E&E News: States look to curb sky-high salaries of utility CEOs
April 23 — “There’s no way to reconcile [utility CEO compensation] with the quality of service that customers are receiving and the affordability of service that they’re receiving,” said Jonathan Kim, whose advocacy organization, the Energy and Policy Institute, has tracked utility CEO pay since 2017.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/states-look-to-curb-sky-high-salaries-of-utility-ceos/
Reuters: CenterPoint Energy’s quarterly profit rises on surging data center demand
April 23 — CenterPoint said it has more than 12 gigawatts of firmly committed industrial load and expects to provide electric services to 8 GW of projects located in the Greater Houston area by 2029, of which 3.5 GW is already under construction.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/centerpoint-energys-quarterly-profit-rises-surging-data-center-demand-2026-04-23/
Dallas morning News: Oncor files request under new process, which may mean higher electric bills for Texans
April 23 — The Dallas-headquartered company on Wednesday filed its first request under the unified tracker mechanism (UTM), a new regulatory process that allows certain transmission and distribution investment previously filed separately to be reviewed together in a single annual proceeding.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/oncor-files-request-under-process-130445720.html
ABC KTRK: Two data centers proposed for Matagorda County, residents pushing back
April 22 — But some living in the community are now pushing back against the proposal and said their main concern is how the facility will impact their rural lifestyle here. https://abc13.com/post/data-centers-proposed-matagorda-county-residents-pushing-back/18944946/
Houston Public Media: ERCOT says state’s energy demand is growing, but long-term forecast is likely overstated
April 22 —Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said last week that the state’s energy demand could reach nearly 368 gigawatts by 2032 — enough energy to power more than 73 million homes on a hot summer day or cold winter morning.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/04/22/549837/ercot-energy-demand-forecast-texas-power-grid/
KXAN: First Texas energy fund-supported power plant opens
April 21 — The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday the second unit of the Timmerman Power Plant has connected to the grid, making it the first Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) backed plant to be fully online.
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/first-texas-energy-fund-supported-power-plant-opens/amp/
Reuters: Texas power supply margins squeezed until grid expansions kick in
April 21 — April 21 – Texas grid operator ERCOT is moving forward with a $33 billion grid expansion plan to address unprecedented load growth and transmission constraints, including the construction of over 2,400 miles of 765 kV high-voltage power lines.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/texas-power-supply-margins-squeezed-until-grid-expansions-kick–reeii-2026-04-21/
Politico: Data centers’ mad dash for the Texas grid
April 20 — The state’s regulators and main grid operator are eyeing a system that would green-light data centers in batches, as I write today. Projects in so-called Batch Zero will be assigned power based on what the grid can handle now.
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/power-switch/2026/04/20/data-centers-mad-dash-for-the-texas-grid-00881828
Sierra Club: Texas Private Utilities Unveil 2027 Energy Efficiency Plans
For the first time ever, the Public Utility Commission of Texas is requiring large private utilities to publicly present their proposed budgets and plans for their 2027 Energy Efficiency offerings. Known formally as the Energy Efficiency Plan and Reports (EEPR), the eight major Transmission and Distribution Utilities have been required to file the plan on April 1st every year with the Commission since well since early 2000s.
https://www.sierraclub.org/texas/blog/2026/04/texas-private-utilities-unveil-2027-energy-efficiency-plans
Austin Business Journal: Energy transmission line plan rankles landowners
April 20 — Energy giant Oncor and the Lower Colorado River Authority are facing opposition in their quest to build a 765-kilovolt transmission line that energy experts said is needed to notably bolster the Texas electric grid
https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2026/04/20/oncor-lcra-transmission-line-controversy.html
E&E News: ‘The absolute edge of precedent’: FERC prepares to take on data centers
The commission is pushing to get data centers onto the grid, and fast. The high-stakes move could tip the balance of regulatory power against the states.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/the-absolute-edge-of-precedent-ferc-prepares-to-take-on-data-centers/
Natural Gas Intelligence: ERCOT Sees Power Load Breaking Records as Data Centers Call on Natural Gas
April 20 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is forecasting total power demand on its system to reach 278,003 MW by 2029, more than triple the all-time peak demand of 85,508 MW recorded on Aug. 10, 2023.
