Skip to main content

 

 

 

 

Large electrical loads, such as data centers, hydrogen production facilities, and EV fleet charging centers, present significant challenges for the electric power industry. Utility planners face difficulties in forecasting demand, transmission planners struggle to build infrastructure at the required pace, and system operators must address grid stability risks caused by large loads disconnecting during faults. Meanwhile, large load developers grapple with slow and complex interconnection processes, stringent reliability requirements, and limited access to wholesale markets and real-time pricing.

To address these challenges, the Energy Systems Integration Group has launched a Large Loads Task Force (LLTF) to convene stakeholders, identify practical solutions, and develop harmonized practices that ensure reliable and efficient grid integration while supporting industry growth.

The Large Loads Task Force kicked off with a introductory webinar on December 17, 2024, outlining the scope, format, and deliverables of the task force, as well as introducing the leadership team.

The task force is made up of eight specialized project teams which are in the process of developing the following reports:

  • Grid Integration of Large Loads: Introduction to the Large Loads Task Force, Data Needs, and Flexibility Overview
  • Forecasting for Large Loads: Current Practices and Recommendations (published December 19, 2025), led by John D. Wilson, Grid Strategies
  • Large Load Performance Requirements: Current Practices and Recommendations, led by Ahmed Rashwan, EPE
  • Large Load Modeling for Dynamic Studies: Current Practices and Recommendations, led by Parag Mitra, EPRI
  • Interconnection Processes for Large Loads: Current Practices and Recommendations, led by Kyle Thomas, Elevate Consulting
  • Planning for Large Load Flexibility in Resource Adequacy, led by Derek Stenclik, Telos Energy
  • Transmission Planning with Large Loads: Current Practices and Recommendations, led by Hannes Pfeifenberger, The Brattle Group, and Warren Lasher, Lasher Energy
  • Wholesale Market Design and Operations for Systems with Large Loads: Current Practices and Recommendations, led by Erik Ela, ESIG

Detailed descriptions of skills and expertise sought for each project team can be found here.

Task Force Lead: Sam Morris, ERCOT
Sam Morris is the Manager of Load Forecasting & Analysis for ERCOT. Before joining ERCOT, he worked in load forecasting for NYISO, Enva Power and Dominion Energy. He started his career as a Meteorologist with the United States Air Force.