By Jessie Mitchell, MRO Chief of Staff

Important information for NERC registered entities, as well as data center (including cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence) facility owners

The rapid growth of large, energy-intensive facilities—particularly computational load like data and crypto mining centers—is creating new reliability challenges for the North American bulk power system. In response, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has launched a comprehensive Large Load Action Plan, a coordinated effort with the Regional Entities and the electricity industry to ensure grid reliability keeps pace with the evolving supply and demand landscape.

Recently, NERC provided a public briefing outlining the scope and progress of this effort. The session offered a clear overview of ongoing activities and near-term priorities. We encourage all companies registered with NERC, along with the owners of facilities that may be registered with NERC in the future as Computational Load Entities (i.e., – data centers and  cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence facilities) to view this concise and informative resource.

Key Activities and Upcoming Milestones

Several important projects under the Large Load Action Plan are currently underway or nearing key deadlines:

• A Computational Load Standards Authorization Request (SAR) was posted for a 30-day public comment period on April 1, with comments due by April 30. This effort represents an early step toward developing reliability standards tailored to large, rapidly scaling loads.
• Proposed Rules of Procedure (ROP) changes—including the addition of Computational Load Entity Criteria—have been posted for industry review. The comment period for these changes closes May 15.
• NERC released a report on March 17 summarizing findings from its Level 2 Alert, including several recommendations for industry stakeholders to enhance reliability practices related to large loads.
• A Level 3 Alert is anticipated in early May The alert is expected to have several essential actions for transmission owners, planners and operators, planning coordinators, reliability coordinators and balancing authorities.
• A draft Reliability Guideline is currently being finalized and is expected to be published in the second quarter. This guideline will provide practical recommendations and frameworks for managing large load integration.
• A helpfulchecklist for Computational Load Entities offers actionable considerations for organizations planning or operating large-scale energy-consuming facilities.

Looking Ahead

As the energy needs of new technologies accelerate, proactive coordination between utilities, regulators, and end-use customers will be essential. NERC’s Large Load Action Plan reflects a broad, structured approach to maintaining grid reliability throughout this important transition.

Continued participation from end-use customers will be critical to ensure that reliability frameworks are established in step with evolving technology.

Questions on this initiative should be sent to MRO’s Large Load Engagement Group at [email protected].