AI NewsTexas halts new data centers as governor calls for audits

Texas halts new data centers as governor calls for audits

1:09 AM IST · August 5, 2026

Tech companies and developers have been scouring the U.S. for places to build data centers, and they’ve been drawn to Texas’ loose regulations and seemingly abundant power supply. Only Virginiahosts more data centersthan Texas. But even Texas can be pushed to the brink. Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday that all new data center projects will need to be audited by both the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the state’s grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The size of ERCOT’s interconnection queue has grown dramatically this year. In January, ERCOT had 233 gigawatts of projects waiting to connect to its grid. Inless than six months, that figure had more than doubled. Today, Abbott’s officesaidERCOT is tracking 474 gigawatts of new connection requests. About 90% of those are data centers, according to the grid operator. Some of those projects are simply paper proposals at this point. Because queues for grid connections have grown so long, the first action many developers take is to get in line. Many projects fizzle out as they progress. If even a fraction of those proposed projects come to fruition, they could overwhelm the Texas grid. The interconnection queue today represents more than five times ERCOT’stotal peak demand. While many data center operators, includingGoogleandMicrosoft, have been drawn to Texas for its ample natural gas reserves, wind and solar havehelped ERCOT keep pacewith growing electricity demand, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Utility-scale solar capacity grew fourfold between 2021 and 2025. Meanwhile, electricity prices declined over much of that time, according to areportfrom Amperon. Electricity prices in Texas are relatively affordablecompared with other states, but they have been rising. Data centers and crypto-mining facilities have pushed prices higher,accordingto the EIA. Abbott clearly wants to head off that trend. The governor has directed PUCT and ERCOT to collect a range of information about proposed data centers, including their on- and off-site demand for electricity and water, noise-mitigation efforts, light controls, use of tax incentives, and ownership details. Historically, Texas has favored lighter regulation than many other states when it comes to development. Houston famouslylacks a zoning code, and the state has abusiness-friendly regulatory environment. But data centers havebecome a flash pointacross the country, including in Texas. Abbott had previously tried to coax data centers into providing more information through a voluntary survey.Most didn’t respond, so he’s taking a heavier hand to compel compliance. Depending on what emerges from the audits, Texas’ days as a data center mecca may be coming to a close.