Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian
(WO) – Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian has backed U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s comments on data center growth. During a visit to Houston this week, Wright highlighted the economic opportunities from data center expansion, the need to invest in energy infrastructure and the Department of Energy’s $50-million investment in Texas grid resilience.
Christian said developers, not ratepayers, should pay for the power their data centers need. “The energy solution is straightforward: require data center developers to invest in their own reliable power, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than shifting the burden to ratepayers. Done right, we can protect Texas families, keep electricity costs in check and strengthen grid reliability,” he said.
He also said strengthening existing infrastructure is the fastest way to add power and improve grid reliability before building costly new capacity.
Ahead of the Texas Legislature’s 90th session, Christian urged lawmakers to let communities decide whether to host data centers. “Data centers won’t be a fit for every area, but not every Texas town wants to turn away billions of dollars in private investment,” he said.
The Railroad Commission regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. Texas’ electric grid is overseen by the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
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