Climate
Privacy
Bob Dylan
Drones
Data Centers
AI Governance
2026 Maine Senate Race
Key developments
Delaware bills force data centers to self-supply power
Spotlight Delaware reported that lawmakers are racing to address data-center electricity demand before the session ends, after five new proposals with combined demand that could double the state's power use. House Bill 233, sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns and Sen. Stephanie Hansen, would require large-load transmission and energy service agreements overseen by the Public Service Commission, allow denial of interconnection if agreements fail, and make data centers first in line for blackout cutoffs unless they include onsite generation. House Bill 445, sponsored by Rep. Debra Heffernan, would require projects to supply 25% of their power at startup and all of it within 10 years, with renewables aligned to Delaware standards; HB 233 has cleared committee and HB 445 is scheduled for June 10.
Why it matters
If enacted, the bills would materially change how new data centers are connected, priced, and prioritized on Delaware's grid.
Sources & driving stories
SPOTLIGHT DELAWARE
Spotlight Delaware coverageTexas data-center boom forces ERCOT review changes
The Texas Tribune's Emily Foxhall, Apurva Mahajan and Alex Ford reported at least 248 planned data center projects across Texas, with ERCOT receiving hundreds of large-load requests from developers chasing AI and cloud demand. ERCOT is changing its review process by batching studies, charging fees, and requiring proof that sites are secured, as the state braces for one of the world's largest data-center markets by 2030. The article points to massive campuses in Abilene, near Amarillo, and in Pecos County, while local communities such as San Marcos push back over water, zoning, and grid impacts.
Why it matters
Texas is moving from ad hoc approvals to tighter grid screening as AI-driven demand scales faster than infrastructure.
Sources & driving stories
THE TEXAS TRIBUNE · Emily Foxhall, Apurva Mahajan, Alex Ford
The Texas Tribune coverageApplied Digital lands $550 million financing package
Applied Digital said it closed a Goldman Sachs-arranged revolving credit facility on May 29 with $350 million of committed capacity and a $200 million accordion option, maturing in 2029. The company said the financing will support pre- and post-lease development of its data-center pipeline, working capital, and general corporate uses. Applied Digital also disclosed a June 5 MOU with CoreWeave to assign the lease for Building 3 at Polaris Forge 1 to a CoreWeave subsidiary if it reaches investment-grade status.
Why it matters
The financing and tenant-linked MOU give Applied Digital more runway to build out AI data-center capacity.
Sources & driving stories
APPLIED DIGITAL CORPORATION
Applied Digital Corporation coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Maine towns impose data-center moratoriums
Brunswick and Scarborough each approved 180-day pauses to review ordinances and possible restrictions, signaling local resistance that could spread.
WORTH NOTING
IREN secures 800MW South Australia link
The transmission deal locks in 330kV feeder exits for a large campus, showing grid access is becoming a critical competitive asset for AI data centers.
WORTH NOTING
North Texas counties review big projects
Jack, Parker, and Hood counties are weighing CyrusOne, Black Mountain, and Comanche Circle proposals, underscoring how tax abatements and local reviews still shape siting.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will Delaware finish the PSC framework before session end?
The bills depend on fast rulemaking and final passage, but the legislature has only days left.
OPEN QUESTION
Can ERCOT keep pace with large-load growth?
Hundreds of requests and enormous projects could outstrip the state's study, transmission, and planning capacity.