ELECTRIC UTILITY AND ERCOT NEWS
E&E News: States look to curb sky-high salaries of utility CEOs
April 23 — “There’s no way to reconcile [utility CEO compensation] with the quality of service that customers are receiving and the affordability of service that they’re receiving,” said Jonathan Kim, whose advocacy organization, the Energy and Policy Institute, has tracked utility CEO pay since 2017.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/states-look-to-curb-sky-high-salaries-of-utility-ceos/
Reuters: CenterPoint Energy’s quarterly profit rises on surging data center demand
April 23 — CenterPoint said it has more than 12 gigawatts of firmly committed industrial load and expects to provide electric services to 8 GW of projects located in the Greater Houston area by 2029, of which 3.5 GW is already under construction.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/centerpoint-energys-quarterly-profit-rises-surging-data-center-demand-2026-04-23/
Dallas morning News: Oncor files request under new process, which may mean higher electric bills for Texans
April 23 — The Dallas-headquartered company on Wednesday filed its first request under the unified tracker mechanism (UTM), a new regulatory process that allows certain transmission and distribution investment previously filed separately to be reviewed together in a single annual proceeding.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/oncor-files-request-under-process-130445720.html
ABC KTRK: Two data centers proposed for Matagorda County, residents pushing back
April 22 — But some living in the community are now pushing back against the proposal and said their main concern is how the facility will impact their rural lifestyle here. https://abc13.com/post/data-centers-proposed-matagorda-county-residents-pushing-back/18944946/
Houston Public Media: ERCOT says state’s energy demand is growing, but long-term forecast is likely overstated
April 22 —Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said last week that the state’s energy demand could reach nearly 368 gigawatts by 2032 — enough energy to power more than 73 million homes on a hot summer day or cold winter morning.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/04/22/549837/ercot-energy-demand-forecast-texas-power-grid/
KXAN: First Texas energy fund-supported power plant opens
April 21 — The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday the second unit of the Timmerman Power Plant has connected to the grid, making it the first Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) backed plant to be fully online.
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/first-texas-energy-fund-supported-power-plant-opens/amp/
Reuters: Texas power supply margins squeezed until grid expansions kick in
April 21 — April 21 – Texas grid operator ERCOT is moving forward with a $33 billion grid expansion plan to address unprecedented load growth and transmission constraints, including the construction of over 2,400 miles of 765 kV high-voltage power lines.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/texas-power-supply-margins-squeezed-until-grid-expansions-kick–reeii-2026-04-21/
Politico: Data centers’ mad dash for the Texas grid
April 20 — The state’s regulators and main grid operator are eyeing a system that would green-light data centers in batches, as I write today. Projects in so-called Batch Zero will be assigned power based on what the grid can handle now.
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/power-switch/2026/04/20/data-centers-mad-dash-for-the-texas-grid-00881828
Sierra Club: Texas Private Utilities Unveil 2027 Energy Efficiency Plans
For the first time ever, the Public Utility Commission of Texas is requiring large private utilities to publicly present their proposed budgets and plans for their 2027 Energy Efficiency offerings. Known formally as the Energy Efficiency Plan and Reports (EEPR), the eight major Transmission and Distribution Utilities have been required to file the plan on April 1st every year with the Commission since well since early 2000s.
https://www.sierraclub.org/texas/blog/2026/04/texas-private-utilities-unveil-2027-energy-efficiency-plans
Austin Business Journal: Energy transmission line plan rankles landowners
April 20 — Energy giant Oncor and the Lower Colorado River Authority are facing opposition in their quest to build a 765-kilovolt transmission line that energy experts said is needed to notably bolster the Texas electric grid
https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2026/04/20/oncor-lcra-transmission-line-controversy.html
E&E News: ‘The absolute edge of precedent’: FERC prepares to take on data centers
The commission is pushing to get data centers onto the grid, and fast. The high-stakes move could tip the balance of regulatory power against the states.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/the-absolute-edge-of-precedent-ferc-prepares-to-take-on-data-centers/
Natural Gas Intelligence: ERCOT Sees Power Load Breaking Records as Data Centers Call on Natural Gas
April 20 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is forecasting total power demand on its system to reach 278,003 MW by 2029, more than triple the all-time peak demand of 85,508 MW recorded on Aug. 10, 2023.
https://www.naturalgasintel.com/news/ercot-sees-power-load-breaking-records-as-data-centers-call-on-natural-gas/
WOAI: ERCOT Warns Early Projections May Not Reflect Guaranteed Outcomes
April 20 — In a filing to the Public Utility Commission (PUC), The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) gave its preliminary long-term load forecast for 2026-2032 urging state regulators to consider the “uncertainty” in these early projections. Energy Expert, David Holt, says Governor Abbott wants to make sure families aren’t burdened by the massive demand.
https://woai.iheart.com/featured/san-antonios-first-news/content/2026-04-18-ercot-warns-early-projections-may-not-reflect-guaranteed-outcomes/
KVUE: ERCOT expects to see a large surge in energy demand by 203
April 19 — ERCOT experts in Texas to use more than 367,000 megawatts of energy. Right now, the current peak of demand is over 85,000.
https://www.kvue.com/video/news/ercot-expects-to-see-a-large-surge-in-energy-demand-by-2032/269-c86f61f2-6e85-4c26-89f0-0d21881ea499
Globe and Mail: Texas Commission Approves Oncor Rate Increase Benefiting Sempra
April 18 — The decision raises Oncor’s self-insurance reserve recovery in rates to $200 million annually for storm and other self-insured costs and establishes a five-year amortization period for most regulatory assets and liabilities, excluding certain specified items. Oncor expects the new rates, along with a 2026 surcharge for the difference between old and new rates from January 1, 2026 until the new tariffs take effect, to bolster future earnings, cash flow, and credit metrics, strengthening Sempra’s regulated utility earnings profile in Texas.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/SRE-N/pressreleases/1386137/texas-commission-approves-oncor-rate-increase-benefiting-sempra/
Fox7: Bell County residents concerned Oncor’s proposed 765 kV power line will cut through their property
April 17 — Some residents are worried about large transmission lines possibly being built on their property.
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/7-on-your-side-oncor-power-line-project-salado-texas
ABC13 — ERCOT predicts energy use could quadruple in the next 6 years
April 17 — ERCOT officials presented predictions on Friday for energy consumption over the next six years, and the extreme growth predictions might surprise you. ERCOT is now projecting record growth and a large part of it is due to those electricity-guzzling data centers.
https://abc13.com/post/ercot-expects-energy-demand-quadruple-2032/18908223/
KXAN: ERCOT predicts 4x peak energy usage by 2032: How data centers may impact things
April 17 — “Texas is experiencing exceptional growth and development, which is reshaping how large load demand is identified, verified, and incorporated into long-term planning,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “As a result of a changing landscape, we believe this forecast to be higher than expected future load growth.”
https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/ercot-predicts-4x-peak-energy-usage-by-2032-how-data-centers-may-impact-things/
Texas Tribune: Texas grid operator forecasts massive growth in demand, but says data is likely flawed
April 17 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas reported that peak energy demand could quadruple by 2032, but cautioned that its estimate is likely too high and must be revised.
