NERC report says BESS in ERCOT can improve primary frequency response

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The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has released its 2025 State of Reliability report, highlighting the potential of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to enhance primary frequency response in the bulk power system. NERC, which oversees reliability standards for large-scale power systems, notes that BESS installations in Texas and the Western interconnections are increasingly contributing to frequency control. The report indicates that BESS have provided significant capacity for frequency regulation services, with instances in 2024 where they accounted for 100% of the total capacity for such services in ERCOT.

Additionally, the report addresses challenges posed by severe weather, which remains a major threat to the bulk power system, leading to significant outages and financial losses. NERC also points out that the rapid integration of data centers into the bulk electric system presents reliability challenges, as their sudden disconnections can create imbalances similar to those caused by large power plants. The agency recommends enhanced protective measures and improved data collection to better manage the risks associated with these large loads.