Texas governor orders audit of new data centers after realizing over 400 gigawatts of power is a lot

Core Impact Points

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an audit of new data centers in the state to assess their power demands and potential impact on the electric grid.
• The state already hosts over 500 data centers, with more than 90% of new power requests coming from these facilities, highlighting the significant strain on the grid.
• The audit will collect information on potential new data centers' ownership, finances, planned power needs, water use, and approach to minimizing negative impacts on residents.
• The move aims to ensure the reliability and stability of the Texas electric grid, which is currently reviewing over 474 gigawatts in requests to connect to the state's electric grids.
• Data centers have proven unpopular among many US citizens due to concerns about resource use and drains on existing infrastructure, leading to measures aimed at limiting or prohibiting construction at the federal, state, and city level.