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/17/texas-power-grid-electricity-ercot-load-forecast-puc/
American Public Power Association: ERCOT Projects Approximately 367,790 MW of Demand in Region by 2032
April 17 — The current forecast projects approximately 367,790 MW of demand in the ERCOT Region by 2032. For context, ERCOT’s all-time peak demand is 85,508 MW, recorded on August 10, 2023. The difference between near-term expectations and the 2032 figure reflects Texas’ continued strong economic growth, with new load being added to the ERCOT System faster and in greater amounts than ever before.
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/ercot-projects-approximately-367790-mw-demand-region-2032
Bloomberg Law: ERCOT Forecasts Unprecedented Power Demand Growth: Texas Brief
April 17 — ERCOT is projecting a potentially huge surge in power demand over the next six years, fueled by—yes, you you guessed it—data center construction.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/texas-brief/ercot-forecasts-unprecedented-power-demand-growth-texas-brief
Fox4: ERCOT sent back to drawing board after predicting quadrupled power demand by 2032
April 17 — The people who run the power grid in Texas, the Electric Reliability Council, or ERCOT, this week said the state should prepare for a surge in power demand over the next six years. They predict numbers that are nearly quadruple what we currently use.
https://www.fox4news.com/news/ercot-predicts-possible-peak-demand-quadruple-2032-data-centers-grow
Lampasas Dispatch-Record: Commissioners oppose Oncor/LCRA transmission line
April 16 — The Lampasas County Commissioners Court cemented its stand against the Bell County East to Big Hill 765-kilovolt transmission project developed by Oncor and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp.
https://www.lampasasdispatchrecord.com/news/commissioners-oppose-oncorlcra-transmission-line
KCEN: Holland residents protest proposed transmission line
April 15 — Residents across Bell County packed a community meeting in Holland on April 13, urging neighbors to file formal protests against a proposed high-voltage transmission line they say could cut through farms, homes and family land that has been in place for generations.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/holland-residents-protest-proposed-power-line/500-5c82331b-8992-4430-82e3-668c4528b58d
KWES: Could Data Centers Raise your Electric Bill? Texas lawmakers and Oncor weigh in
April 15 — The Texas Public Utility Commission is currently developing new rules that would classify data centers as their own customer category — separating their infrastructure costs from what everyday residential customers pay.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/could-data-centers-raise-your-electric-bill-texas-lawmakers-and-oncor-weigh-in/
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Bloomberg: Texas Grid Issues Dramatic Power Demand Growth Projection
April 15 — Ercot said the projection is a “preliminary snapshot and not a prediction” and that discussions for adjusting the forecast will take place at a scheduled meeting of the state utility regulator.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-15/texas-sees-power-demand-more-than-tripling-from-record-by-2032
KXXV: ERCOT projects Texas power demand surge in coming years
April 15 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) filed a preliminary forecast projecting electricity demand will reach approximately 367,790 megawatts by 2032 during peak hours, more than four times the current all-time peak of 85,508 megawatts recorded in August 2023
https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/ercot-projects-texas-power-demand-surge-in-coming-years#google_vignette
ERCOT: ERCOT Releases Preliminary Long-Term Load Forecast for Years 2026–2032 for PUCT Discussion
April 15 — In compliance with new Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) requirements established by the Texas Legislature, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) today filed a preliminary Long-Term Load Forecast for the years 2026–2032. The forecast will be discussed at the PUCT Open Meeting on April 17, 2026.
https://www.ercot.com/news/release/04152026-ercot-releases-preliminary
The Daily Texan: UT, ERCOT partner to improve electric grid reliability
April 14 — Surya Santoso, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UT, wrote in a statement that traditional coal and gas power plants are slowly being replaced by renewable energy sources. At the same time, electricity demand is growing from facilities like artificial intelligence data centers.
https://thedailytexan.com/2026/04/14/ut-ercot-partner-to-improve-electric-grid-reliability/
KCENTV: Could data centers raise your electric bill? Texas lawmakers and ONCOR weigh in
April 14 — Oncor, the state’s largest transmission and distribution utility, says it has more data center connection requests right now than any other utility in the nation.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/could-data-centers-raise-electric-bill-texas/500-03965798-8142-473c-9678-37671d502c04
WOAI Radio: As Data Centers Are Lining Up- TX Proposes a Way to Incentivize Applicants
April 13 — Last year, state lawmakers passed a bill allowing ERCOT to charge a fee to study how much business needs. “It takes a huge investment of people time and engineering skills, so if you want to be a data center applying to Texas, put some money down.” Hirs said.
https://woai.iheart.com/featured/houston-texas-news/content/2026-04-10-as-data-centers-are-lining-up-to-come-to-tx-ercot-incentivizes-applicants/
Houston Public Media: Texas lawmakers held a hearing on data centers. Here are 4 key takeaways
April 13 — The boom in data centers, many to support artificial intelligence, could strain the Texas power grid and increase energy costs.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/technology/2026/04/13/548888/texas-data-centers-grid-ercot-legislature/
Power Engineering: PROENERGY divests two ERCOT gas stations to STEC for $768M
April 13 — The facilities generate 768 MW of fast-start power with PROENERGY manufactured equipment, including packages and PE6000 turbines. Developed and constructed from 2021 to 2023, PROENERGY has owned, operated, and maintained the facilities since commissioning. PROENERGY will continue to staff, operate, and maintain the units through Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Total Care Services.
https://www.power-eng.com/gas/proenergy-divests-two-ercot-gas-stations-to-stec-for-768m/
Houston Public Media: CenterPoint Energy’s customer satisfaction rating increases, according to independent survey
April 13 — CenterPoint Energy’s customer satisfaction rating increases, according to independent survey
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2026/04/13/548985/centerpoint-energys-customer-satisfaction-ratings-increase-after-no-major-outages-in-2025/
CBS News: Celina small businesses frustrated over repeated power outages, leading to thousands in losses
April 13 — Small businesses in Celina say they are dealing with more than typical growing pains in the booming downtown area. They say repeated power outages are now costing them thousands of dollars in losses.
