ERCOT to survey more than 400 data centers as part of Gov. Abbott’s audit

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is launching a comprehensive survey of 461 data centers across Texas to assess their water and energy consumption. This initiative is a direct result of an audit ordered by Governor Greg Abbott, which has temporarily halted power grid connections for some large data centers until the audit's findings are presented in December.

Chad Seely, a senior vice president with ERCOT, stated that the agency would collaborate with a consultant to compile the survey results for the Governor, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and state lawmakers. The survey, which includes approximately 130 questions on topics such as financial assistance, power self-sufficiency, water and cooling, community impact, and ownership, is due by mid-October. Responses from individual companies will remain confidential, though a public report card on response deficiencies will be issued.

In related news, ERCOT unveiled preliminary estimates for its "Batch Zero" study, which is evaluating 362 large energy consumers, including data centers, for potential power grid inclusion. These projects collectively request 191.8 gigawatts of power, roughly double the state's record-breaking demand. An additional 373 projects, requesting over 300 gigawatts, were excluded from Batch Zero, though Seely noted these figures are subject to change due to ongoing dispute processes.

As part of the governor's audit, ERCOT must verify the readiness of these Batch Zero projects, requiring documentation like leases or property deeds and permits, before proceeding with interconnection studies. ERCOT has issued information requests to 231 large energy consumers in Batch Zero for this verification, with responses due by September 23, subject to extension. The agency plans to provide real-time updates through dashboards and will release blank survey templates on its website.