Fort Worth experienced an unprecedented summer focused on electricity as demand on the state grid reached new heights. In July, usage peaked, prompting the governor to halt the approval of new data centers looking to connect to the grid. Simultaneously, the City Council initiated a moratorium on data center developments, reflecting the growing concerns over the city’s power consumption. With Fort Worth recently surpassing a population of 1 million, the question of where all this energy goes has become increasingly pressing.
The U.S. Census Bureau now designates Fort Worth as the 10th most populous city in the nation, boasting approximately 1,028,117 residents as of July 2025. The city recorded a significant increase of 19,512 residents in the previous year, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Each new household adds to the demand for electricity, with many seeking more power compared to homes from previous generations.
Record Demand and Regulatory Changes
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported that the grid reached a record peak of about 91.1 gigawatts at 6 p.m. on July 22, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023 by 6%. This surge wasn’t merely a transient spike; for six consecutive weeks from late July through August, average hourly demand remained above the 2023 weekly record.
On August 3, Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to conduct an audit of every data center awaiting grid connection approval. At that time, ERCOT was monitoring over 474 gigawatts of requests, with approximately 90% attributed to data centers. A week later, the Fort Worth City Council unanimously voted to begin a 90-day moratorium on data centers and establish an advisory group to formulate new regulations, with a final decision anticipated in December. Meanwhile, residents in Hood County have been actively opposing various proposed data center projects.
Utility rates are also undergoing changes. Oncor implemented new base rates on June 1, resulting in a 3% increase for typical residential bills. The utility has proposed an additional adjustment, projected to raise bills by another 2.5%, with a decision expected later this year.
Understanding Home Electrical Systems
While many decisions regarding energy consumption are made at the state and city levels, homeowners have control over their internal wiring. In Fort Worth, the condition of wiring varies significantly across neighborhoods. Older areas such as Fairmount, Arlington Heights, and Ryan Place feature homes built in the early 20th century, often relying on outdated wiring and electrical panels that were designed for much lower loads. Conversely, newer subdivisions may have modern wiring but often come with standard panels that can quickly become overloaded when homeowners add electric vehicle chargers, swimming pools, or workshops.
Neither scenario should cause alarm, but it is crucial for residents to understand their electrical systems, especially before the onset of extreme weather. Similar inquiries apply in smaller North Texas towns like Caddo Mills. Assessing whether the existing electrical system can support planned upgrades, such as an EV charger or renovation, can prevent unexpected electrical work mid-project.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a significant factor in the growing electricity demand. By the end of 2025, Texas had registered approximately 456,667 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, a figure that has more than tripled since mid-2022, with an additional 1,500 vehicles joining the roads each week. Most EV charging occurs at home on dedicated 240-volt circuits, which require adequate space in the electrical panel. To minimize strain on the grid, charging during off-peak hours, such as overnight, is advisable.
Preparedness for Winter
Winter presents its own challenges. For instance, Winter Storm Fern caused power outages for over 14,000 Oncor customers in January. When power is restored after an outage, voltage spikes can lead to damage to HVAC systems, appliances, and electronics, prompting many homeowners to invest in whole-home surge protection at their electrical panels.
Space heaters pose another winter hazard and should be plugged directly into wall outlets rather than power strips or extension cords. From 2015 to 2019, electrical distribution and lighting equipment were responsible for an estimated 32,620 home fires annually in the U.S., resulting in approximately 430 deaths each year, with December being a peak month for such incidents.
Planning for the Future
A practical first step for homeowners is to evaluate any changes in their household, such as new appliances, home offices, or plans for an electric vehicle. Coupling these changes with any persistent electrical issues, like tripping breakers or unreliable outlets, provides electricians with the necessary information to assess what needs attention. Not every home requires a larger electrical panel; the necessary work should align with the current system’s condition and capacity.
The ongoing debate regarding data centers will continue to unfold at City Hall and in Austin. In the meantime, Fort Worth residents can take proactive measures this fall by checking their electrical panels, installing surge protection, and planning for future needs.
