MISO proposed reliability standards specifically targeting large computational loads exceeding 50 GW.
MISO defines “large loads” as those exceeding 50 MW, and “computational loads” as large loads that include at least 25 MW of demand from information technology equipment such as servers, storage, and networking hardware. This proposal follows similar initiatives by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and PJM Interconnection, which established reliability standards for large loads following several incidents where data centers suddenly tripped offline, raising concerns about grid stability.
According to MISO, which operates the grid and wholesale power markets from Louisiana to Minnesota, electric demand grew at an average annual rate of approximately 0.5% between 2009 and 2024. Moving forward, the grid operator projects annual growth of 1% to 2% through 2044, with accelerated rates in the near term. The creation of a separate computational load classification will enable MISO to apply specific reliability requirements directly to data centers. “Computational loads may exhibit rapid and coordinated changes in demand, significant power-electronic behavior, and distinct responses to transmission system disturbances,” MISO said.
The proposed reliability framework establishes requirements for transmission customers serving large loads across four primary areas. First, to enhance visibility into large loads on its system, transmission customers must submit basic information and modeling data for these facilities, along with real-time and day-ahead load forecasts. MISO stated this information is necessary “to support planning studies, operational assessments, and accurate representation of large loads behavior and system impacts.”
Second, the proposal outlines phasor measurement unit (PMU) requirements to monitor computational loads using high-resolution, time-synchronized measurements. “PMU data provides MISO with greater visibility into facility behavior during system disturbances and rapid operating changes, supporting model validation, performance verification, disturbance analysis, and identification of potential dynamic interactions with the transmission system,” the organization explained.
Third, MISO’s proposed ramp requirements address the rate at which computational loads may increase or decrease electricity consumption during stable-state transitions. “Managing rapid changes in demand helps reduce real-time supply-demand imbalances, sudden change in transmission power flows, and associated operational impacts, while supporting more reliable system operation,” MISO said.
Fourth, the framework sets minimum disturbance performance requirements for computational loads during voltage and frequency events. These measures aim to lower the risk of unnecessary disconnections or customer-initiated rapid demand reductions during system disturbances. To provide certainty for existing and nearly completed commercial arrangements, the proposal also includes grandfathering provisions.
MISO has requested that FERC approve the proposal to take effect on December 4. Looking ahead, the grid operator plans to file additional large load-related proposals covering new transmission products and associated study processes, protections against cost shifts, and the treatment of generation service to “electrically proximate” large loads.
Correction: This story has been updated to correct the MISO definition of a large load. It defines a large load as one above 50 MW.