Completion Bonus Grant Program

The Completion Bonus Grant Program, administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), offers financial incentives to encourage the development of new dispatchable electric generating facilities in the ERCOT power region. The program is a strategic initiative under the broader Texas Energy Fund (TxEF), designed to bolster grid reliability by promoting infrastructure capable of providing consistent electricity output on demand. Grants are targeted at new facilities with a nameplate capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) or more, reflecting Texas’s emphasis on significant, utility-scale energy generation enhancements. Launched on January 1, 2025, the program invites applications through the official TxEF Portal. Eligible applicants must meet the detailed requirements set forth in the Texas Administrative Code, specifically 16 TAC §25.511. Facilities must not only meet the baseline capacity threshold but also adhere to specified performance standards to remain eligible for the recurring annual grant disbursements. These standards are essential for ensuring that funded projects contribute meaningful reliability benefits to the ERCOT grid. The funding model of the program is structured around long-term performance. Grants are disbursed in annual installments over a ten-year period. Each installment is contingent on facility performance during a 12-month test period running from June 1 to May 31 of the following year. The amount awarded is variable and depends on multiple factors, including available program funding, the size of the TxEF, the applicant facility’s capacity, interconnection date, and actual performance during the designated test period. The application process requires a multi-step submission. Applicants must log into the TxEF Portal to complete the necessary forms and upload all required documentation. A separate submission statement must also be filed via the PUCT Interchange under Project Number 57308 to complete the application. The program manual and FAQs, both accessible through the TxEF site, offer detailed procedural and eligibility guidance. Initial implementation milestones include the issuance of the first notice of eligibility on April 24, 2025, and the execution of the first Completion Bonus Grant agreement on November 10, 2025. These milestones underscore the program's operational momentum and reflect PUCT’s readiness to allocate funding to compliant applicants. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the Post-Notice Program Manual and to view the Application Video Tutorial provided in the resources section. For additional guidance or questions, applicants can contact the Texas Energy Fund support team via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-866-526-2269. As this is a recurring opportunity, applicants should plan submissions carefully, mindful of annual performance measurement cycles and related deadlines.