https://www.naturalgasintel.com/news/ercot-sees-power-load-breaking-records-as-data-centers-call-on-natural-gas/
WOAI: ERCOT Warns Early Projections May Not Reflect Guaranteed Outcomes
April 20 — In a filing to the Public Utility Commission (PUC), The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) gave its preliminary long-term load forecast for 2026-2032 urging state regulators to consider the “uncertainty” in these early projections. Energy Expert, David Holt, says Governor Abbott wants to make sure families aren’t burdened by the massive demand.
https://woai.iheart.com/featured/san-antonios-first-news/content/2026-04-18-ercot-warns-early-projections-may-not-reflect-guaranteed-outcomes/
KVUE: ERCOT expects to see a large surge in energy demand by 203
April 19 — ERCOT experts in Texas to use more than 367,000 megawatts of energy. Right now, the current peak of demand is over 85,000.
https://www.kvue.com/video/news/ercot-expects-to-see-a-large-surge-in-energy-demand-by-2032/269-c86f61f2-6e85-4c26-89f0-0d21881ea499
Globe and Mail: Texas Commission Approves Oncor Rate Increase Benefiting Sempra
April 18 — The decision raises Oncor’s self-insurance reserve recovery in rates to $200 million annually for storm and other self-insured costs and establishes a five-year amortization period for most regulatory assets and liabilities, excluding certain specified items. Oncor expects the new rates, along with a 2026 surcharge for the difference between old and new rates from January 1, 2026 until the new tariffs take effect, to bolster future earnings, cash flow, and credit metrics, strengthening Sempra’s regulated utility earnings profile in Texas.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/SRE-N/pressreleases/1386137/texas-commission-approves-oncor-rate-increase-benefiting-sempra/
Fox7: Bell County residents concerned Oncor’s proposed 765 kV power line will cut through their property
April 17 — Some residents are worried about large transmission lines possibly being built on their property.
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/7-on-your-side-oncor-power-line-project-salado-texas
ABC13 — ERCOT predicts energy use could quadruple in the next 6 years
April 17 — ERCOT officials presented predictions on Friday for energy consumption over the next six years, and the extreme growth predictions might surprise you. ERCOT is now projecting record growth and a large part of it is due to those electricity-guzzling data centers.
https://abc13.com/post/ercot-expects-energy-demand-quadruple-2032/18908223/
KXAN: ERCOT predicts 4x peak energy usage by 2032: How data centers may impact things
April 17 — “Texas is experiencing exceptional growth and development, which is reshaping how large load demand is identified, verified, and incorporated into long-term planning,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “As a result of a changing landscape, we believe this forecast to be higher than expected future load growth.”
https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/ercot-predicts-4x-peak-energy-usage-by-2032-how-data-centers-may-impact-things/
Texas Tribune: Texas grid operator forecasts massive growth in demand, but says data is likely flawed
April 17 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas reported that peak energy demand could quadruple by 2032, but cautioned that its estimate is likely too high and must be revised.
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/17/texas-power-grid-electricity-ercot-load-forecast-puc/
American Public Power Association: ERCOT Projects Approximately 367,790 MW of Demand in Region by 2032
April 17 — The current forecast projects approximately 367,790 MW of demand in the ERCOT Region by 2032. For context, ERCOT’s all-time peak demand is 85,508 MW, recorded on August 10, 2023. The difference between near-term expectations and the 2032 figure reflects Texas’ continued strong economic growth, with new load being added to the ERCOT System faster and in greater amounts than ever before.
