El Paso seeks statewide protections for residents from data center costs
El Paso has filed formal comments with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), requesting that protections for residential electricity ratepayers from increased costs associated with large data centers be applied statewide, including areas outside the ERCOT grid. This action follows Gov. Greg Abbott's directive on data center growth and aims to ensure all Texans receive the same protections from rising electricity costs.
The City of El Paso, Texas, has formally requested the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to extend protections for residential electricity ratepayers statewide, aiming to shield them from increased costs due to large data center development. The city's comments, filed on July 29, specifically advocate for these protections to cover areas outside the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, where utilities like El Paso Electric operate.
This move comes in response to a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott concerning data center expansion and consumer protection. Mayor Renard Johnson emphasized the city's commitment to both innovation and resident protection, stating that the costs of electricity growth should be borne by those generating the demand, not by local families, seniors, or small businesses.
El Paso, identified as a region experiencing significant data center growth, is seeking a parallel process for non-ERCOT utilities to ensure equitable protections across the state. The city's request underscores the principle that all Texans, including the nearly 700,000 customers served by El Paso Electric, deserve consistent safeguards against rising electricity rates.