Growth in data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, and other large energy users has increased focus on how large loads connect to and are served by the transmission system. In June 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order to Show Cause directing CAISO and other regional grid operators to evaluate whether existing tariffs, interconnection processes, transmission services, and cost allocation frameworks remain just and reasonable for these emerging load types. The order also seeks to ensure that large loads can be integrated reliably while preventing cost shifting to other customers and maintaining transparency regarding system impacts. The CAISO Large Loads stakeholder initiative will serve as the forum for stakeholder feedback on the ISO’s response to the Order to Show Cause, to support the CAISO’s 205 filing and broader longer-term approaches to large load integration and demand flexibility in the CAISO system.
| Proposal Development | Decision | Implementation | Completed/Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jun 15, 2026 Technical Requirements Straw proposal posted
Aug 12, 2026* Straw proposal posting Aug 19, 2026* Meeting Sep 2, 2026* Comments due Sep 21, 2026* Draft final proposal posting Sept 28, 2026* Meeting Oct 12, 2026* Comments due Oct 20 2026* WEM GB meeting (if needed) Oct 28 2026* Board of Governor's meeting |