Greg Abbott tells PUC, ERCOT not to pass new data center costs to customers

[1srelluc]

MSN

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued an order aimed at making sure Texas ratepayers do not take on the costs of building new infrastructure to power the hundreds of data centers seeking to join the state's grid in the coming years.

The order marks the first time the Republican governor has sought to put limits on the explosive growth of data centers, which have drawn backlash, especially in heavily GOP areas of the state, for their heavy use of energy and water.

More than 480 "large" data centers have requested to connect to the ERCOT grid through 2032, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the grid operator. Currently, only a dozen of the hundreds of data centers drawing power from the state's primary grid are considered "large" electricity users, meaning they consume at least as much power as 18,750 households.

Well, at least that's something positive. Better than the usual TX stance of, "we will run over you roughshod" to get what we want.

 

[Zincwarrior]

Even Texas is tired of the Data Center Bullshit.

 

[Nuthin' Fancy]

WHY do we need more data centers?

Executive Order: Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data ...​

Ballotpedia
https://ballotpedia.org › Executive_Order:Accelerating...

Executive Order: Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure is an executive order that President Donald Trump (R) issued on July 23, 2025.

Section  1. Policy and Purpose. My Administration has inaugurated a golden age for American manufacturing and technological dominance.

We will pursue bold, large-scale industrial plans to vault the United States further into the lead on critical manufacturing processes and technologies that are essential to national security, economic prosperity, and scientific leadership.

These plans include artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and infrastructure that powers them, including high‑voltage transmission lines and other equipment.
It will be a priority of my Administration to facilitate the rapid and efficient buildout of this infrastructure by easing Federal regulatory burdens.

In addition, my Administration will utilize federally owned land and resources for the expeditious and orderly development of data centers.

This usage will be done in a manner consistent with the land’s intended purpose — to be used in service of the prosperity and security of the American people.

 

[Nuthin' Fancy]

Our politicians are, as usual, selling their constituents out...................

Florida lawmakers remove public disclosure for data centers​

Tallahassee Democrat
https://www.tallahassee.com › news › state › 2026/03/11

Mar 11, 2026 — Florida lawmakers removed a provision from a bill that would have banned nondisclosure agreements with data center companies.

The revised bill also no longer requires public disclosure when a data center is planned for a community.

 

[evenflow1969]

MSN

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued an order aimed at making sure Texas ratepayers do not take on the costs of building new infrastructure to power the hundreds of data centers seeking to join the state's grid in the coming years.

The order marks the first time the Republican governor has sought to put limits on the explosive growth of data centers, which have drawn backlash, especially in heavily GOP areas of the state, for their heavy use of energy and water.

More than 480 "large" data centers have requested to connect to the ERCOT grid through 2032, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the grid operator. Currently, only a dozen of the hundreds of data centers drawing power from the state's primary grid are considered "large" electricity users, meaning they consume at least as much power as 18,750 households.

Well, at least that's something positive. Better than the usual TX stance of, "we will run over you roughshod" to get what we want.

Lol, how likely do you think it is that those costs will not be passed on to the regular consumer?

 

[1srelluc]

Lol, how likely do you think it is that those costs will not be passed on to the regular consumer?

Slim to none.

 

[toobfreak]

Lol, how likely do you think it is that those costs will not be passed on to the regular consumer?

Now that they have made it a point to promise it never happens, you can be sure now that the consumer will end up bearing the full brunt.

 

[1srelluc]

Now that they have made it a point to promise it never happens, you can be sure now that the consumer will end up bearing the full brunt.

It will be interesting to see the little TX side-step he does to get around it.

 

[Anathema]

.Well, at least that's something positive. Better than the usual TX stance of, "we will run over you roughshod" to get what we want.

I would wait before you start celebrating. If the regular ratepayer isn’t going to have to pay for these upgrades, the data centers are going to want dedicated transmission and distribution infrastructure for their facilities only. They’re not gonna pay to upgrade the residential distribution system if ratepayers aren’t included as well.

How do I know this… because o already see it with the distributed generation systems I deal with at the electric company I work for in Massachusetts.

 

[1srelluc]

How do I know this… because o already see it with the distributed generation systems I deal with at the electric company I work for in Massachusetts.

Well that explains a lot....You're a Masshole.

 

[Anathema]

Well that explains a lot....You're a Masshole.

I’m a Connecticunt by birth, though I’ve been a Masshole for longer now than I loved in CT. Online of very few Conservative Authoritstians in this part of the country and proud of it.

 

[evenflow1969]

Now that they have made it a point to promise it never happens, you can be sure now that the consumer will end up bearing the full brunt.

I agree.