There are a few possible causes for why you might be encountering a “Custom quota exceeded” error even though you have already reviewed all configurations and everything seems to be in order according to standard settings.
Quota Lag: While it’s possible there could be a lag in the quota system, it’s generally not more than a few minutes. Google’s quota system is near real-time, and any delays are typically resolved within a short period. If the issue persists for an extended time, it’s less likely to be a simple lag.
System Error: Before contacting Google Cloud support, users should ensure they have thoroughly investigated all possible causes on their end. This includes reviewing the query history for unexpected queries, checking for automated scripts or scheduled queries, and confirming that no other users are contributing to the quota usage. Additionally, users should check the error logs and system health reports for any indications of underlying issues.
Tolerance for Queries Under 10MB: The tolerance for queries under a certain size is not a standard feature of Google Cloud’s quota system. Instead, the quota typically counts all queries regardless of size. If there is a tolerance, it would be a custom setting implemented by an administrator. Users should check with their administrator to determine if such a setting is in place.
Optimize Queries: This is a crucial step in reducing quota usage. Users should ensure their queries are efficient, using proper filters, selecting only the necessary columns, and avoiding unnecessary data processing. Additionally, they should consider using materialized views or caching results to minimize repetitive queries.
Request a Quota Increase: This is an option when a user’s legitimate needs consistently exceed the quota limit. The process typically involves submitting a formal request to Google Cloud, providing justification for the increase, and possibly discussing cost implications.
Check Billing Account: Ensure that the billing account linked to the project is in good standing and has sufficient funds to cover the project’s resource usage. Sometimes quota issues can be related to billing problems or payment holds.
Review Documentation: The link provided in the error message (https://cloud.google.com/bigquery/cost-controls) should be thoroughly reviewed for detailed information on BigQuery’s cost controls and how quotas work. This can help users understand the quota system’s nuances and avoid exceeding limits unintentionally.
Monitor Quota in Real-Time: Google Cloud Platform provides tools like the Cloud Monitoring service to monitor quota usage in real-time. It’s a good practice to set up alerts for when you’re approaching your quota limit, allowing you to take proactive measures to prevent exceeding the quota.
Summary:
- Investigate all potential internal causes before contacting Google Cloud support.
- Optimize queries to reduce data processing and unnecessary usage.
- Consider requesting a quota increase if legitimate needs consistently exceed the limit.
- Check billing account status and ensure sufficient funds are available.
- Review documentation and utilize monitoring tools to proactively manage quota usage.