The United States is entering a period of unprecedented load growth, driven primarily by large data center developments supporting AI and digital infrastructure. This growth is occurring on timelines that often outpace traditional planning, interconnection, and regulatory processes. NERC’s Level 3 Alert on Computational Load Modeling, Studies, Instrumentation, Commissioning, Operations, Protection, and Control — issued May 4, 2026 — represents a fundamental shift in how computational loads are treated within the bulk power system.

What Triggered the Alert?

Recent events have demonstrated that large data center loads are active, dynamic system elements whose behavior can materially impact grid reliability. Industry experience with inverter-based resources (IBRs) has already shown that gaps between modeled and actual performance create significant reliability risks. Large data center loads, with their high concentrations of power electronics and controlled equipment, introduce similar concerns:

• Rapid, coordinated load drops or increases (View our mitigation architecture project)
• Sensitivity to voltage and frequency disturbances
• Limited utility visibility into controls and operational behavior
• Gaps in modeling, validation, and performance requirements

NERC formed the Large Load Task Force (LLTF) in 2024 to evaluate reliability impacts of these emerging loads. Since inception, the team has published multiple white papers, supported a Level 2 Alert, and convened a technical conference in February 2026. In parallel with these activities, NERC has posted draft registry criteria and a Standard Authorization Request (SAR) for computational load, signaling that the interim actions required under the Level 3 Alert are part of a broader transition toward formal reliability standards and potential registration obligations. NERC issued the Level 3 Alert on May 4, 2026, requiring registered entities to implement specific actions to address immediate risks posed by computational loads. Responses are due August 3, 2026.

Why a Level 3 Alert, and Why Now?

The Level 3 Alert confirms that reliability risks are immediate and material, that industry-wide action cannot wait for formal standards development, and that entities are expected to implement interim measures with documented accountability. The near-term expectation is that utilities, planners, operators, and other registered entities act now under the Level 3 Alert while preparing for forthcoming mandatory requirements and evolving computational load registration criteria.

Four Priority Action Areas for Utilities

These four areas — establishing performance requirements, improving modeling and data assumptions, strengthening interconnection and verification, and expanding operational visibility — reflect the core of what utilities need to address.

Implementation Timeline

NERC’s accelerated action plan now includes the issued Level 3 Alert, a compressed response window, and a continued progression from interim reliability actions toward potential enforceable standards and registration requirements.

how danovo energy solutions can support utilities responding to nerc’s level 3 alert

Danovo Energy Solutions has direct experience with many of the largest data center load-serving IOUs in the US, providing end-to-end support from planning through implementation:

• Modeling, planning, and refining phasor model representation of loads for system planning and facility-level EMT representation of computational loads.
• Validation of dynamic and EMT performance, including laboratory testing (RTDS) at the component, controls, and power supply hardware level. (View our modeling and validation project)
• Implementation of technology solutions (e.g., STATCOM, BESS) to mitigate findings related to facility behavior.
• Review of facility commissioning and test results to verify reliability performance, support Level 3 Alert response documentation, and prepare for emerging NERC compliance expectations.
• Design and implementation of continuous performance monitoring and automated compliance analysis and reporting following disturbances.
• Developing compliance-ready processes specific to NERC as a regulatory entity.
• Supporting engagement with hyperscalers during study, commissioning, and early operation phases.