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/celina-tx-small-businesses-power-outages-stellas-ice-cream-shop/
Energy Wire: Texas sharpens attacks on solar power
April 13 — From the state Capitol to utility commission dockets, Texas officials are moving to derail solar plans as they brace for a surge in electricity demand.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/texas-sharpens-attacks-on-solar-power-2/
WFAA: One worker electrocuted, another in critical condition after incident involving power lines in southern Fort Worth
April 13 — Firefighters responded to an electrocution call around 1:42 p.m. Friday to a gas station located at 3823 East Loop 820 in Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Fire Department said in a statement.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/2-people-are-in-critical-condition-after-electrocution-in-south-fort-worth/287-5fe70ec6-8b97-494d-b442-a0874b6972a1
Courier & Press: CenterPoint CEO’s compensation nearly doubled in 2025, documents show
April 13 — According to CenterPoint’s 2026 proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Wells ended the year with $24,629,013 in “compensation actually paid.” The statement put Wells’ 2024 compensation at $12,695,578.
https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/local/2026/04/13/centerpoint-ceos-compensation-nearly-doubled-in-2025-documents-show/89535938007/
El Paso Matters: What’s changing on your El Paso Electric bill: rate hike, new fees and solar charges approved
April 12 —El Paso Electric customers in Texas will see a mix of changes to their monthly bills starting in May — including a rate increase, new charges tied to the controversial Proposition K political fight and higher costs for some rooftop solar users. That comes after state regulators approved a sweeping update to the utility’s pricing structure earlier this month.
https://elpasomatters.org/2026/04/12/el-paso-electric-texas-utility-bill-increase-2026-solar-panels-profit-margin/
Broadband Breakfast: Hyperscale Data Centers to Reach 67% of Global Capacity by 2031
April 12 — The projection, published in a report Tuesday by Synergy Research Group, reflects a shift as enterprise-owned infrastructure declines. Hyperscale firms currently control 48 percent of worldwide capacity, with nearly 60 percent in facilities they own and build.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/hyperscale-data-centers-to-reach-67-of-global-capacity-by-2031/
WFAA: One worker electrocuted after incident involving power lines in southern Fort Worth
April 11 — Two people were badly injured and one of them later died after being electrocuted while working in a bucket truck in south Fort Worth, officials said.
https://www.wfaa.com/video/news/local/tarrant-county/one-worker-electrocuted-after-incident-involving-power-lines-in-southern-fort-worth/287-85f0c3b0-a5e9-4e7d-9478-be82d3708e91
Lone Star Left: Texas: The Land Of No Water And Power
April 11 — On Thursday, the Texas House Committee on State Affairs met for an interim hearing on our power grid and data centers. The hearing lasted about five hours, and of course, I watched it so you don’t have to. And my biggest takeaway is that Republicans, who are terrible at governance and even worse with money, have spent years ignoring long-term planning and are now trying to figure out, in real time, how to keep the lights on without sticking Texans with the bill.
https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/texas-the-land-of-no-water-and-power
Hill Country Community Journal: More than 600 landowners fight power line project
April 11 — As the filing deadline closed at the Public Utility Commission of Texas for the proposed Howard-Solstice 765-kV transmission line by AEP Texas and CPS Energy (Docket 59336), more than 600 landowners, businesses and governmental entities filed motions to intervene in the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) proceeding — joining the Hill Country Preservation Coalition (HCPC) in what is now one of the most actively contested transmission cases in Texas history.
https://www.hccommunityjournal.com/news/article_154ebd4f-4fe2-4db0-9ba5-53fc2911a06d.html
Austin Today: Texas Poised to Become Nation’s Data Center Hub
April 10 — Texas lawmakers held a hearing to discuss the state’s rapidly growing data center industry, which is set to make Texas the country’s largest hub for data centers in the next two years. Energy experts and data center companies provided details on the state’s grid capacity, water usage, and tax incentives that are attracting major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta to build new facilities in Texas.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/tx/austin/news/2026/04/10/texas-poised-to-become-nations-largest-data-center-hub/
Cato Institute: Texas Is Building the Future of Electricity
April 10 — Texas is showing the country how to grow its electricity supply faster than anywhere else. The grid operator that covers the vast majority of the state, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), accommodates growth because it adds supply and integrates new technologies more quickly than other systems. When “speed to power” is the name of the game—as it is for the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation underway—data center developers will continue to choose Texas.
https://www.cato.org/blog/texas-building-future-electricity
Inside Public News: Texas Data Center Developers Play Offense on Water, Claiming Huge Cuts in Usage
April 10 — Ahead of next year’s legislative session, lawmakers probe regulators and industry leaders about how data centers operate.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10042026/texas-data-center-developers-play-offense-on-water-claiming-huge-cuts-in-usage/
NBC DFW: Texas House panel begins to scrutinize data centers
April 9 — Texas is becoming a nationwide leader in data centers, the physical footprint that houses the internet. However, the state’s largest energy grid is struggling to keep up with the number of new projects trying to connect to the grid. Some leaders are concerned that energy costs will increase.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/lone-star-politics/texas-house-scrutinize-data-centers/4008116/
KXAN: Texas House discusses the rising needs of data centers
April 9 — Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) President & CEO Pablo Vegas and Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUC) Chairman Thomas Gleeson opened the invited testimony section to talk about how data centers draw on the grid.
https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/texas-house-discusses-the-rising-needs-of-data-centers/amp/
Houston Chronicle: Texas could incentivize data centers to bring their own power supply, cut usage on command
April 8 — The flood of data centers signaling interest in Texas keeps growing to ever more impossible heights, prompting questions and anxiety about how the state’s power grid can keep up.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/texas-could-incentivize-data-centers-225305376.html
Texas Energy & Power Newsletter: Who Pays for the New Grid with Pablo Vegas
April 8 — ERCOT added more than 60 gigawatts of new electricity supply in the past five years — yet the load interconnection queue now exceeds 400 gigawatts
https://www.texasenergyandpower.com/p/who-pays-for-the-new-grid-with-pablo
NBC DFW: Power outages disrupt North Texas businesses, raise concerns in Celina
April 8 — Frustration is mounting in North Texas’ Celina as residents and downtown businesses deal with repeated power outages. Business owners say unpredictable, hours-long interruptions are disrupting routines and cutting into profits.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/power-outages-disrupt-north-texas-businesses-raise-concerns-in-celina/ar-AA20nq7N
ESS News: ERCOT proposes $1,500/MW incentive for legacy Texas storage to adopt grid stability support
April 8 — Older storage and renewables might be incentivized to add grid stability services in Texas if current plans continue with a $25 million program.
https://www.ess-news.com/2026/04/08/ercot-proposes-1500-mw-incentive-for-legacy-texas-storage-to-adopt-grid-stability-support/
NBC DFW: Power outages disrupt businesses, raise concerns in Celina
April 7 — Frustration is mounting in North Texas’ Celina as residents and downtown businesses deal with repeated power outages.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/celina-businesses-lose-money-power-outages/4007065/
Center For Strategic Studies: The Texas Energy Reference Design: Stress-Testing Load Growth Challenges for an AI Century (COMMENTARY)
April 7 — Texas long stood apart from national energy policy—its own grid, its own rules. In 2026, that independence has made it the top destination for AI-driven electricity demand. While Washington grapples with the pressures of building data centers, ensuring reliability, and controlling costs, Texas is tackling everything at once.
https://www.csis.org/analysis/texas-energy-reference-design-stress-testing-load-growth-challenges-ai-century
American Public Power Association: How Public Power Utilities Deliver Savings Amid Rising Energy Costs
April 6 — It’s been more than a year since the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that electricity rates have outpaced inflation since 2022, and the agency predicts that trend will continue through 2026. The higher bills have been a focus of local elections and spurred public interest in public utility commission proceedings.
