This knowledge article answers frequently asked questions about Demand Resource Registration and Testing Requirements for the Planning Year 2026-2027.
Registration & Documentation Requirements
- Detailed curtailment procedures and communication protocols
- Confirmation that the load can be curtailed for 4 consecutive hours
- Firm Service Level (FSL) evidence (e.g, contracts, tariff riders)
- Physical address for each non-residential resource.
Real Power Test Requirements
Waiver Eligibility may be granted if one of the following scenarios applies and supporting documentation is submitted.
1. Explicit waiver by state or regulatory authority.
2. Participation is a state-approved retail contract +$12,000/MW credit posted.
3. Recent Scheduling Instructions with no operational changes
Documentation will be attached in the MECT tool during registration. (This may include waivers, retail contracts and all other information required for registration.) For more information refer to Attachment TT of the Tariff, BPM-026 Demand Response, BPM-011 - 4.2.7.8 Demand Resource - Testing Requirements
Test Timing & Criteria
Before July 15, 2025:
- Must show 80% demand reduction or 50% reduction with attestation
- Weather-based adjustments must be justified
- Resources may test individually even if aggregated
On or after July 15, 2025: Must Meet New Criteria
- 80% reduction
- >= 15 - minute duration
- ≤6 - hour window
NOTE: Aggregated resources must be reduced simultaneously.
Data Requirements
- Hourly metered output (kWh)
- Firm Service Level (FSL) resources: Data must be from Sept 1, 2024 - Aug 31, 2025
- Residential programs may submit aggregated data
Firm Service Level (FSL): Testing Scenarios
Test must start from ≥80% of max demand from Sept 1, 2024 - Aug 31, 2025
- MISO uses statistical filtering to exclude outliers when determining the max demand and these hours may be included as part of the test
- Demand must drop to or below the Firm Service Level
Key Deadlines
February 1, 2026
- Deadline for Existing Resources (Load Modifying Resource (LMR), External Resource Registrations)
- Evidence of Demand Resource testing must be submitted
- Last day to submit testing evidence for the prompt Planning Year
- Testing or performance must occur from Sept 1, 2024- Aug 31, 2025
March 1, 2026
Deadline for NEW Demand Resource Registration (Load Modifying Resource (LMR) External Resource (ER))
Submissions must be via the MECT tool for approval.
Accreditation Rules
Non-FSL Demand Response Resources:
- Accredited to the tested amount
- May be scaled up for temperature sensitivity or household growth
Aggregator of Retail Customers (ARCs):
- Must use a prescribed method to avoid over-registering and under-forecasting.
Replacement & Deferral
Load Modifying Resources (LMRs) may be replaced if:
- Contracts are terminated
- Ownership changes
- IMM approval is granted
Deferral Notice:
- Allows testing later (e.g., summer test for fall registration)
- Must show operations began before March 1 of prior Planning Year.