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/ercot-projects-approximately-367790-mw-demand-region-2032
Bloomberg Law: ERCOT Forecasts Unprecedented Power Demand Growth: Texas Brief
April 17 — ERCOT is projecting a potentially huge surge in power demand over the next six years, fueled by—yes, you you guessed it—data center construction.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/texas-brief/ercot-forecasts-unprecedented-power-demand-growth-texas-brief
Fox4: ERCOT sent back to drawing board after predicting quadrupled power demand by 2032
April 17 — The people who run the power grid in Texas, the Electric Reliability Council, or ERCOT, this week said the state should prepare for a surge in power demand over the next six years. They predict numbers that are nearly quadruple what we currently use.
https://www.fox4news.com/news/ercot-predicts-possible-peak-demand-quadruple-2032-data-centers-grow
Lampasas Dispatch-Record: Commissioners oppose Oncor/LCRA transmission line
April 16 — The Lampasas County Commissioners Court cemented its stand against the Bell County East to Big Hill 765-kilovolt transmission project developed by Oncor and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp.
https://www.lampasasdispatchrecord.com/news/commissioners-oppose-oncorlcra-transmission-line
KCEN: Holland residents protest proposed transmission line
April 15 — Residents across Bell County packed a community meeting in Holland on April 13, urging neighbors to file formal protests against a proposed high-voltage transmission line they say could cut through farms, homes and family land that has been in place for generations.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/holland-residents-protest-proposed-power-line/500-5c82331b-8992-4430-82e3-668c4528b58d
KWES: Could Data Centers Raise your Electric Bill? Texas lawmakers and Oncor weigh in
April 15 — The Texas Public Utility Commission is currently developing new rules that would classify data centers as their own customer category — separating their infrastructure costs from what everyday residential customers pay.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/could-data-centers-raise-your-electric-bill-texas-lawmakers-and-oncor-weigh-in/
Bloomberg: Texas Grid Issues Dramatic Power Demand Growth Projection
April 15 — Ercot said the projection is a “preliminary snapshot and not a prediction” and that discussions for adjusting the forecast will take place at a scheduled meeting of the state utility regulator.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-15/texas-sees-power-demand-more-than-tripling-from-record-by-2032
KXXV: ERCOT projects Texas power demand surge in coming years
April 15 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) filed a preliminary forecast projecting electricity demand will reach approximately 367,790 megawatts by 2032 during peak hours, more than four times the current all-time peak of 85,508 megawatts recorded in August 2023
https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/ercot-projects-texas-power-demand-surge-in-coming-years#google_vignette
ERCOT: ERCOT Releases Preliminary Long-Term Load Forecast for Years 2026–2032 for PUCT Discussion
April 15 — In compliance with new Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) requirements established by the Texas Legislature, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) today filed a preliminary Long-Term Load Forecast for the years 2026–2032. The forecast will be discussed at the PUCT Open Meeting on April 17, 2026.
https://www.ercot.com/news/release/04152026-ercot-releases-preliminary
The Daily Texan: UT, ERCOT partner to improve electric grid reliability
April 14 — Surya Santoso, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UT, wrote in a statement that traditional coal and gas power plants are slowly being replaced by renewable energy sources. At the same time, electricity demand is growing from facilities like artificial intelligence data centers.
https://thedailytexan.com/2026/04/14/ut-ercot-partner-to-improve-electric-grid-reliability/
KCENTV: Could data centers raise your electric bill? Texas lawmakers and ONCOR weigh in
April 14 — Oncor, the state’s largest transmission and distribution utility, says it has more data center connection requests right now than any other utility in the nation.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/could-data-centers-raise-electric-bill-texas/500-03965798-8142-473c-9678-37671d502c04
WOAI Radio: As Data Centers Are Lining Up- TX Proposes a Way to Incentivize Applicants
April 13 — Last year, state lawmakers passed a bill allowing ERCOT to charge a fee to study how much business needs. “It takes a huge investment of people time and engineering skills, so if you want to be a data center applying to Texas, put some money down.” Hirs said.
