Texas data center audits tighten power supply, analysts say existing Bitcoin miners and AI operators see value increase

According to The Block, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Public Utility Commission (PUCT) and the grid operator ERCOT to conduct audits on all data center projects in the queue within the state this week. ERCOT subsequently suspended the "Batch Zero" large electricity approval process, which was scheduled to announce results this month.

Currently, data center applications account for about 90% of the 474 GW interconnected queue of ERCOT.

Bernstein analysts noted in a client report released on Tuesday that this regulatory review will suppress speculative development and compress the supply of new electricity capacity, thereby enhancing the scarcity value of approved electricity capacity, benefiting existing Bitcoin mining companies and AI operators.

The report specifically mentioned that Cipher Digital (CIFR), CleanSpark (CLSK), and Core Scientific (CORZ) are significantly affected by the audit, as their recent expansion plans rely on access to the Texas grid; while Terawulf (WULF) has a stronger risk resistance due to its power assets being distributed across multiple states, including Kentucky, Maryland, and New York; Riot Platforms (RIOT) and IREN benefit from already having large-scale approved operating assets in ERCOT.