New Facts: Texas PUC freezes new data center hookups

Texas froze new grid hookups for data centers to verify a flood of power requests. It is the first major data center hub to pause connections while projects are investigated. Requests to plug into the Texas grid have jumped from about 48 gigawatts in 2023 to more than 474 gigawatts, as very large users across nearby regions have sought over 700 gigawatts.

The order launches a comprehensive audit run by the state Public Utility Commission and the Texas grid operator. Proposals must name the ultimate owner and disclose any taxpayer-funded incentives, expected water use, and plans for on-site generation. Earlier, a project could list only an affiliate; grid hookups are paused as the new review is applied.

Elsewhere, added guardrails have already cut headline figures. Exelon reduced its high‑probability data center demand tally about 40% to 11 gigawatts after requiring more collateral, and AEP Ohio’s pipeline fell by more than half after study fees up to $100,000. Growth in existing and forecast data center demand has added $29.4 billion to capacity costs for homes and businesses across PJM’s last four auctions.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources