ERCOT interconnection queue wait times in 2026 average 24-36 months for datacenter projects sized 100MW+, with smaller projects (< 50MW) completing in 18-24 months. The 205GW queue backlog affects 2,847 pending projects, though ERCOT processes faster than PJM's 54-month average.
24-36
Months (100MW+)
205 GW
Queue Backlog
2,847
Pending Projects
62
Avg TTPS Score
Wait times vary significantly by capacity. Datacenter-scale projects (100MW+) face longer review cycles due to transmission upgrade requirements and system impact studies.
| Project Size | Projects in Queue | Avg Wait Time | Range | Completion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 10MW | 892 | 18 months | 12-24 months | 78% |
| 10-50MW | 1,024 | 24 months | 18-30 months | 65% |
| 50-100MW | 412 | 30 months | 24-36 months | 52% |
| 100-500MW | 389 | 36 months | 30-48 months | 41% |
| > 500MW | 130 | 48 months | 42-60+ months | 28% |
Data Source: ERCOT Interconnection Status Reports (Q4 2025) and historical completion data. Completion rates reflect projects that achieved commercial operation within 60 months of application.
ERCOT's deregulated structure and streamlined processes result in faster interconnection timelines than PJM, particularly for large datacenter loads. This comparison focuses on 100MW+ projects typical for AI/HPC facilities.
| Metric | ERCOT | PJM | Better Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Wait Time (100MW+) | 36 months | 54 months | ERCOT |
| Median Study Duration | 18 months | 24 months | ERCOT |
| Queue Backlog | 205 GW | 287 GW | ERCOT |
| Completion Rate (100MW+) | 41% | 34% | ERCOT |
| Fast-Track Option | Yes (< 20MW) | Limited | ERCOT |
Based on research from r/Grid_Ops and developer case studies, these strategies have proven effective at accelerating ERCOT interconnection timelines.
Sites with existing transmission rights or decommissioned facilities can bypass initial studies
Commission independent grid impact study before formal application submission
Join ERCOT cluster study cycle to batch review with similar projects
Projects < 20MW qualify for expedited review process
"The queue nightmare is real, but brownfield sites with existing POI [Point of Interconnection] rights are the cheat code. We shaved 14 months off our Houston Metro DC project by acquiring a decommissioned industrial site with legacy transmission agreements." - u/GridDevTX, 14 upvotes
Our wait time estimates combine three data sources to provide accurate, real-world timelines:
We parse ERCOT's Interconnection Status Reports (updated weekly) to track 2,847 active projects. Application date, study completion milestones, and commercial operation dates establish baseline timelines.
Our proprietary TTPS algorithm scores projects 0-100 based on: queue position, study phase completion, transmission upgrade requirements, and historical approval rates. The 0 datacenter-scale projects in ERCOT average 62/100.
We track 5+ years of ERCOT project outcomes, filtering for projects that: (a) reached commercial operation, (b) withdrew from queue, or (c) remain pending past 60 months. Completion rates stratified by project size inform realistic timeline expectations.
Data Refresh Frequency: Queue statistics updated weekly. TTPS scores recalculated daily. Historical completion rates updated quarterly.
The average ERCOT interconnection wait time in 2026 is 24-36 months for datacenter projects sized 100MW or greater. Smaller projects (< 50MW) typically complete in 18-24 months, while projects exceeding 500MW can face 48-60+ month timelines due to extensive transmission upgrade requirements.
As of Q4 2025, the ERCOT interconnection queue contains 2,847 pending projects representing 205 GW of generation and load capacity. Approximately 0 projects are datacenter-related (50MW+ electrical loads).
Yes. ERCOT processes 100MW+ projects 33% faster than PJM on average (36 months vs 54 months). ERCOT also has a 41% completion rate for datacenter-scale loads compared to PJM's 34%, meaning projects are more likely to reach commercial operation.
ERCOT offers expedited review for projects under 20MW, which can reduce timelines to 12-18 months. For larger datacenter loads, strategies like brownfield site selection (sites with existing transmission rights), pre-application grid studies, and cluster study participation can save 6-12 months.
The primary delay drivers are: (1) transmission upgrade requirements, particularly in West Texas and Panhandle zones with grid congestion, (2) system impact study backlogs during high-volume application periods, (3) cost allocation disputes between project developers and utilities, and (4) incomplete or inaccurate application data requiring resubmission.
ERCOT publishes Interconnection Status Reports weekly on their website. For real-time position tracking, automated alerts, and TTPS scoring, use the Time-to-Power Score tracker, which monitors 3 ERCOT projects and sends notifications when your position advances.
Queue position is less deterministic in ERCOT than PJM because ERCOT uses a "first-ready, first-served" cluster study model. Projects that complete technical requirements faster can advance ahead of earlier applicants. However, projects in zones with significant transmission congestion face longer timelines regardless of queue position.
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