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Key developments
Texas approves ride-through rules for data centers
The Public Utility Commission of Texas voted 5-0 Thursday to require ERCOT-connected data centers, crypto miners and other large computational loads to stay online during temporary grid disturbances. The rules apply to qualifying facilities approved to energize on or after Nov. 15, 2025, and allow ERCOT to order facilities disconnected if they trip offline during disruptions. Industry representatives warned compliance could cost $500,000 to $1 million per megawatt and raised possible legal challenges over PUC and ERCOT authority.
Why it matters
Texas is moving from voluntary coordination to mandatory technical standards as gigawatt-scale compute loads become a grid-stability risk.
Sources & driving stories
E&E NEWS · Shelby Webb
E&E News coverageNorth Carolina repeals data-center electricity exemption
North Carolina repealed the sales and use tax exemption for electricity purchased by qualifying data centers after Gov. Josh Stein signed the state’s 2026 budget. The state kept exemptions for qualifying equipment and capital investments, while fiscal analysts estimate the electricity-tax repeal will raise $21.4 million in fiscal 2026-27 and $28.6 million annually by fiscal 2030-31. Lawmakers are also weighing Senate Bill 730, the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require special utility service agreements for large-load customers.
Why it matters
The state is preserving construction incentives while withdrawing open-ended subsidies tied to long-term power consumption.
Sources & driving stories
DATA CENTER KNOWLEDGE · Shane Snider
Data Center Knowledge coverageNew Jersey assigns grid costs to data centers
Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a New Jersey bill directing the Board of Public Utilities to create a new electric rate for large data centers. Operators must cover grid upgrades and provide financial guarantees so residents are not left with stranded costs if projects fail or use less electricity than forecast. The measure comes as New Jersey has more than 70 data centers and the DataOne campus under construction in Vineland is expected to require more than 300 MW.
Why it matters
New Jersey is formalizing cost-allocation rules as AI-driven load growth raises concerns about residential electric bills.
Sources & driving stories
WDHA FM
WDHA FM coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
EQT buys Copia Power
Copia Power brings EQT more than 2.6 GW of generation and storage operating or under construction, plus roughly 9 GW of grid-connected data center opportunities tied to integrated AI infrastructure campuses.
WORTH NOTING
Cedar Rapids project advances
Oppidan is preparing a 10 MW, 98,000-square-foot data center valued above $100 million, with construction expected in fall or early spring and no city incentives attached.
WORTH NOTING
Wisconsin gas reviews face challenge
A Union of Concerned Scientists report argues Wisconsin’s two-track approval process underweights public need before fossil-fuel plant construction, as data-center-linked demand is projected to help drive a 40% electricity-demand increase by 2036.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will cost-allocation laws spread state to state?
North Carolina and New Jersey moved in different ways to separate data center investment incentives from long-term electricity-system costs.
OPEN QUESTION
Can ERCOT enforce load behavior without litigation?
Texas’ ride-through mandate directly targets large retail loads, and industry groups are already questioning regulatory authority and compliance costs.