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/maintaining-energy-affordability-how-public-power-utilities-deliver-savings-amid-rising-energy-costs
Houston Chronicle: Data centers balloon demand in ERCOT
April 6 — The agency said peak demand could reach 145 GW by 2030, and it currently has about 453 GW of requests to connect to the grid. ERCOT’s all-time peak demand was 85 GW in August 2023.
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/houston-chronicle/20260406/282050513620553
Sweetwater Reporter: Patrick Rhode Sworn in as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas
April 4 — Patrick Rhode was sworn in today as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Commissioner Rhode was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott effective April 1, 2026. His career spans public and private sector experiences from the White House to industry leading corporations.
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/sweetwater-reporter/20260404/281543707476524
Foley & Lardner: Texas Legislature Sets Its Sights on Data Centers and AI: What You Need to Know
April 3 — Texas House and Senate leadership recently released their interim charges, which serve as “homework assignments” for legislative committees to study before the 2027 session. These directives often form the foundation for future legislation, and can signal leadership priorities for the upcoming session. This year’s charges show a clear focus on the rapid growth of data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and their impact on the state’s infrastructure and the conduct of private and public business in the state.
https://www.foley.com/p/102mot7/texas-legislature-sets-its-sights-on-data-centers-and-ai-what-you-need-to-know/
Houston Today: Texas Governor Candidate Warns of Potential Power Outages
April 3 — Jenn Mack Raphoon, a candidate for Texas governor, has issued an urgent message to Texans, warning them to prepare for potential power outages this summer. Raphoon’s warning comes as the state’s electric grid operator, ERCOT, projects tightening reserve margins in the coming months.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/tx/houston/news/2026/04/03/texas-governor-candidate-warns-of-potential-power-outages/
Texas Energy & Power Newsletter: More Generation, More Transmission, More Load, More Challenges
April 2 — ERCOT’s latest operational and interconnection updates show continued growth in new power generation projects. Since December, roughly 9,275 megawatts of new capacity have been added to the interconnection queue, including solar, wind, battery storage, and gas projects.
https://www.texasenergyandpower.com/p/more-generation-more-transmission?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share
My San Antonio: How does artificial intelligence, data centers use so much water in Texas?
April 1 — Texas has become a major hotbed amid rampant efforts to expand and construct data centers across the country. But with the advancement of this technology comes concerns about the volume of water needed to operate these facilities and support artificial intelligence technology.
https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/how-does-ai-use-water-22155910.php
Community Impact: ERCOT, developers detail plans to manage data center growth amid legislative scrutiny
April 1 — The Texas power grid is undergoing “generational” growth, experts said during the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ annual summit March 31 in Round Rock. Much of that growth is due to data centers—an industry under scrutiny from state lawmakers as some Texas communities push back against proposed data center developments.
https://communityimpact.com/austin/round-rock/texas-legislature/2026/04/01/ercot-developers-detail-plans-to-manage-data-center-growth-amid-legislative-scrutiny/
Texas Energy and Power Newsletter: More Generation, More Transmission, More Load, More Challenges
April 2 — Recent reports and rulemakings from ERCOT and PUCT point to three major trends shaping the Texas grid: rapid growth, rising transmission investment, and large load management.
https://www.texasenergyandpower.com/p/more-generation-more-transmission?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share
Transformer Magazine: Texas plans massive 765-kV transmission line
April 1 — Oncor and LCRA propose up to 390 km of high-voltage line to meet Permian Basin’s growing electricity demand.
https://transformers-magazine.com/tm-news/texas-plans-massive-765-kv-transmission-line/
E&E News: Texas launches $350M nuclear fund ahead of data center boom
April 1 — The plan arrived the same day the state Senate’s Business and Commerce Committee is holding a hearing to ask regulators and grid managers how they plan to connect large power users to the grid without causing outages or raising prices for residents and small businesses. Abbott said in a statement that the fund will help jump-start a new nuclear energy ecosystem in Texas.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/texas-launches-350m-nuclear-fund-ahead-of-data-center-boom/
Fort Worth Report: Fort Worth bestows historic protection on TXU North Main plant
March 31 — The historic TXU North Main power plant at the Trinity River north of downtown now has significant protection against demolition under rezoning the Fort Worth City Council approved Tuesday.
https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/31/fort-worth-bestows-historic-protection-on-txu-north-main-plant/
Utility Dive: Oncor, LCRA propose up to 244 miles of 765-kV Texas transmission
March 31 — The proposal supports Texas’ effort to build a network of high-voltage transmission lines to serve growing demand in the Permian Basin.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/oncor-lcra-propose-up-to-244-miles-of-765-kv-texas-transmission/816207/
KCENTV: Holland homeowner shares how $2 Billion ONCOR transmission line project would run next to their property
March 31 — Christine Thies and her husband finally found their piece of Texas in Bell County. Now, a nearly $2 billion transmission line could change everything.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/holland-homeowner-2-billion-oncor-transmission-line-project-would-run-next-to-property/500-732b0f24-55b0-49e5-a61e-c2b0c9d37a1e
Broadband Breakfast: Microsoft Takes Over a Texas AI Data Center Expansion After OpenAI Backs Away
March 30 — Microsoft is taking over a data center construction project in Texas after OpenAI declined to pursue it.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/microsoft-takes-over-a-texas-ai-data-center-expansion-after-openai-backs-away/
American Public Power Association: Oncor, LCRA Transmission Services File Application to Build 765- kV Transmission Line in Texas
March 30 — Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation have filed an application to build a 765-kV transmission line from Schleicher to Bell Counties in Texas to help meet the state’s current and future electric reliability needs.
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/oncor-lcra-transmission-services-file-application-build-765-kv-transmission-line-texas
Foley Viewpoints: The “But For” Dilemma – How Proposed Texas Public Utility Commission Large Load Interconnection Rules Impact Government Incentives Strategies
March 30 — Companies seeking governmental incentives for expansion or relocation projects, such as tax abatements or state-level grants, must typically demonstrate that the project would not be viable “but for” the receipt of those incentives.
https://www.foley.com/p/102mofl/the-but-for-dilemma-how-proposed-texas-public-utility-commission-large-load-i/
Dallas Business Journal: Fort Worth weighs tax breaks for $1.1 billion data center project
March 30 — Fort Worth city leaders will decide whether to approve a substantial tax incentive package for an East Coast data center company considering a major investment. DART’s CEO search and the Dallas Wings’ training facility are also at pivotal points, as is the historic TXU Power Plant on Panther Island.
https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2026/03/30/edged-us-dart-ceo-dallas-wings-txu-panther.html
Latitude Media: The multimillion dollar debate over powering data centers in Texas
March 30 — But as the rulemaking process for SB6 has unfolded, it’s becoming clear just how far apart regulators and the AI industry are when it comes to the price of grid admission. Other markets around the country are closely watching the back-and-forth between Texas and developers over the size of financial commitments, and whether to grandfather in existing projects, explained Anne Liu, the research lead for ERCOT at Aurora Energy Research.
https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/the-multimillion-dollar-debate-over-powering-data-centers-in-texas/
National Law Review: Request for Comments on Texas PUCT Draft Report Regarding Transmission Cost Recovery in the ERCOT Region
March 30 — On 16 March 2026, following a workshop and two rounds of public comments, the Commission issued a draft report (the Draft Report) providing six draft recommendations. Commission Staff invites comments on the draft recommendations, due by 13 April 2026, prior to the issuance of a final report.
https://natlawreview.com/article/request-comments-texas-puct-draft-report-regarding-transmission-cost-recovery-ercot
KVUE: ERCOT partnering with UT to study next-generation energy technology
March 27 — ERCOT, the state’s power grid operator, is partnering with the University of Texas to study next-generation energy technology.
https://www.kvue.com/video/news/education/university-of-texas/ercot-ut-next-generation-energy-technology/269-14304504-db4f-4fd8-82cd-4cf1f1c20bfd
KSAT: Texas Supreme Court ends lawsuits against power generators over 2021 winter storm
March 27 — But Sandie Haverlah, president of the Texas Consumer Association, said Friday that the 2021 storm likely will not be the only extreme weather event of that caliber. She pointed to the state Legislature’s efforts to better prepare power generation companies for extreme weather as an acknowledgement of that — and of energy providers’ own culpability in the fallout.
https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2026/03/27/texas-supreme-court-ends-lawsuits-against-power-generators-over-2021-winter-storm/
KVUE: ERCOT partnering with UT to study next-generation energy technology
March 27 — ERCOT, the state’s power grid operator, is partnering with the University of Texas to study next-generation energy technology.
https://www.kvue.com/video/news/education/university-of-texas/ercot-ut-next-generation-energy-technology/269-14304504-db4f-4fd8-82cd-4cf1f1c20bfd
KXXV: Oncor, LCRA TSC seek state approval for 765kV transmission line across Central Texas
March 27 — Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation have applied for state approval to build a high-voltage transmission line spanning from Schleicher to Bell counties, a project officials say is critical to keeping pace with Texas’ surging electricity demand.
https://www.kxxv.com/news/texas-news/oncor-lcra-tsc-seek-state-approval-for-765kv-transmission-line-across-central-texas
KCEN TV: Proposed transmission line project continues to raise alarms in Central Texas
March 27 — Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation are seeking approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to build a 765-kilovolt transmission line stretching from Central to West Texas. The project would impact more than a dozen counties.
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/proposed-power-line-project-continues-raise-alarms-central-texas/500-6c64b576-b2f7-490e-a921-bf2600b4ca61
Houston Public Media: Texas energy regulators, industry leaders face power demand questions amid growth of data centers
March 26 — The AI boom has dominated conversations at CERAWeek, the annual energy conference in Houston.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/infrastructure/2026/03/26/547233/ai-data-centers-texas-ercot-power-ceraweek/?amp=1
Business Wire: Oncor Electric Acquires Key Land in Ellis County for 765-kV Substation Project
March 26 — In addition to the close proximity of the property to the Stainback 345-kV substation, Oncor’s acquisition of land in Ellis, County for the development of the future 765-kV/345-kV substation and switch station, is a significant step forward in connecting the pieces of Texas’ emerging extra-high-voltage transmission backbone.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326178579/en/Oncor-Electric-Acquires-Key-Land-in-Ellis-County-for-765-kV-Substation-Project
GAS UTILITY and RAILROAD COMMISSION NEWS
EnergyWire: Texas oil regulator runoff mirrors Senate showdown
April 21 — As with the race for Sen. John Cornyn’s seat, a Republican incumbent at the state Railroad Commission will try to beat a far-right challenger.
https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2026/04/21/texas-oil-regulator-runoff-mirrors-senate-showdown-00881999
CBS: A North Texas house explosion was caught on a doorbell camera. It’s drawing focus to an order to remove old plastic pipes.
April 20 — Investigators say last month’s explosion, which critically injured a woman, was caused by a natural gas leak. Atmos Energy said its crews later detected an isolated leak on a short section of pipe buried in the area. The company said the pipe was installed by a predecessor utility company and was made of a material used only in 1970 and 1971.
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/new-video-lake-dallas-explosion-order-remove-old-plastic-pipes-decades-ago/
Houston Public Media: Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian peddles oil-backed crypto coin
April 16 — Government watchdogs raised conflict-of-interests concerns, but Christian said his involvement in the venture is “separate” from his elected position on the Railroad Commission.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2026/04/16/549251/texas-oil-and-gas-regulator-wayne-christian-peddles-oil-backed-crypto-coin/
CBS News: Nearly 30 years after a federal safety warning, another gas explosion raises questions in Lake Dallas
April 14 — Nearly 30 years ago, a deadly gas explosion happened less than a half-mile away. A federal investigation that followed raised concerns about a type of plastic gas pipe that regulators said could crack suddenly.
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/nearly-30-years-federal-safety-warning-gas-explosion-questions-lake-dallas/
Natural Gas Intelligence: Texas Regulator Warns of Iranian Cybersecurity Threats Against Oil, Natural Gas Infrastructure
April 13 — State and federal regulators are stepping up warnings that Iranian affiliates could target critical U.S. infrastructure with cyberattacks as no diplomatic solution appears in store to end the Middle East conflict.
https://www.naturalgasintel.com/news/texas-regulator-warns-of-iranian-cybersecurity-threats-against-oil-natural-gas-infrastructure/
Texas Insider: RRC Celebrates 135 Years of Dedicated Service to Texas
April 7 — Since its founding in 1891, the Commission has guided Texas through many significant periods of change, from its initial role regulating a rapidly expanding railroad system, to the oil boom of the early 20th century, and, more recently, the shale boom of the 2000s.
https://texasinsider.org/articles/rrc-celebrates-135-years-of-dedicated-service-to-texas
Midland Reporter Telegram: Texas Railroad Commission Seeks Public Input on Monitoring Plan
April 4 — The annual call for stakeholder comment stems from Texas Natural Resources Code Sec. 81.066, which requires the commission to develop an annual plan to use oil and gas monitoring and enforcement resources strategically to ensure public safety and protect the environment. The statute directs the commission to seek input when developing the annual plan.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/rrc-seeks-comment-on-monitoring-plan/ar-AA209tiJ
KERA News: Atmos Energy reports old pipe leak in Lake Dallas home explosion, residents criticize city response
April 3 — At a Lake Dallas council meeting Wednesday, Atmos Energy officials confirmed a gas leak from an old pipe caused an explosion that significantly injured a woman and displaced others.