https://woai.iheart.com/featured/houston-texas-news/content/2026-04-10-as-data-centers-are-lining-up-to-come-to-tx-ercot-incentivizes-applicants/
Houston Public Media: Texas lawmakers held a hearing on data centers. Here are 4 key takeaways
April 13 — The boom in data centers, many to support artificial intelligence, could strain the Texas power grid and increase energy costs.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/technology/2026/04/13/548888/texas-data-centers-grid-ercot-legislature/
Power Engineering: PROENERGY divests two ERCOT gas stations to STEC for $768M
April 13 — The facilities generate 768 MW of fast-start power with PROENERGY manufactured equipment, including packages and PE6000 turbines. Developed and constructed from 2021 to 2023, PROENERGY has owned, operated, and maintained the facilities since commissioning. PROENERGY will continue to staff, operate, and maintain the units through Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Total Care Services.
https://www.power-eng.com/gas/proenergy-divests-two-ercot-gas-stations-to-stec-for-768m/
Houston Public Media: CenterPoint Energy’s customer satisfaction rating increases, according to independent survey
April 13 — CenterPoint Energy’s customer satisfaction rating increases, according to independent survey
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/04/13/548985/centerpoint-energys-customer-satisfaction-ratings-increase-after-no-major-outages-in-2025/
CBS News: Celina small businesses frustrated over repeated power outages, leading to thousands in losses
April 13 — Small businesses in Celina say they are dealing with more than typical growing pains in the booming downtown area. They say repeated power outages are now costing them thousands of dollars in losses.
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/celina-tx-small-businesses-power-outages-stellas-ice-cream-shop/
Energy Wire: Texas sharpens attacks on solar power
April 13 — From the state Capitol to utility commission dockets, Texas officials are moving to derail solar plans as they brace for a surge in electricity demand.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/texas-sharpens-attacks-on-solar-power-2/
WFAA: One worker electrocuted, another in critical condition after incident involving power lines in southern Fort Worth
April 13 — Firefighters responded to an electrocution call around 1:42 p.m. Friday to a gas station located at 3823 East Loop 820 in Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Fire Department said in a statement.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/2-people-are-in-critical-condition-after-electrocution-in-south-fort-worth/287-5fe70ec6-8b97-494d-b442-a0874b6972a1
Courier & Press: CenterPoint CEO’s compensation nearly doubled in 2025, documents show
April 13 — According to CenterPoint’s 2026 proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Wells ended the year with $24,629,013 in “compensation actually paid.” The statement put Wells’ 2024 compensation at $12,695,578.
https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/local/2026/04/13/centerpoint-ceos-compensation-nearly-doubled-in-2025-documents-show/89535938007/
El Paso Matters: What’s changing on your El Paso Electric bill: rate hike, new fees and solar charges approved
April 12 —El Paso Electric customers in Texas will see a mix of changes to their monthly bills starting in May — including a rate increase, new charges tied to the controversial Proposition K political fight and higher costs for some rooftop solar users. That comes after state regulators approved a sweeping update to the utility’s pricing structure earlier this month.
https://elpasomatters.org/2026/04/12/el-paso-electric-texas-utility-bill-increase-2026-solar-panels-profit-margin/
Broadband Breakfast: Hyperscale Data Centers to Reach 67% of Global Capacity by 2031
April 12 — The projection, published in a report Tuesday by Synergy Research Group, reflects a shift as enterprise-owned infrastructure declines. Hyperscale firms currently control 48 percent of worldwide capacity, with nearly 60 percent in facilities they own and build.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/hyperscale-data-centers-to-reach-67-of-global-capacity-by-2031/
WFAA: One worker electrocuted after incident involving power lines in southern Fort Worth
April 11 — Two people were badly injured and one of them later died after being electrocuted while working in a bucket truck in south Fort Worth, officials said.
