Texas will audit up to 300 projects, mostly data centers, after Gov. Greg Abbott’s order
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an audit of up to 300 projects, mostly data centers, due to their significant future electricity demand. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will conduct these audits over several months. This directive moves the verification process to first priority before any data center can be approved for connection to the state grid, adding new requirements.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mandated an audit and verification process for approximately 250 to 300 projects, predominantly data centers, citing concerns over their substantial future electricity demand. Officials from the state grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), informed the Public Utility Commission (PUCT) that these projects represent 200 gigawatts of future demand, more than double ERCOT's recent peak demand record.
ERCOT General Counsel Chad Seely confirmed that this directive, issued on August 3, prioritizes the verification process, moving it to the front of the line before any interconnection study can begin. While ERCOT had existing plans to assess large load projects, Governor Abbott's order accelerates this timeline and introduces additional requirements, necessitating several months for completion before data centers can be approved for grid connection.