Meta data center town hall turns tense as residents press water, power officials
A town hall meeting in El Paso, Texas, regarding a Meta data center project turned tense as residents pressed city and utility officials about water and electricity demands. Concerns about potential rate increases for other customers and pollution were raised, but officials assured safeguards are in place. Residents, however, remained unconvinced and demanded scientific proof.
An overflowing town hall meeting in El Paso, Texas, centered on a proposed Meta data center, saw residents confront city and utility leaders over potential strains on water and electricity supplies. City Representative Cynthia Trejo hosted the event, which included top officials from El Paso Water, El Paso Electric, and the city attorney’s office.
Residents, some forced to listen from outside the packed room, expressed frustration, stating they could not hear or felt their concerns were not adequately addressed. Key questions focused on the data center’s projected water and electricity demand, potential pollution, and whether the project could lead to increased utility costs for other customers. One resident explicitly requested scientific studies to support officials' assurances.
Daniel Perez, El Paso Electric’s director of regulatory and government affairs, firmly stated that the Meta project would not increase residential electricity rates, citing regulatory constructs that prevent such cost shifting. He also clarified that Meta would be responsible for its own infrastructure. El Paso Electric has a proposed tariff for high-load customers filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, designed to ensure large customers cover their infrastructure costs. El Paso Water CEO John Ballou explained that meters would physically limit the data center's water usage to a peak of 2.5 million gallons per day, primarily during the hottest days of the year.
Despite these assurances, many residents remained unconvinced, demanding further proof that the data center would not overwhelm the city's resources or negatively impact their bills.