As Texas races to build expensive new gas plants to feed AI, experts argue it’s neglecting a far cheaper solution: energy efficiency. (Houston Chronicle)
Retrofitting homes could free up massive capacity, with one study suggesting data centers could meet 25% of their energy needs just by funding local heat pump adoption.
Widespread weatherization could have reduced demand by 15 GW during the deadly 2021 freeze—enough to avoid most blackouts—since heat pumps use 64% less energy than resistance heaters.
Yes, but: Despite being the first state to adopt efficiency goals in 1999, Texas is now ranked dead last. Utilities are restricted by spending caps, and legislative efforts to update building codes or ban inefficient appliances continue to stall in Austin.