~ In a recent directive, Governor Greg Abbott has called for the protection of residential ratepayers from the costs of data center expansion. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) have responded to this call by taking concrete steps to ensure that Texans are not burdened with the financial consequences of data center growth.

Governor Abbott stated, "I directed the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to protect Texans from the costs of data center expansion and they are putting that direction into action." He emphasized that residential ratepayers should not have to bear the brunt of this industry's growth and that these actions will keep electric bills affordable while also safeguarding the state's water resources.

On June 10, Governor Abbott directed the PUCT to make data centers responsible for paying for their own electric infrastructure. This measure aims to prevent Texas families from being stuck with the bill and ensure that connecting data centers actually leads to lower residential electric bills. Additionally, he called for collaboration with ERCOT on further steps to protect ratepayers.

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The PUCT and ERCOT have taken several key actions in response to this directive. They have implemented rules that require data centers not only to pay for transmission infrastructure but also contribute towards reducing residential electric bills. Furthermore, they have adopted measures to prevent large data centers from diverting power away from the ERCOT grid, prioritizing power for Texas families and communities.

In addition, changes have been made in how data centers pay for necessary infrastructure, ensuring that these costs are not shifted onto everyday Texans or put unnecessary strain on state resources. A new interconnection screening process has also been put in place to prevent data centers from overburdening the grid. Moreover, ERCOT's process for evaluating and managing data center development has been strengthened, along with improved long-term planning to ensure reliable service for Texas residents.

The PUCT and ERCOT have also recommended legislative changes for the upcoming session. These include expanding the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act to cover large data centers, clarifying the PUC's and ERCOT's authority to establish additional reliability requirements, and mandating that data centers register with the PUCT and ERCOT to provide accurate information about their water and electricity operations.

Governor Abbott has pledged to continue working with the Legislature to codify these protections and ensure that data centers do not come at the expense of Texas ratepayers. With these measures in place, Texans can rest assured that their electric bills will remain affordable and their water resources protected as the state continues to grow.

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