https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-04-03/atmos-energy-reports-old-pipe-leak-in-lake-dallas-home-explosion-residents-criticize-city-response
Daily Tribune: Burnet Fights Steep Atmos Rate Hike
April 2 — On March 24, the Burnet City Council voted to delay the date of Atmos’ rate hike, originally scheduled for April 21, by 45 days.
https://www.dailytrib.com/2026/04/02/burnet-fights-steep-atmos-gas-hike/
El Paso Times: Texas Gas Service seeks to raise rates again; El Paso City Council says no
April 1 — The El Paso City Council voted to deny the utility’s proposed increase under the state’s Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program, or GRIP, during its work session on Monday, March 30. The City
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/el-paso-times/20260402/281487872897753
Office of Gov. Greg Abbott: Governor Abbott Touts Legislative Wins, Highlights Success Of Texas Energy Industry At TIPRO
March 31 — Governor Greg Abbott today delivered remarks emphasizing the critical role the oil and gas industry plays in making our state an economic powerhouse at the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) 80th Annual Convention.
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-touts-legislative-wins-highlights-success-of-texas-energy-industry-at-tipro
NBC DFW: Atmos Energy reps speak at Lake Dallas special meeting, present latest findings
APRIL 2 — For the first time since last month’s house explosion in Lake Dallas, Atmos Energy officials are speaking out about their latest findings. Residents packed the city council chambers on Wednesday night during a special meeting to voice ongoing concerns.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/atmos-energy-reps-speak-at-lake-dallas-special-meeting-present-latest-findings/4004582/
WFAA: “We deserve answers”: Residents press Atmos Energy, city officials in first public meeting since house explosion
April 2 — A packed city hall meeting Tuesday night underscored a community still shaken and searching for answers nearly two weeks after a home explosion rocked a Lake Dallas neighborhood.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/we-deserve-answers-residents-press-atmos-energy-city-officials-in-first-public-meeting-since-house-explosion/287-0ec41cf8-1d5f-430c-b660-6192346bc13f
El Paso Times: El Paso City Council denies another attempted rate hike by Texas Gas Service
April 1 — The city is pushing back against yet another attempt by Texas Gas Service to raise rates.
https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/2026/03/31/el-paso-city-council-denies-yet-another-gas-rate-increase/89405258007/
KTSM: City Council votes to deny interim rate hike from Texas Gas
March 30 — This latest action involves a new and separate filing under the Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP). It is different from the broader Texas Gas Service rate case already under appeal by the City.
https://www.ktsm.com/video/city-council-votes-to-deny-interim-rate-hike-from-texas-gas/11655678/
Lake Dallas Today: Atmos Energy Faces Lawsuit Over Texas Gas Explosion as Credit Facilities Extended
March 31 — The utility’s financing capacity and safety practices are under scrutiny as it navigates legal and regulatory risks.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/tx/lake-dallas/news/2026/03/31/atmos-energy-faces-lawsuit-over-texas-gas-explosion-as-credit-facilities-extended/
Texas Tribune: Hardline conservative donors Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks ballooned Bo French’s Railroad Commission campaign
March 31 —Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks made their fortune in the oil business. They’ve deployed millions of dollars to pull the Texas GOP and Legislature toward their hardline stances.
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/03/31/bo-french-tim-dunn-donation-texas-railroad-commission-2026-election/
KTSM: El Paso City Council votes to deny interim rate hike from Texas Gas in continuing fight
March 31 — This latest action involves a new and separate filing under the Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP). It is different from the broader Texas Gas Service rate case already under appeal by the City.
https://www.ktsm.com/news/el-paso-city-council-votes-to-deny-interim-rate-hike-from-texas-gas-in-continuing-fight/
KFOX: El Paso City Council denies Texas Gas rate hike, pauses new rates for 45 days
March 30 — Texas Gas Service had sought an additional $3.58 per month under the state program called GRIP, which allows companies to fast-track rate hikes to pay for infrastructure without a full review by the city.
https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/el-paso-city-council-denies-texas-gas-rate-hike-pauses-new-rates-for-45-days
Simply Wall Street: Atmos Energy Lawsuit Puts Pipeline Safety And Earnings Outlook Under Scrutiny
March 28 — As this lawsuit progresses, investors may focus on potential operational changes, regulatory responses, and any shifts in Atmos Energy’s risk management disclosures. The case could also influence how market participants think about safety practices across other gas utilities, especially where aging infrastructure and dense residential areas intersect.
https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/utilities/nyse-ato/atmos-energy/news/atmos-energy-lawsuit-puts-pipeline-safety-and-earnings-outlo/amp
NBC DFW: Lake Dallas plans specially called city meeting after home explosion and fire
March 27 — Lake Dallas neighbors say they hope a specially called city meeting provides more answers after a home explosion and fire there last week.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/lake-dallas-special-meeting-after-home-explosion-fire/4002525/
TELECOM AND BROADBAND NEWS
Rio Grande Guardian: Brownsville is creating the framework for greater regional connectivity
April 23 — – Brownsville’s interim city manager, Alan Guard, has commented on a decision by the Texas Broadband Development Office to invest $21.9 million in the city’s blazing-fast fiber internet service.
https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/guard-brownsville-is-creating-the-framework-for-greater-regional-connectivity,66705
Telecompetitor: The Rural Broadband Protection Act passes the House, headed for president’s desk
April 21 — The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applications for some funding programs that provide affordable broadband in rural and other high-cost areas, according to a summary of the bill posted at Congress.gov.
https://www.telecompetitor.com/the-rural-broadband-protection-act-passes-the-house-headed-for-presidents-desk/
E&E News: House approves bill to speed up broadband permits on public land
April 21 — The “Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act,” H.R. 1681, from Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), would mandate a “strike force” of federal land management agencies to make broadband permitting more efficient. The bill passed 384-9.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/house-approves-bill-to-speed-up-broadband-permits-on-public-land/
Telecompetitor: Texas middle-mile program awards $113M in grants
April 21 — The grants are designed to help strengthen broadband connectivity across the Longhorn state. Funding comes from the state’s broadband infrastructure fund. In 2023, the Texas legislature allocated $1.5 billion to the fund, including $200 million for the TMM Program, which focuses on expanding critical middle‑mile infrastructure that connects backbone networks to last‑mile providers.
https://www.telecompetitor.com/texas-middle-mile-program-awards-113m-in-grants/
Rio Grande Guardian: A transformational moment for Brownsville, Cameron County and our region
April 21 — Brownsville’s chief information officer says a decision by the Texas Broadband Development Office to invest $21.9 million in the city’s blazing-fast fiber internet service is transformational.
https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/cardenas-a-transformational-moment-for-brownsville-cameron-county-and-our-region,66396
Inside Towers: Local Governments Oppose Federal Broadband Bill
April 20 — With major broadband investments already underway through the BEAD program, local leaders warn that new federal mandates could delay projects, particularly in rural areas, and undo years of coordination.
https://insidetowers.com/local-governments-oppose-federal-broadband-bill/
Rio Grande Guardian: RGV Broadband Coalition thrilled Brownsville has secured $21.9 million for its blazing-fast fiber internet
April 20 — Brownsville’s grant was the second highest awarded. The total cost of Brownsville’s middle mile project is $23,426,016. It has been awarded $21,926,016 by BDO. This represents around 93.6 percent of the total cost. The funding will allow it to add another 131 miles of fiber in Cameron County.
https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/rgv-broadband-coalition-thrilled-brownsville-has-secured-219-million-for-its-blazing-fast-fiber,66344
Sunday Times: Non-Terrestrial Networks and the Future of Telecommunications
April 19 — The concept of NTNs is not entirely new. However, recent advances in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) have made them viable for mainstream telecommunications.
https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/sunday-times-sri-lanka/20260419/282570204689283
Fierce Network: Is permitting reform streamlining or steamrolling?
April 17 — H.R. 2289 would codify strict timelines, varying from 60 to 150 days, for local governments to approve or deny wireless and wireline facility requests. If a locality misses its deadline, the permit is automatically approved once the applicant sends written notice of the failure. Essentially, the “deemed granted” mechanism means silence on the part of a locality equals approval
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/permitting-reform-may-soon-become-law-several-groups-cry-foul
Henderson News: Spectrum expands fiber broadband into Rusk County
April 17 — Our multi-year rural construction initiative is driven by more than $7 billion in private investment from Spectrum and will ultimately add an additional 100,000+ miles of fiber network infrastructure and deliver symmetrical and multi-gigabit speeds to more than 1.7 million new locations across the country.
https://thehendersonnews.com/2026/04/17/spectrum-expands-fiber-broadband-into-rusk-county/
Fierce Network: Broadband’s sustainability reckoning is happening inside the fiber rollout
April 17 — Sustainability in telecom is often discussed in abstract targets and distant timeframes. But for Openreach, the company building one of the largest full‑fiber networks in Europe, the challenge is far more immediate and tangible.
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/broadbands-sustainability-reckoning-happening-inside-fiber-rollout
Broadband Breakfast: Data Centers Economic Benefits Are Overstated, Advocates Say
April 16 — “They typically give tax breaks on the most profitable parts of the data center, especially the expensive GPUs,” Forester said.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/data-centers-economic-benefits-are-overstated-advocates-say/
Communications Daily: Broadband Providers Fear BEAD-Related Fiber Shortfalls and Rising Costs
April 16 — While major fiber and cable makers say there will be plenty of supply available for BEAD (see 2603190029), broadband executives speaking Wednesday at the Connected America 2026 conference here were notably more pessimistic. Materials and contractor costs are on the rise, and broadband providers that haven’t already been locking down contractors and material for BEAD are behind, Utopia CEO Roger Timmerman said. “There’s a shortage out there and a lot of projects coming.”
https://communicationsdaily.com/article/2026/04/16/broadband-providers-fear-beadrelated-fiber-shortfalls-and-rising-costs-2604150001?BC=bc_69e01e04ccac5
Hill Country Community Journal: Texas camps file suit against state on new law
April 16 — The 44-page petition, filed in the 126th Judicial District Court, names the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as defendants. It targets a single provision of the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act and the companion Youth CAMPER Act — laws the Legislature passed in response to the Guadalupe River flood. Twenty-eight people died at Camp Mystic alone, 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp owner.
https://www.hccommunityjournal.com/article_8d95c85c-e8fd-4bf0-9bef-bfeba2a9b16f.html
Broadband Breakfast: States Working on Finalizing BEAD Contracts, Beginning NEPA Reviews
April 15 — After getting final approval on their spending plans under a $42.45 billion broadband grant program, states have six months to finalize contracts with participating ISPs.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/states-working-on-finalizing-bead-contracts-beginning-nepa-reviews/
Communications Daily: States Urged to Keep Broadband Offices After BEAD
April 15 — Though many states are debating whether they will need their broadband offices post-BEAD, doing away with those agencies would be a mistake, state broadband officials and allies said Tuesday at Total Telecom’s Connected America 2026 conference.
https://communicationsdaily.com/article/2026/04/15/states-urged-to-keep-broadband-offices-after-bead-2604140026?BC=bc_69decd1666abc
Benton Institute: BEAD ‘Non-Deployment’ Fund Guidance A No Show, Creating More Delays
April 14 — The Trump administration continues to give muddled guidance in terms of the whopping $21 billion in “non-deployment” funds states should have at their disposal from the “savings” created by unwelcome changes to the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
https://www.benton.org/headlines/bead-‘non-deployment’-fund-guidance-no-show-creating-more-delays
Benton Institute: Here Comes Starlink, the next telecommunications giant
April 14 — It is now five years since Starlink first began to offer commercial service and we are only now starting to see its ability to disrupt the telecom business.
https://www.benton.org/headlines/here-comes-starlink-next-telecommunications-giant
Benton Institute: The Trump Administration is Using BEAD Funds as a Cudgel. Is that Legal?
April 13 — In 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocated over $42 billion to the new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to ensure high-speed Internet access for every American.[1] That money was allocated across 56 states and territories responsible for selecting the providers that will build connectivity to unserved and underserved locations.
https://www.benton.org/blog/trump-administration-using-bead-funds-cudgel-illegal
Mashable: New FCC rule will make Starlink satellite internet faster and cheaper
April 10 — Per current rules, the amount of energy satellite systems can transmit to and from ground equipment is pretty limited for low-Earth orbit systems, in order to protect the higher-orbiting systems. But the new proposal will loosen these rules and let the operators of various satellite systems reach private agreements on how they share radio spectrum.
https://www.aol.com/articles/fcc-rule-starlink-satellite-internet-141103199.html
News4SA: Texas camps at risk over multi-million dollar internet mandate
April 10 — More than a dozen youth camps are pushing back against a new state requirement set to take effect this summer, arguing it could cost millions and force some to shut down.
https://news4sanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/texas-camps-at-risk-over-multi-million-dollar-internet-mandate
Reuters: US set to ease power limits on space-based broadband
April 8 — The FCC said on Wednesday it would vote on April 30 on a measure allowing greater and more intensive use of wireless spectrum for space activities, potentially producing $2 billion in economic benefits from increased broadband use.
