Texas pauses new data-center grid connections while it audits speculative “ghost demand.” Utilities summon each proposed project to a hearing where empty chairs request enough electricity to power entire cities. Applicants must flicker a light, produce an owner, and leave a deposit before receiving megawatts. The audit ends with the only fully built data center rejected because, unlike the ghosts, it actually consumes power.
- ✓ fast_story — validated draft ready for editorial review
- ✗ fast_editorial_review — unavailable · review 20649ms · fast review turn change is invalid