ERCOT Request for Information Regarding Data Center State and Community Impacts

On August 3, 2026, the Governor of Texas issued a letter directing the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and ERCOT to obtain information about the impacts of data centers on the state and on local communities, including information about the following:

• public financial assistance and tax benefits provided to data centers
• dependency on grid power and use of on-site generation
• water sources and consumption
• cooling technologies
• noise, light, and traffic impacts
• ownership and controlling interests

ERCOT is issuing an RFI to obtain this information from all developers of data centers 25 MW or more that are pursuing interconnection to the ERCOT System.  ERCOT has established a deadline of October 12, 2026, for submitting the information provided in the RFI.  ERCOT intends to collaborate with the PUCT to analyze the information and develop a report that will be published on or before December 10, 2026. 

In accordance with the Governor’s September 14, 2026, letter to ERCOT and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), ERCOT has coordinated with the PUCT and TWDB to develop the questions in the RFI seeking information about water sources and consumption. The Executive Administrator of the TWDB has authorized ERCOT to issue those questions on TWDB’s behalf.

Questions about the information sought in the RFI may be directed to DataCenterImpact@ercot.com.