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/us-set-ease-power-limits-space-based-broadband-2026-04-08/
Broadband Breakfast: Consultants Urge BEAD ‘Rainy Day’ Fund To Cover Gaps
April 6 — Broadband consultants are urging federal officials to reserve billions from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program to address funding gaps and rising deployment costs.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/consultants-urge-bead-rainy-day-fund-to-cover-gaps/
Broadband Breakfast: FCC Rejects Rip-And-Replace Extension Requests
April 6 — The agency rejected petitions from Waxahachie Independent School District and WorldCell Solutions, which sought additional time to complete removal, replacement, and disposal of covered network equipment.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/fcc-rejects-rip-and-replace-extension-requests/
Benton Institute: When defines where: how rural digital divide, customers’ mobility and usage patterns have shaped mobile infrastructures
April 5 — Expanding and upgrading communication networks in rural areas is particularly challenging due to high investment costs and limited prospects for cost recovery. In this context, researchers and policymakers widely view mobile infrastructures as the most viable solution, given their flexibility and lower deployment costs.
https://www.benton.org/headlines/when-defines-where-how-rural-digital-divide-customers%E2%80%99-mobility-and-usage-patterns-have
Broadband Breakfast: SpaceX, Amazon Clash on Satellite Collision Risks
April 3 — SpaceX told the Federal Communications Commission in a Wednesday letter that Amazon was launching its satellites to altitudes above the 400 kilometers the agency had permitted, creating the risk of a collision with SpaceX’s massive 10,000 satellite constellation.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/spacex-amazon-clash-on-satellite-collision-risks/
My Paris Texas: Hands-on telehealth helps reach rural Texas communities
April 3 — A shipping container in Fort Davis is at the center of a new experiment in bringing telehealth to an aging rural population.
https://myparistexas.com/hands-on-telehealth-helps-reach-rural-texas-communities/
Tech Dirt: The Trump Administration Is Trying To Steal $21 BIllion Earmarked For Better Broadband
April 3 — Money given to Bezos and Musk is money not spent on better, faster, local fiber optics (especially popular community owned networks). A serious broadband policy would ensure that open access fiber is the priority, followed by wireless, with satellite filling the gaps. Satellite was never intended to be the primary delivery mechanism for broadband, because of obvious congestion and capacity constraints.
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/04/03/the-trump-administration-is-trying-to-steal-21-billion-earmarked-for-better-broadband/
Broadband Breakfast: About 12.7 Million Seniors Lack Broadband Subscription, 7.2 Million Lack Computer or Tablet
April 3 — Hari Narayanan, a data scientist who maintains the BroadbandClusters internet adoption database, wrote that the counts were independent of each other, meaning a senior could be paying for broadband but lack something larger than a phone, or own a device but not pay for internet service.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/researcher-about-12-7-million-seniors-lack-broadband-subscription-7-2-million-lack-computer-or-tablet/
Rural Broadband Association: Partly Cloudy With Increasing Sunshine by Broadband
April 2 — Knowledge-based jobs are jobs that require post-secondary education and specialized training. These tend to cluster in urban areas, where educational attainment rates are on average higher than rural spaces. There is also the phenomenon of rural youth who go to college and don’t return home. But many knowledge-based jobs can be worked anywhere, and many knowledge-based firms can find homes in rural spaces and “work outward” from there. And the so-called “brain drain” may reflect expedience more than deeply held inclination.
https://www.ntca.org/newsroom/blog/partly-cloudy-increasing-sunshine-broadband
Digital Lift: From Last Mile to Final Inch: Why Infrastructure Alone Doesn’t Close the Digital Divide
April 2 — County leaders across the country are investing historic dollars into broadband infrastructure. We talk about first mile, middle mile, and last mile. We map fiber routes. We track deployment. We measure speeds. And all of that matters, but there’s a quiet truth underneath the infrastructure conversation – the last mile does not reach a person. If we are serious about digital equity, we have to go one step further.
https://digitallift.org/from-last-mile-to-final-inch-why-infrastructure-alone-doesnt-close-the-digital-divide/
Broadband Communities: Tarana says Starlink’s BEAD antics “pulled the rug out” from NTIA
April 2 — Next-generation FWA technology creator Tarana says Starlink has pulled the rug out from under the NTIA and state broadband offices.
https://bbcmag.com/tarana-says-starlinks-bead-antics-pulled-the-rug-out-from-ntia/
Fierce Network: Telcos are becoming AI utility infrastructure – and that’s not a bad thing
April 1 — Rather than chasing AI baubles, AvidThink Founder and Principal Analyst Roy Chua told Fierce, telcos should invest in modernizing their networks, making them more programmable and consumable, and reclaiming the ground they’ve lost in the long-haul, sub-sea and metro connectivity realm.
https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/telcos-are-becoming-ai-utility-infrastructure-and-thats-not-bad-thing
Houston Public Media: $18.9M broadband expansion brings high-speed internet to rural Fort Bend County
April 1 — With the help of federal funding, county commissioners have partnered with internet provider Comcast to expand broadband infrastructure by the end of the year in Kendleton, Needville, Simonton and Thompsons.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/fort-bend/2026/04/01/547636/internet-fort-bend-county-comcast-rural-federal-funding/
Broadband Breakfast: Broadband Expansion Alone Won’t Close the Digital Divide, Panelists Warn
April 1 — Panelists cite skills gaps, security threats, and the need for more modern infrastructure.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-expansion-alone-wont-close-the-digital-divide-panelists-warn/
Light Reading: Starlink feared as emerging threat to broadband service providers
March 30 — ‘I think every fixed broadband operator should be very worried,’ says CableLabs’ Hans Geerdes. He calls satellite broadband ‘basically the second coming of fixed wireless, but at much better economics.’
https://www.lightreading.com/satellite/starlink-feared-as-emerging-threat-to-broadband-service-providers
Broadband Breakfast: New Bipartisan House Bills Take Aim at Strengthening Rural Broadband Access
March 30 — The four introduced bills look to expand broadband access, modernize utilities, and improve USDA programs.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/new-bipartisan-house-bills-take-aim-at-strengthening-rural-broadband-access/
Benton Institute: How the Trump Administration is Narrowing the Path to Lifeline, Part I: The One Big Beautiful Bill
March 30 — Legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law July 4, 2025, is a sweeping tax-and-spending package that permanently extends and expands the temporary individual income and estate tax provisions enacted in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017.
https://www.benton.org/blog/how-trump-administration-narrowing-path-lifeline-part-i-one-big-beautiful-bill
The Journalist’s Resource: The role of state broadband policy in 2026
March 30 — Tech journalists can use this explainer to understand what legislators are doing to improve broadband access and affordability in their states.
https://journalistsresource.org/politics-and-government/broadband-policy-2026/
Daily Yonder: Part 1: Hands-On Telehealth Helps Reach Rural Texas Communities
March 30 — Perched in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, Jeff Davis County faces steep barriers to care. Nearly one in five residents lacks reliable broadband. The only doctor in Fort Davis, the county seat, is semi-retired, and most people make the 30-minute drive to Alpine for care. With a median age of 58, among the highest in the country, the need for consistent medical care is growing, even as access, both in-person and virtually, remains a challenge.