Texas data center survey on water and power usage yields low response rates
More than 70% of Texas data centers have failed to respond to state regulators' surveys regarding water and power usage, despite an extended deadline. The mandatory water usage survey carries only a $500 fine, and the joint power/water survey is voluntary, leading to a lack of transparency and industry non-compliance. This failure to gather data has prompted calls for stricter legislative action in the upcoming session.
Texas state regulators' efforts to collect data on data centers' water and power usage have largely failed, with over 70% of facilities not responding to a survey. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) initiated the survey to understand the resource-intensive industry's demands amid its rapid expansion in the state.
Initially, the deadline for responses was May 28, which was extended to July 10 after fewer than 10% of data centers complied. Even after the extension, less than 30% responded. Governor Greg Abbott, who previously touted Texas as an AI epicenter, expressed frustration over the "complete lack of transparency." However, PUCT spokesman Rich Parsons clarified that while the TWDB's water usage survey is mandatory, the joint TWDB-PUCT survey on both water and power is voluntary. The penalty for ignoring the mandatory water survey is a Class C misdemeanor with a mere $500 fine, which environmental advocates like Adrian Shelley of Public Citizen's Texas chapter argue is negligible for large corporations.
Further complicating data collection, officials admitted they lack a comprehensive contact list for data center operators and a mechanism to verify the accuracy of self-reported data. State Representative Armando Walle, who included the directive for the water survey in last year's state budget, acknowledged it was a "softer approach" to avoid deterring the burgeoning industry. Despite the incomplete findings, regulators are required to submit a report to the Legislative Budget Board and Governor Abbott's office by December 31, ahead of a legislative session where lawmakers are widely expected to propose stricter regulations for the data center industry.