On March 12, 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) voted to publish draft rule 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §25.194, which will implement Texas SB 6’s requirement that the Commission create interconnection standards for new loads of 75 MW or greater.
The draft rule would impose substantial financial obligations and disclosure requirements on data centers and other large load customers that are intended to mitigate the risk of stranded transmission infrastructure and improve ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) system planning. While the draft rule contains many features in line with SB 6’s salutary goals of “support[ing] business development in this state while minimizing the potential for stranded infrastructure costs and maintaining system reliability,” there are elements that have engendered concerns from affected customers as well as transmission and distribution providers. For example, the draft rule would require: