Database of Emerging Large-Load Tariffs (DELTa)

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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops

Data center and large-load interconnection requests have arrived in co-op service territories with little warning, often packaged with NDAs, compressed approval timelines, and projected demand that may not materialize at the contracted scale. Without protective tariff structures, the financial risk falls on the co-op and ultimately on residential members through cross-subsidization, stranded asset exposure, or higher rates if a large customer terminates early or cannot pay.

DELTa lets co-op staff and boards see how peer utilities have structured these protections, with case summaries on minimum contract terms, load guarantees, upfront cost contributions, exit fees, and financial security requirements. Boards can use the database to benchmark their co-op's current approach against approved peer tariffs so they can evaluate whether existing policies adequately protect member-owners from the risks of serving very large loads.

Key Takeaways

Implementation Considerations

• Regulatory or Governance Considerations: Most rural electric co-ops set their own tariffs through board action rather than state PSC approval. Boards should evaluate whether to adapt peer tariff features for their own large-load policies.
• Staffing or Technology Requirements: Database review and tariff comparison requires basic familiarity with rate design and contract terms. Smaller co-ops may benefit from statewide association support or peer co-op collaboration.
• Time-Sensitive Information: The database updates quarterly, but underlying tariffs and regulatory contexts shift rapidly. Co-ops should verify a specific tariff is still in effect before relying on it as a model.

Notable Examples

• AEP Ohio: Large-load forecast dropped from 30 GW to 13 GW after tariff approval, an early signal that protective structures may filter out speculative requests.
• Pennsylvania PUC: Developing a statewide model tariff applicable across all utilities in the state.
• Portland General Electric: First implementation of Oregon's 2025 POWER Act through the Schedule 96 large-load tariff.
• Dominion Energy (Virginia): GS-5 tariff requires 14-year terms, 80%+ demand minimums, and $1.5 million per MW collateral.

View Tool Requires name and email to access

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes