Texas Gov. Abbott requires data centers to provide more information before connecting to the grid

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbot this week directed state authorities to audit all data centers in the state's queue before the facilities can be hooked up to the grid. 

Abbott's directive went out to the state public utility commission and its grid operator, ERCOT, requiring them to audit all data centers' electricity and water use before they can connect to the grid, The Hill reported. 

Any project that fails to comply with the requirements of the commission or ERCOT must be denied connection to the grid, Abbott's directive stated. 

To comply with the audit, data centers must provide information about whether they will provide their own power or utilize power from the grid, whether they are bringing and reusing their water, their estimated water consumption and anticipated water supply. They also have to provide information on any noise mitigation measures and information on who owns the facility.