AUSTIN, Texas – Skybox, Digital Realty and Mara have agreed to follow state standards intended to limit the effects of data-center development on Texas electricity customers, water supplies and nearby neighborhoods, Gov. Greg Abbott announced.
The standards require developers to pay for electric infrastructure associated with their projects instead of shifting costs to households and small businesses. Companies must also describe their electricity demand, on-site generation plans and measures to reduce reliance on the ERCOT grid.
Developers are expected to identify water sources, projected consumption, reuse procedures and water-efficient cooling technology. Required community-impact plans cover noise, lighting, setbacks, traffic and emergency coordination.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas will receive and audit ownership, incentive, electricity and water information before projects move forward. Abbott said companies that do not participate in ERCOT’s review process could be denied approval.
Amazon, Google and QTS previously said they would work under the standards. Diode ended a proposed Henderson County project after determining it could not meet the requirements, according to the governor’s office.