https://www.wfaa.com/video/news/local/tarrant-county/one-worker-electrocuted-after-incident-involving-power-lines-in-southern-fort-worth/287-85f0c3b0-a5e9-4e7d-9478-be82d3708e91
Lone Star Left: Texas: The Land Of No Water And Power
April 11 — On Thursday, the Texas House Committee on State Affairs met for an interim hearing on our power grid and data centers. The hearing lasted about five hours, and of course, I watched it so you don’t have to. And my biggest takeaway is that Republicans, who are terrible at governance and even worse with money, have spent years ignoring long-term planning and are now trying to figure out, in real time, how to keep the lights on without sticking Texans with the bill.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/texas-the-land-of-no-water-and-power
Hill Country Community Journal: More than 600 landowners fight power line project
April 11 — As the filing deadline closed at the Public Utility Commission of Texas for the proposed Howard-Solstice 765-kV transmission line by AEP Texas and CPS Energy (Docket 59336), more than 600 landowners, businesses and governmental entities filed motions to intervene in the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) proceeding — joining the Hill Country Preservation Coalition (HCPC) in what is now one of the most actively contested transmission cases in Texas history.
https://www.hccommunityjournal.com/news/article_154ebd4f-4fe2-4db0-9ba5-53fc2911a06d.html
Austin Today: Texas Poised to Become Nation’s Data Center Hub
April 10 — Texas lawmakers held a hearing to discuss the state’s rapidly growing data center industry, which is set to make Texas the country’s largest hub for data centers in the next two years. Energy experts and data center companies provided details on the state’s grid capacity, water usage, and tax incentives that are attracting major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta to build new facilities in Texas.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/tx/austin/news/2026/04/10/texas-poised-to-become-nations-largest-data-center-hub/
Cato Institute: Texas Is Building the Future of Electricity
April 10 — Texas is showing the country how to grow its electricity supply faster than anywhere else. The grid operator that covers the vast majority of the state, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), accommodates growth because it adds supply and integrates new technologies more quickly than other systems. When “speed to power” is the name of the game—as it is for the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation underway—data center developers will continue to choose Texas.
https://www.cato.org/blog/texas-building-future-electricity
Inside Public News: Texas Data Center Developers Play Offense on Water, Claiming Huge Cuts in Usage
April 10 — Ahead of next year’s legislative session, lawmakers probe regulators and industry leaders about how data centers operate.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10042026/texas-data-center-developers-play-offense-on-water-claiming-huge-cuts-in-usage/
NBC DFW: Texas House panel begins to scrutinize data centers
April 9 — Texas is becoming a nationwide leader in data centers, the physical footprint that houses the internet. However, the state’s largest energy grid is struggling to keep up with the number of new projects trying to connect to the grid. Some leaders are concerned that energy costs will increase.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/lone-star-politics/texas-house-scrutinize-data-centers/4008116/
KXAN: Texas House discusses the rising needs of data centers
April 9 — Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) President & CEO Pablo Vegas and Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUC) Chairman Thomas Gleeson opened the invited testimony section to talk about how data centers draw on the grid.
https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/texas-house-discusses-the-rising-needs-of-data-centers/amp/
Houston Chronicle: Texas could incentivize data centers to bring their own power supply, cut usage on command
April 8 — The flood of data centers signaling interest in Texas keeps growing to ever more impossible heights, prompting questions and anxiety about how the state’s power grid can keep up.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/texas-could-incentivize-data-centers-225305376.html
Texas Energy & Power Newsletter: Who Pays for the New Grid with Pablo Vegas
April 8 — ERCOT added more than 60 gigawatts of new electricity supply in the past five years — yet the load interconnection queue now exceeds 400 gigawatts
https://www.texasenergyandpower.com/p/who-pays-for-the-new-grid-with-pablo
NBC DFW: Power outages disrupt North Texas businesses, raise concerns in Celina
April 8 — Frustration is mounting in North Texas’ Celina as residents and downtown businesses deal with repeated power outages. Business owners say unpredictable, hours-long interruptions are disrupting routines and cutting into profits.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/power-outages-disrupt-north-texas-businesses-raise-concerns-in-celina/ar-AA20nq7N
ESS News: ERCOT proposes $1,500/MW incentive for legacy Texas storage to adopt grid stability support
April 8 — Older storage and renewables might be incentivized to add grid stability services in Texas if current plans continue with a $25 million program.
