All articles tagged with #ercot
President Trump criticized Texas’ anti-data-centers stance as a 'mistake' while Gov. Abbott paused approvals for data centers connecting to the grid and ordered audits of their power/water use, cooling plans, tax breaks, and ownership to protect grid reliability amid local opposition and a major industry investment.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT to review proposed new data centers, collecting details on ownership, finances, planned power needs, water use, and mitigation plans, after Texas hosts about 521 data centers and ERCOT is evaluating more than 474 gigawatts in grid-connection requests—over 90% tied to data centers—warning that unprecedented load growth could threaten grid reliability.
Governor Greg Abbott ordered audits of all data centers seeking connection to the ERCOT grid, pausing approvals until the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT verify details on tax breaks, electricity, water use, cooling, local impacts, and ownership; with more than 1,800 projects in the interconnection queue (about 90% data centers) the move could slow hyperscale development and heighten calls for transparency and tighter regulation.
Texas lawmakers are pressuring regulators to pause and overhaul the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, a proposed build-out of three 765-kV transmission lines to deliver electricity to West Texas oil fields. They say the current PUC permitting process is broken, raises private-property-rights concerns, lacks adequate notice, and carries an estimated $33 billion cost, prompting calls for reform before approval. Proponents say the lines are needed for grid reliability, while critics demand a thorough process review after a lengthy hearing that highlighted broad landowner opposition; Oncor and some industry voices caution that construction should proceed to meet growing energy needs.
Texas leads the nation in proposed power plants to fuel data centers, with 32 of 74 nationwide planned in the state and the potential to emit about 287 million tons of greenhouse gases annually plus significant air pollutants. The surge is tied to a booming AI/data-center sector and Texas’ business-friendly climate, but critics warn it could strain the grid, raise electricity costs for residents, and worsen health disparities in already vulnerable communities. Proponents point to efficiency and on-site generation, while policymakers weigh regulatory and fiscal implications amid rapid growth.
Texas is seeing a surge of planned data centers that could demand massive electricity and water, prompting ERCOT to batch-review proposals and locals to push for protections against higher bills, noise, and water stress as the state aims to become a leading AI infrastructure hub.
The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order directing ERCOT to require large energy users (including data centers) to run backup generators to bolster the Texas grid amid Winter Storm Fern, with exemptions for certain facilities and authorities to mobilize up to about 35 GW of backup generation; the order, which can be invoked if the grid reaches an emergency level, remains in effect until Tuesday.
KHOU highlights ERCOT’s real-time dashboard that shows current and forecasted Texas power supply and demand, grid health, and operating reserves, plus monitors like solar output and prices; it notes Entergy Texas isn’t on ERCOT and points readers to MISO for grid checks outside Texas.
An arctic winter storm blankets much of Texas with freezing rain, sleet and dangerous travel conditions, prompting a disaster declaration for more than 130 counties while officials note the ERCOT grid is prepared, though local outages are still possible as the storm continues into the weekend and beyond.
Texas braces for a weekend Arctic cold snap with snow, sleet, and ice while officials say the state’s power grid is better prepared than during Winter Storm Uri, thanks to more generation (solar, wind, batteries) and hardened natural-gas facilities. ERCOT projects sufficient generation to meet demand, though ice and downed tree limbs could cause local outages. Preparations include warming centers, road treatment, and emergency response teams; Dallas and Austin are expanding warming-center capacity, and Texas leaders plan briefings to coordinate across agencies.
Texas will need nearly double its current power supply by 2030 due to increasing population and high demand from large customers like oil and gas companies and data centers. ERCOT predicts demand could reach 150GW, up from last year's record 85GW. New legislation and large customer practices are causing concerns among residents. While reforms were made after Winter Storm Uri, critics argue they are insufficient. However, the situation may boost renewable energy initiatives and conservation programs.
The path of April's total solar eclipse is expected to briefly reduce solar power output in Texas, but experts assure that the electric grid can compensate for the dip using other energy sources. The eclipse's impact on the US power grid is not anticipated to cause significant disruptions, as utility companies can prepare for its path, timing, and duration. Homeowners relying solely on solar power and situated in the path of totality may experience a brief impact, but overall, the eclipse is not a cause for concern and can be enjoyed safely with proper eyewear.
Reps. Casar and Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the Connect the Grid Act to connect Texas's grid with the national grid, aiming to prevent future power outages. The bill would place ERCOT under federal oversight and require a study on connecting with Mexico. They argue that interconnecting the grid could have prevented mass power outages during the winter storm and could lower national carbon emissions due to Texas's renewable energy production. The bill's Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Markey and has support from progressive lawmakers, but faces challenges in the GOP-majority House.
After years of desiring a more competitive electricity market, residents of Lubbock, Texas, are finally getting their wish as the city's electric market opens up. With over 30 companies to choose from, residents are finding the process overwhelming, and concerns linger about finding a new low rate. Despite the challenges, the switch to the state's open marketplace represents a significant milestone for the city, which has invested millions in the move. As the deadline approaches, residents are diligently researching their options to find the best deals and perks, with about 45% having already chosen their provider.
ERCOT has issued an Operating Condition Notice (OCN) ahead of an extreme cold weather event predicted to hit the Houston area from Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 21, 2024. This notice is part of ERCOT's standard procedures to ensure market participants are prepared for potential grid challenges. The OCN is the first of four levels of communication issued in anticipation of a possible Emergency Condition, indicating compromised or threatened safety or reliability of the ERCOT System.