Functional Entities Applicable: TO/DP/TOP/RC/BA/TP/PC/RP (GO/GOP/DPU are N/A)
NERC announced a Level 2 NERC Alert on 9/9/2025 to gather more information about current and projected Large Loads on the Bulk Electric System (BES). As a level two NERC Alert, it requires a response (and approval of the response) which is due on January 28, 2026. Below are some bullet points to help give guidance on the Alert. If you are unfamiliar with the NERC Alert Portal, it is helpful to review our overview on NERC Alerts here: www.utilitysvcs.com/what-is-a-nerc-alert/
- The primary purpose of this alert is for NERC to understand what entities currently have a Large Load or are in the process of interconnecting a Large Load by 12/31/2027.
- NERC does not have a formal definition of a Large Load in their glossary of terms, however they are likely using this alert to help create one. An interesting question asked within this alert is If entities have any specific language/definitions in place that defines a Large Load.
- Without a formal definition, NERC recommends following the guidance of your RTO/ISO to help understand Large Loads. Typically, greater than 20MW is the accepted threshold of a Large Load, however, here is a reference chart to help make that determination:
- For many entities that do not have a Large Load or are not projecting one to be connected, the NERC Alert responses are straightforward. However, we encourage you to take the time in your responses, especially questions asking about updates to Interconnection Requirements. Since we’ve seen similar Interconnection questions posed in previous NERC Alerts it is reasonable to assume it will be included in any future Standard Authorization Requests (SAR) that occur as a result from the findings of the task force working on Large Loads.
- If your entity does meet the proposed requirements of a Large Load, more in-depth information is needed. NERC wants to understand how you’re working with current or anticipated Large Loads to ensure you can operate reliably. For example, do you have any established criteria in your interconnection requirements for Large Loads, and if so what are they?
- Please be advised for entities that answer Yes to having or projecting a Large Load, there is also a supplemental Data Submission Worksheet that must be filled out in addition to your responses.
As with all NERC Alerts, there are no wrong answers to the required questions. NERC already has plans to formally define a Large Load and are utilizing Recommendations from this NERC Alert to be incorporated into revisions of existing standards as well as new standards. Please reach out to Utility Services if you have any questions or need additional assistance submitting your responses into the NERC Alert Portal.
