Texas developers commit to new data center regulatory standards

Major technology and infrastructure developers, including Google, Rowan, and CleanSpark, have committed to complying with new regulatory standards for data centers in Texas. These standards aim to manage the impact of the state’s expanding digital sector on the power grid, water supplies, and local communities.

Under the state framework, developers must undergo audits by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) before connecting to the primary power grid. Requirements include providing peak electricity demand projections, outlining plans for on-site power generation, and detailing water usage and reuse protocols. Additionally, companies must fund their own electrical infrastructure and maintain financial transparency regarding taxpayer-funded subsidies.

In Fort Worth, local authorities are advancing similar regulatory efforts. The City Council has initiated the process for a 90-day moratorium on new data center development applications while a regulatory framework is finalized. The city is also establishing the Fort Worth Data Center & Infrastructure Commission (DCIC), an expert group tasked with studying electricity, water use, land use, and economic impacts to provide recommendations by November.