The steel frame of data centers under construction during a tour of the OpenAI data center in Abilene on Sept. 23, 2025. A total of eight data center buildings are planned to exist on the campus.

Texas forecast to be top market for data centers in two years, increasing grid demand

As artificial intelligence pushes demand for more data centers, companies are drawn to the state’s relatively inexpensive land and natural gas that can run on-site power plants.

by Paul Cobler, The Texas Tribune January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

As artificial intelligence pushes demand for more data centers, companies are drawn to the state’s relatively inexpensive land and natural gas that can run on-site power plants.

The Texas sun sets behind a group of electrical transition towers.

Texas News

As data centers jostle to get on Texas’ grid, ERCOT promises new rules for ‘Batch Zero’

The group would include large power users who’ve been waiting a long time for interconnection and don’t need further study. It’s ERCOT’s first attempt at a new planning process in which multiple requests will be considered simultaneously.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

A battery storage complex and substation stores energy produced by renewable sources.

Texas News

The Texas power grid will get a boost from batteries this winter

Despite degradation risks in colder temperatures, storage allows for more availability during peak winter demand periods.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

Texas News

Trump’s policies risk Texas’ new solar and battery projects

Two-thirds of Texas’ future solar and storage developments are at risk of delay or cancellation due to regulatory uncertainty, a report warns.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

The sheer volume of energy demand from Texas data centers is creating headaches for the state's grid operator.

Texas News

‘Rapid explosion’ of data centers causes planning struggles for Texas power grid

As companies look to build projects that consume more power than cities, ERCOT is trying to plan transmission.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

An aerial photo shows a QTS Data center under construction.

Texas News

Texas grid operators and regulators iron out new rules for data centers

New state legislation seeks to address grid challenges from hosting large energy users like data centers while remaining an attractive place to do business.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News October 10, 2025October 10, 2025

News

What risks the Texas power grid faces

A new report outlines how ERCOT’s transformation, increased load growth and extreme weather risks challenge Texas’ grid reliability.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News July 21, 2025August 8, 2025

News

Trump’s tariffs and new state regulation could increase power costs in Texas

While tariffs could increase prices for renewables and oil and gas, pending bills before the Texas Legislature could bring new regulatory burdens for wind and solar projects.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News March 12, 2025March 15, 2025

News

More solar and battery storage were added to Texas’ grid than any other power source last year

Texas has become one of the nation’s frontrunners in developing renewable energy. In recent years, the state’s reign came from wind power coupled with utility-scale solar.

by Arcelia Martin, Inside Climate News February 15, 2025May 23, 2025

News

Texas power grid operator issues winter weather warning

The power grid, which failed during a 2021 winter storm, is expected to remain stable through the current cold front, ERCOT said.

by Sanford Nowlin January 6, 2025January 21, 2025

News

Here’s what’s working and what isn’t as San Antonio grapples with global software outage

San Antonio International Airport reported 13 flight cancellations and 59 delays as of press time.

by Michael Karlis July 19, 2024October 4, 2024

News

Texas leaders worry that Bitcoin mines threaten to crash the state power grid

Granbury residents are raising alarms over noise from a local Bitcoin mine, while state lawmakers warn that the energy-hungry facilities risk “crashing” the electrical grid.

by Keaton Peters, Inside Climate News July 10, 2024March 2, 2025

News

As summer heat hits, how is the Texas grid faring?

Amid new projections of surging demand, energy analyst Doug Lewin explains what worries him — and what doesn’t.

by Justin Miller, The Texas Observer July 4, 2024January 6, 2025

News

Texas to double $5 billion state fund aimed at expanding the power grid

The announcement came soon after a new prediction by the state’s main grid operator that power demands will nearly double by 2030.

by Kayla Guo, The Texas Tribune July 2, 2024January 7, 2025

News

Demand on Texas’ strained power grid expected to double over next six years

Data centers, hydrogen-production sites and oil and gas operators are demanding more power at the same time as the state’s population is booming.

by Sanford Nowlin June 20, 2024February 18, 2025

News

Texans are falling behind on their light bills — especially during extreme heat

One organization helping Texans pay their electric bills said the average household was $1,400 behind.

by Carlos Nogueras Ramos, The Texas Tribune May 25, 2024October 25, 2024

News

ERCOT warns it may delay CPS Energy from closing gas-fueled power units

The grid operator said the plan by San Antonio’s city-owned utility could have ‘material impact’ on the ability to supply power statewide.

by Sanford Nowlin April 23, 2024July 24, 2024

News

U.S. Rep. Casar says rural GOP support can help pass his bill to connect Texas’ grid

Connecting the Lone Star State’s stand-alone grid would spur development of solar and wind in rural areas, sweetening the post for some Republicans, the San Antonio-Austin congressman said.

by Sanford Nowlin February 22, 2024September 24, 2024