Data centers popping up across Texas
A University of Houston survey found that Texas voters want limits on data center growth and believe operators should pay for the electric grid expansion needed to serve them. Voters also raised concerns about higher utility bills, lower property values, water consumption and strain on the power grid.
Data centers are expanding across Texas to support rising demand for artificial intelligence, but a University of Houston Hobby School survey indicates substantial voter concern about the costs. Seventy-nine percent of likely voters favored limits on the number of data centers, while 99% said operators should pay for electric grid upgrades required by their facilities.
The survey also found that 76% of respondents expect new data centers to increase household electricity bills, and six in 10 believe they could reduce property values. Texans expressed additional concerns about water supplies and grid reliability, although researchers said voters also recognize potential benefits from AI and related infrastructure improvements.