CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There is an urgent and growing need for more power in Texas, which is why the state is planning to double its funds dedicated to bolstering the state's power grid.
State Rep. Todd Hunter said that due to Corpus Christi's growing reputation for industry, our area could benefit from an expanded power grid.
"We are watching the entire area get interest nationwide because of the Port, because of the building of the bridge," Hunter said. "You're starting to see more interest into our coastal area."
According to a report from the Texas Standard, Texas has gained more new residents than any other state between 2022 and 2023. Hunter said that due to Texas also being a prime location for technological growth, that also creates a higher need for power -- with Corpus Christi being no exception.
"You have business and industry, we have residences, we have small businesses," he said. "The stronger our power is, the more we will be able to handle."
President and CEO of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Cooperation Mike Culbertson said the Coastal Bend is attracting big names and those prospects are only expected to grow.
"You know about Avina north of Robstown, and we're working on at least three more," Culbertson said. "Of course we won't close all of them, but those are the ones we're looking at. Green Steele is another one."
Culbertson said that while the Coastal Bend is primed for growth, it can come at a high cost.
"All of them need power and they need a lot," he said. "You and I turn the light switch on and the light turns on. These need dedicated lines."
While there are other industries the Coastal Bend may not be a part of, Culbertson said seeing what goes on in other cities always helps put things into perspective.
"AI datacenters can use up to 600 megawatts, which is larger than steel factories; I think there's six coming to the Dallas area," he said.
Hunter said that from an oceanic perspective, the Coastal Bend has a huge power need. Coupled with high tourism numbers, Hunter is positive the Coastal Bend's power demand will only continue to grow.