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What just happened? Texas has put a hold on new data center approvals that require access to the state's grid, a move that could slow a long list of projects already waiting in line. Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT to pause approvals until the agencies complete an audit of applicants, a move that could stall a large backlog of projects seeking to connect.
The state wants more information before granting access. Abbott said applicants must provide tax break details, power use and generation data, water use and cooling plans, steps to reduce community impact, and facility ownership information. Any project missing that information will not be allowed onto the grid.
"Our top priority is to protect Texans' safety and quality of life," Abbott wrote. "Any project that fails to comply with the requirements set forth by the PUCT (Public Utility Commission of Texas) and ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), and by state law, must be denied connection to the Texas grid. Simply put, Texans must come first."
