Energy

The boom in data centers, many to support artificial intelligence, could strain the Texas power grid and increase energy costs.

West Texans will soon be seeing another data center after “Project Caprock” broke ground in Hale County yesterday. The boom in A.I. data centers in Texas could raise energy costs and strain the state power grid. KUT's Mose Buchele reports that to understand the risks, grid managers at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas need to understand how many centers are really coming. The City of Levelland in Hockley County is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary this weekend. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 11, but with the chance of severe weather, the decision was made to push the event to Sunday, April 12.

The AI boom has dominated conversations at CERAWeek, the annual energy conference in Houston.

The Trump administration recently announced it would release 172 million barrels of oil from the United States' Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is located along the Gulf Coast, including two sites in Texas.

Members of the International Energy Agency have announced a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of stockpiled oil in an attempt to counter the disruption in oil trade triggered by the Iran war.

Texas' status as the nation's largest oil producer will partially insulate its residents from some gas price hikes, but it's not immune to disruptions, experts say.

Just two weeks ago, West Texas was one of many regions hit by a snowstorm and sub-zero temperatures. Now, this week, Lubbock is experiencing highs in the 70s. Our Charley Maranville has more from a local expert on how these intense fluctuations impact your ability to stay healthy. Also following last month’s winter storm, KERA’s Avery Escamilla-Wendell reports that some Texans could see much higher electricity and gas bills.

A powerful winter storm walloped a huge swath of the U.S., killing at least 25 people. Electricity is out for hundreds of thousands, and freezing rain and snow have coated streets.

Freezing rain, sleet and snow are expected to hit a large portion of Texas beginning Friday.

Subfreezing temperatures are expected by Friday as arctic air moves into Texas, with some areas possibly staying below freezing through Monday before warming into the lower 40s on Tuesday.