ERCOT Creates Voluntary Curtailment Program for Large Flexible Customers During Peak Demand

(Austin, TX) – As part of continued improvements to support grid reliability, 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. 

“Our goal with this program is to work with large customers in supporting the reliability of the Texas power grid,” says Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of System Planning. “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.”

This program is primarily intended for large flexible customers (also known as large flexible loads), but any large customer directly connected to a Transmission Service Provider’s facility can participate, subject to approval by ERCOT. This program is temporary and completely voluntary until ERCOT establishes a long-term set of rules. Registration for the program begins today, 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. 

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