https://www.ess-news.com/2026/04/08/ercot-proposes-1500-mw-incentive-for-legacy-texas-storage-to-adopt-grid-stability-support/
NBC DFW: Power outages disrupt businesses, raise concerns in Celina
April 7 — Frustration is mounting in North Texas’ Celina as residents and downtown businesses deal with repeated power outages.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/celina-businesses-lose-money-power-outages/4007065/
Center For Strategic Studies: The Texas Energy Reference Design: Stress-Testing Load Growth Challenges for an AI Century (COMMENTARY)
April 7 — Texas long stood apart from national energy policy—its own grid, its own rules. In 2026, that independence has made it the top destination for AI-driven electricity demand. While Washington grapples with the pressures of building data centers, ensuring reliability, and controlling costs, Texas is tackling everything at once.
https://www.csis.org/analysis/texas-energy-reference-design-stress-testing-load-growth-challenges-ai-century
American Public Power Association: How Public Power Utilities Deliver Savings Amid Rising Energy Costs
April 6 — It’s been more than a year since the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that electricity rates have outpaced inflation since 2022, and the agency predicts that trend will continue through 2026. The higher bills have been a focus of local elections and spurred public interest in public utility commission proceedings.
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/maintaining-energy-affordability-how-public-power-utilities-deliver-savings-amid-rising-energy-costs
Houston Chronicle: Data centers balloon demand in ERCOT
April 6 — The agency said peak demand could reach 145 GW by 2030, and it currently has about 453 GW of requests to connect to the grid. ERCOT’s all-time peak demand was 85 GW in August 2023.
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/houston-chronicle/20260406/282050513620553
Sweetwater Reporter: Patrick Rhode Sworn in as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas
April 4 — Patrick Rhode was sworn in today as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Commissioner Rhode was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott effective April 1, 2026. His career spans public and private sector experiences from the White House to industry leading corporations.
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/sweetwater-reporter/20260404/281543707476524
Foley & Lardner: Texas Legislature Sets Its Sights on Data Centers and AI: What You Need to Know
April 3 — Texas House and Senate leadership recently released their interim charges, which serve as “homework assignments” for legislative committees to study before the 2027 session. These directives often form the foundation for future legislation, and can signal leadership priorities for the upcoming session. This year’s charges show a clear focus on the rapid growth of data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and their impact on the state’s infrastructure and the conduct of private and public business in the state.
https://www.foley.com/p/102mot7/texas-legislature-sets-its-sights-on-data-centers-and-ai-what-you-need-to-know/
Houston Today: Texas Governor Candidate Warns of Potential Power Outages
April 3 — Jenn Mack Raphoon, a candidate for Texas governor, has issued an urgent message to Texans, warning them to prepare for potential power outages this summer. Raphoon’s warning comes as the state’s electric grid operator, ERCOT, projects tightening reserve margins in the coming months.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/tx/houston/news/2026/04/03/texas-governor-candidate-warns-of-potential-power-outages/
Texas Energy & Power Newsletter: More Generation, More Transmission, More Load, More Challenges
April 2 — ERCOT’s latest operational and interconnection updates show continued growth in new power generation projects. Since December, roughly 9,275 megawatts of new capacity have been added to the interconnection queue, including solar, wind, battery storage, and gas projects.
https://www.texasenergyandpower.com/p/more-generation-more-transmission?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share
My San Antonio: How does artificial intelligence, data centers use so much water in Texas?
April 1 — Texas has become a major hotbed amid rampant efforts to expand and construct data centers across the country. But with the advancement of this technology comes concerns about the volume of water needed to operate these facilities and support artificial intelligence technology.
https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/how-does-ai-use-water-22155910.php
Community Impact: ERCOT, developers detail plans to manage data center growth amid legislative scrutiny
April 1 — The Texas power grid is undergoing “generational” growth, experts said during the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ annual summit March 31 in Round Rock. Much of that growth is due to data centers—an industry under scrutiny from state lawmakers as some Texas communities push back against proposed data center developments.
https://communityimpact.com/austin/round-rock/texas-legislature/2026/04/01/ercot-developers-detail-plans-to-manage-data-center-growth-amid-legislative-scrutiny/
Texas Energy and Power Newsletter: More Generation, More Transmission, More Load, More Challenges
April 2 — Recent reports and rulemakings from ERCOT and PUCT point to three major trends shaping the Texas grid: rapid growth, rising transmission investment, and large load management.
https://www.texasenergyandpower.com/p/more-generation-more-transmission?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share
Transformer Magazine: Texas plans massive 765-kV transmission line
April 1 — Oncor and LCRA propose up to 390 km of high-voltage line to meet Permian Basin’s growing electricity demand.
https://transformers-magazine.com/tm-news/texas-plans-massive-765-kv-transmission-line/
E&E News: Texas launches $350M nuclear fund ahead of data center boom
April 1 — The plan arrived the same day the state Senate’s Business and Commerce Committee is holding a hearing to ask regulators and grid managers how they plan to connect large power users to the grid without causing outages or raising prices for residents and small businesses. Abbott said in a statement that the fund will help jump-start a new nuclear energy ecosystem in Texas.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/texas-launches-350m-nuclear-fund-ahead-of-data-center-boom/
Fort Worth Report: Fort Worth bestows historic protection on TXU North Main plant
March 31 — The historic TXU North Main power plant at the Trinity River north of downtown now has significant protection against demolition under rezoning the Fort Worth City Council approved Tuesday.
https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/31/fort-worth-bestows-historic-protection-on-txu-north-main-plant/
Utility Dive: Oncor, LCRA propose up to 244 miles of 765-kV Texas transmission
March 31 — The proposal supports Texas’ effort to build a network of high-voltage transmission lines to serve growing demand in the Permian Basin.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/oncor-lcra-propose-up-to-244-miles-of-765-kv-texas-transmission/816207/
KCENTV: Holland homeowner shares how $2 Billion ONCOR transmission line project would run next to their property
March 31 — Christine Thies and her husband finally found their piece of Texas in Bell County. Now, a nearly $2 billion transmission line could change everything.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/holland-homeowner-2-billion-oncor-transmission-line-project-would-run-next-to-property/500-732b0f24-55b0-49e5-a61e-c2b0c9d37a1e
Broadband Breakfast: Microsoft Takes Over a Texas AI Data Center Expansion After OpenAI Backs Away
March 30 — Microsoft is taking over a data center construction project in Texas after OpenAI declined to pursue it.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/microsoft-takes-over-a-texas-ai-data-center-expansion-after-openai-backs-away/
American Public Power Association: Oncor, LCRA Transmission Services File Application to Build 765- kV Transmission Line in Texas
March 30 — Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation have filed an application to build a 765-kV transmission line from Schleicher to Bell Counties in Texas to help meet the state’s current and future electric reliability needs.
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/oncor-lcra-transmission-services-file-application-build-765-kv-transmission-line-texas
Foley Viewpoints: The “But For” Dilemma – How Proposed Texas Public Utility Commission Large Load Interconnection Rules Impact Government Incentives Strategies
March 30 — Companies seeking governmental incentives for expansion or relocation projects, such as tax abatements or state-level grants, must typically demonstrate that the project would not be viable “but for” the receipt of those incentives.
https://www.foley.com/p/102mofl/the-but-for-dilemma-how-proposed-texas-public-utility-commission-large-load-i/
Dallas Business Journal: Fort Worth weighs tax breaks for $1.1 billion data center project
March 30 — Fort Worth city leaders will decide whether to approve a substantial tax incentive package for an East Coast data center company considering a major investment. DART’s CEO search and the Dallas Wings’ training facility are also at pivotal points, as is the historic TXU Power Plant on Panther Island.
