Texas detiene centros de datos nuevos tras auditorías.

Tech companies and developers have been actively exploring opportunities in the U.S. to establish data centers, with Texas emerging as a prime destination due to its lenient regulations and seemingly abundant energy supply. Notably, only Virginia surpasses Texas in the number of data centers.

However, the rapid growth in data center proposals in Texas is raising concerns. Governor Greg Abbott recently mandated that all new data center projects undergo audits by both the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). This follows a dramatic increase in ERCOT’s interconnection queue, which has surged from 233 gigawatts of projects waiting in January to a staggering 474 gigawatts now, with approximately 90% of these requests originating from data centers.

Many of these proposed projects remain in the preliminary stages and may never materialize, but if a significant number proceed, they could strain the Texas grid. The current queue alone exceeds five times ERCOT’s total peak demand, highlighting a critical infrastructure challenge.

Major players in the tech industry, including renowned companies like Google and Microsoft, have been drawn to Texas, attracted by its substantial natural gas reserves. Additionally, the adoption of wind and solar energy has enabled ERCOT to meet the rising electricity demands, as indicated by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The state has seen utility-scale solar capacity quadruple between 2021 and 2025, contributing to a general decline in electricity prices during that period.

Although electricity prices in Texas remain comparatively low, there has been an upward trend, driven in part by the surge in data centers and cryptocurrency mining. To address this, Governor Abbott has instructed PUCT and ERCOT to gather comprehensive information on proposed data centers, focusing on their energy and water demands, noise control measures, use of tax incentives, and ownership details.

Texas has historically maintained a less regulated environment for development activities, notably seen in Houston’s lack of zoning codes. However, the boom in data centers has become a contentious issue across the nation, including in Texas. Previously, Abbott attempted to obtain data centers’ information through a voluntary survey, but with insufficient responses, he is now enforcing more stringent compliance measures.

As this situation unfolds, the future of Texas as a hub for data centers appears to be in a state of flux, contingent on the outcomes of these new audits. The implications for both developers and the state’s energy infrastructure are significant, warranting close attention from stakeholders involved.

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