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 (ESIG) is launching a Large Loads Task Force (LLTF) to unite stakeholders, identify practical solutions, and develop harmonized practices that ensure reliable and efficient grid integration while supporting industry growth.
The LLTF kicked off with a introductory webinar on December 17th, 2024, outlining the scope, format, and deliverables of the task force, as well as introducing the leadership team.
The Large Loads Task Force is made up of eight specialized project teams, led by the following:
- Large Load Data Collection: Drew Siebenaler, EPE
- Load Forecasting: John D. Wilson, Grid Strategies
- Interconnection Process: Kyle Thomas, Elevate Consulting
- Interconnection Requirements: Ahmed Rashwan, EPE
- Modeling: Parag Mitra, EPRI
- Market Aspects: Erik Ela, ESIG
- Transmission Planning: Hannes Pfeifenberger, The Brattle Group and Warren Lasher, Lasher Energy
- Resource Adequacy Aspects: Derek Stenclik, Telos Energy
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.