New UH survey reveals concerns over AI data center growth in Houston
A University of Houston survey reveals significant opposition among Houston-area residents to the growth of AI data centers, primarily due to concerns over energy and water demands. Nearly 63% oppose data center construction near their homes, highlighting worries about the state's power grid and future water supply. Residents believe lawmakers and tech companies should be responsible for infrastructure upgrades to support these facilities.
A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston’s Center for Public Policy at the Hobby School of Public Affairs reveals strong local opposition to the expansion of AI data centers in the Houston area. Despite 85% of residents using AI, nearly 63% oppose the construction of these facilities within one mile of their homes.
The primary concerns cited by respondents are the high energy demands of data centers and the potential impact on the reliability of the Texas power grid, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The report notes that Houston's data center capacity is expected to more than double by 2028, contributing to an estimated 86 gigawatts of new demand on the state grid by 2031, which could more than double the record peak set in August 2023. Residents indicated a higher likelihood of supporting data centers if they relied on renewable energy.
Water supply is another significant concern, given the substantial amounts of water data centers require for cooling. The survey found that 57.6% of respondents hold Texas lawmakers responsible for addressing these issues, while 31.5% believe tech companies should bear the responsibility. Furthermore, over 75% of residents stated that data center developers and technology companies, not residents, should cover the costs of necessary infrastructure upgrades. Researchers Soran Mohtadi and Maria P. Perez Arguelles emphasized that these issues, particularly concerning physical infrastructure, will become increasingly critical in the coming years.