https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2026/03/30/edged-us-dart-ceo-dallas-wings-txu-panther.html
Latitude Media: The multimillion dollar debate over powering data centers in Texas
March 30 — But as the rulemaking process for SB6 has unfolded, it’s becoming clear just how far apart regulators and the AI industry are when it comes to the price of grid admission. Other markets around the country are closely watching the back-and-forth between Texas and developers over the size of financial commitments, and whether to grandfather in existing projects, explained Anne Liu, the research lead for ERCOT at Aurora Energy Research.
https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/the-multimillion-dollar-debate-over-powering-data-centers-in-texas/
National Law Review: Request for Comments on Texas PUCT Draft Report Regarding Transmission Cost Recovery in the ERCOT Region
March 30 — On 16 March 2026, following a workshop and two rounds of public comments, the Commission issued a draft report (the Draft Report) providing six draft recommendations. Commission Staff invites comments on the draft recommendations, due by 13 April 2026, prior to the issuance of a final report.
https://natlawreview.com/article/request-comments-texas-puct-draft-report-regarding-transmission-cost-recovery-ercot
KVUE: ERCOT partnering with UT to study next-generation energy technology
March 27 — ERCOT, the state’s power grid operator, is partnering with the University of Texas to study next-generation energy technology.
https://www.kvue.com/video/news/education/university-of-texas/ercot-ut-next-generation-energy-technology/269-14304504-db4f-4fd8-82cd-4cf1f1c20bfd
KSAT: Texas Supreme Court ends lawsuits against power generators over 2021 winter storm
March 27 — But Sandie Haverlah, president of the Texas Consumer Association, said Friday that the 2021 storm likely will not be the only extreme weather event of that caliber. She pointed to the state Legislature’s efforts to better prepare power generation companies for extreme weather as an acknowledgement of that — and of energy providers’ own culpability in the fallout.
https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2026/03/27/texas-supreme-court-ends-lawsuits-against-power-generators-over-2021-winter-storm/
KVUE: ERCOT partnering with UT to study next-generation energy technology
March 27 — ERCOT, the state’s power grid operator, is partnering with the University of Texas to study next-generation energy technology.
https://www.kvue.com/video/news/education/university-of-texas/ercot-ut-next-generation-energy-technology/269-14304504-db4f-4fd8-82cd-4cf1f1c20bfd
KXXV: Oncor, LCRA TSC seek state approval for 765kV transmission line across Central Texas
March 27 — Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation have applied for state approval to build a high-voltage transmission line spanning from Schleicher to Bell counties, a project officials say is critical to keeping pace with Texas’ surging electricity demand.
https://www.kxxv.com/news/texas-news/oncor-lcra-tsc-seek-state-approval-for-765kv-transmission-line-across-central-texas
KCEN TV: Proposed transmission line project continues to raise alarms in Central Texas
March 27 — Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation are seeking approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to build a 765-kilovolt transmission line stretching from Central to West Texas. The project would impact more than a dozen counties.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/proposed-power-line-project-continues-raise-alarms-central-texas/500-6c64b576-b2f7-490e-a921-bf2600b4ca61
Houston Public Media: Texas energy regulators, industry leaders face power demand questions amid growth of data centers
March 26 — The AI boom has dominated conversations at CERAWeek, the annual energy conference in Houston.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/infrastructure/2026/03/26/547233/ai-data-centers-texas-ercot-power-ceraweek/?amp=1
Business Wire: Oncor Electric Acquires Key Land in Ellis County for 765-kV Substation Project
March 26 — In addition to the close proximity of the property to the Stainback 345-kV substation, Oncor’s acquisition of land in Ellis, County for the development of the future 765-kV/345-kV substation and switch station, is a significant step forward in connecting the pieces of Texas’ emerging extra-high-voltage transmission backbone.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326178579/en/Oncor-Electric-Acquires-Key-Land-in-Ellis-County-for-765-kV-Substation-Project