Why Texas needs 3,000 miles of new power lines, more than the distance driving cross country

Claire Hao | Source: Houston Chronicle | Posted 01/29/2025

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In the midst of a population and economic boom, Texas is outgrowing its aging power grid and needs 3,000 miles of new long-distance power lines to meet an unprecedented increase in electricity demand, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the state’s grid operator, concluded in a new report.

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Texas is facing a significant challenge in meeting its growing electricity demand, necessitating the construction of 3,000 miles of new power lines, as highlighted by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). This expansion is essential to accommodate the state's booming population and economic growth, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, cryptocurrency mining, and data centers. The proposed build-out would be the largest since the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone initiative in 2013, aimed at enhancing the state's power infrastructure.

ERCOT's report indicates that by 2030, Texas may require nearly 80% more electricity during peak usage times. The lack of adequate transmission capacity poses a risk of congestion on the grid, potentially leading to increased electricity costs and rolling outages. While oil and gas producers have long advocated for improved transmission lines to enhance operational efficiency, there is ongoing skepticism regarding the impact of cryptocurrency and data center demands on grid stability. Lawmakers are now considering reforms to manage the costs associated with these infrastructure upgrades while ensuring the reliability of Texas's power supply.

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Source Link: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/texas-transmission-crypto-data-centers-20023584.php

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Why Texas needs 3,000 miles of new power lines, more than the distance driving cross country

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