United States: Utilities

Governor Abbott's recent directive has introduced significant delays and new verification requirements for large data center projects in Texas, creating unprecedented political and regulatory uncertainty. The directive pauses approvals for facilities over 75 megawatts while ERCOT conducts eligibility verification, potentially delaying projects by several months and signaling a dramatic shift in how Texas approaches data center development and grid reliability.

President Trump's Executive Order 14420 prohibits the acquisition and installation of foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment from countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, citing national security risks from potential digital backdoors and remote sabotage capabilities. The Order grants the Secretary of Energy broad authority to restrict equipment transactions and may require removal or replacement of previously installed foreign equipment, with implementing regulations expected by

Hosts John Povilaitis and Alan Seltzer sit down with Todd Snitchler, president and CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA), to explore how competitive wholesale power markets operate in America. The conversation examines the structure of regional transmission organizations, the differences between restructured and vertically integrated utility models, and how the explosive growth of data centers is reshaping load forecasting and grid planning across the country.