A spike in electricity demand from the world's big data providers is raising a worrying possibility for the world's climate: a near-term surge in fossil-fuel use.

The Trump administration continues to endorse energy waste, even as its Mideast war drives up oil and gas prices.

Bernstein reiterated Ferguson on Mar 27, 2026 (Investing.com); note cites data-centre proximity as a differentiator against a backdrop of ~1% global power demand from data centres (IEA 2023).

Governor Abbott has ordered a temporary suspension of approvals for new data center projects in Texas while state regulators conduct an evaluation. Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) estimate this review will take several months to complete. Earlier this month, Governor Abbott directed ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)

American Electric Power Co. agreed to sell a minority stake in its transmission business to KKR & Co. and Canada’s PSP Investments for $2.8 billion.

Federal Agency Orders Grid Operators to Expedite Data Center Connections The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted unanimously on June 18, 2026, directing six of the nation’s largest grid operators to detail within 30 days their plans for integrating a growing number of artificial intelligence data centers into the power infrastructure. Should regulators find the

A growing coalition of state lawmakers and advocates is proposing significant changes to address the rapid expansion of data centers within the PJM Interconnection grid, which serves 13 states in the Northeast. The plan aims to balance incentives for data centers to generate their own power with measures to protect ratepayers and reduce blackout risk, including prioritizing power interruptions for data centers without on-site generation during periods of high demand. As the data center industry is projected to add nearly 32 gigawatts to the grid's peak load by 2030, lawmakers seek a collaborative solution to mitigate the impact on consumers and ensure reliable energy supply.

Commission members reviewed a lawsuit over a proposed data center, learned a judge selection was pending after recusal, and heard that planning staff and the court previously found the proposed data center fits heavy-industrial zoning. Members also discussed a contested claim about the facility's power demand and developer obligations.

**Three Nuclear Energy Stocks Positioned to Benefit from AI Power Demands** AI’s escalating computational needs are creating a significant power challenge, prompting increased capital expenditures for hyperscalers and elevated prices in regional transmission organizations like PJM. Utilities consistently highlight the scarcity of reliable, clean, always-on megawatts, and three U.S.-listed companies offer distinct exposure to this

Natural Gas Prices Rise Amidst Record Texas Heat, Oversupply Concerns Natural gas prices increased Friday as forecasts predict continued high temperatures extending through September 4th, impacting regions including Texas, the Southwest, and Interior West. West Texas is anticipating record-breaking heat for the coming week, with ERCOT projecting peak power demand to exceed previous records set

Texas officials announced August 20 that the state's assessment of approximately 300 proposed data centers will likely extend through late 2026. The review is designed to confirm these facilities adhere to established standards before connecting to the state’s electrical infrastructure. Approval of all current proposals could require roughly 200 gigawatts of electricity, more than double

PJM Interconnection’s revised project review process is prioritizing natural gas infrastructure, a notable shift for the nation's largest electricity grid operator. The change comes as power demand rises and clean energy projects encounter persistent delays. The initial review cycle involves 715 proposed projects representing a potential generating capacity of 201.5 gigawatts. Natural gas proposals constitute

Texas regulators have paused initial reviews of data center grid connections following an order from Gov. Greg Abbott for a comprehensive audit of power queue applicants. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is currently evaluating requests totaling 474 gigawatts of new demand, exceeding the state’s peak electricity usage by more than five times. Approximately

Morgantown – PJM Interconnection is seeking authorization from federal regulators to address the increasing electrical demands of data centers and other substantial energy consumers. The regional grid operator, which oversees power delivery across thirteen states, submitted a proposal for an Interim Resource Adequacy Service (IRAS) and a Large Load Registry to the Federal Energy Regulatory

Texas Pauses Data Center Interconnections Pending Statewide Audit Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to conduct a comprehensive audit of all data center projects progressing through ERCOT’s interconnection process. The directive, issued on August 3, 2026, effectively pauses

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order on August 3, 2026, that requires a comprehensive audit of data center projects before they can proceed through the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection process. This action temporarily halts progress on these projects and mandates verification of adherence to state regulations beyond simply assessing electrical demand.

PJM Grid Operator Outlines Plan for Data Center Power Demands, Shifts Responsibility to States Grid operator PJM Interconnection has established a strategy designed to prevent escalating data center power demands from driving up utility bills for other customers. The plan mandates that states and their regulated utilities ensure data centers secure their own power sources

Governor Abbott Halts Texas Data Center Approvals Amid Grid Concerns Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a review of data center proposals awaiting connection to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, leading to a postponement of the agency's Batch Zero assessment process. In a letter sent Monday to grid officials and regulators, Abbott

Texas Orders Data Center Audit Before Grid Connections Approved Governor Greg Abbott has mandated a comprehensive audit of data center projects seeking connection to the Texas electric grid through the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The order, issued August 3, requires completion of the audit before any affected project can proceed further. This new

Texas Governor Orders Audit of Data Center Interconnection Requests U.S. Energy & Infrastructure Projects and Transactions Alert Tuesday, August 4, 2026 Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to conduct a comprehensive audit of all data center interconnection requests currently progressing through ERCOT’s process.