting the reliability of the Texas power grid,” said Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of System Planning, in a statement. “These customers are large power users but have the flexibility and willingness to reduce their energy use quickly, if needed. By working with these large loads during peak demand periods, we will better serve all Texans while keeping the grid reliable and resilient.”

The program is primarily intended for large flexible customers, but any large customer directly connected to a transmission service provider’s facility can participate, subject to approval by ERCOT.

The program is temporary and completely voluntary until ERCOT establishes a long-term set of rules.

Registration for the program began on Dec. 6 and ERCOT anticipates the program going live in January 2023.

More information can be found in our Market Notice, including the registration form to participate.