Data centre construction delays discussed after US mid‑term results

OpenAI announced on Thursday that it will fully fund the electricity for its Texas data centre and for projects under construction in Ohio, a statement made a day after the United States mid‑term election results were announced. The pledge came as analysts highlighted possible slow‑downs to the sector caused by temporary bans on new builds.

Heather West of the Eurasia Group consultancy said temporary bans on construction and new regulations could delay the data‑centre rollout but would not stop it entirely. She said “projects already permitted or under construction will largely proceed”, but warned the “next wave” may be hit by “local fights, slower permitting, and pressure to make data centres pay for their own power”.

Analysts from Oxford Economics argued that politicians have strong economic incentives to avoid policies that would severely disrupt data‑centre construction, citing tax revenue and construction jobs. Deepak Surana of the Futurum Group said he expects there will ultimately be “a negotiation, not a moratorium” from Texas state leaders to ensure no negative impact on residents’ energy and water bills. Additional reporting by Nicholas Barrett.