Embedded Files
Search organization content
Controllable Load Resource (CLR)
Controllable Load Resource (CLR)
The ERCOT Nodal Protocols define a CLR as a large industrial or commercial load that can increase or decrease its consumption under ERCOT dispatch. In practical terms, it’s a facility (like a big data center or a mine) that participates in demand response. ERCOT’s own market glossary explains a CLR “respond[s] dynamically to grid operator instructions by reducing or increasing power consumption as needed”.
Critical Load
Critical Load
“Critical load” is not an ERCOT-market product per se but a designation for essential services. Utilities define Critical Load as power service deemed “critical to public safety or infrastructure”. For example, customers (like hospitals, emergency services, 911 centers) may apply to their utility to be designated as Critical Load – meaning they should be last in line for outages. A Texas utility FAQ notes that critical customers (e.g. hospitals, fire stations) get prioritized during emergencies. However, even critical loads can be shed in the highest level of ERCOT emergency (Load Shed Stage 3).
Page updated
Report abuse