Texas has long been defined by oil, heat, and huge infrastructure projects. Now, it’s also at the center of a growing environmental debate. Microsoft’s Stargate campus in Abilene is leading a data center boom that is drawing concern over water use, right in the middle of a prolonged drought. According to a July 2025 investigation
The city owns and operates AE and has a right to its profits, which go toward funding city services. AE’s rates are in the lower half of rates statewide, and I think you’ll find AE’s general fund transfers pale in comparison to the profits taken by the for-profit electric utilities, which goes to lining the pockets of shareholders and executives. I’m very glad I live in AE’s service area, their service is way better than the for-profit utilities I used around Houston.
The city owns and operates AE and has a right to its profits, which go toward funding city services. AE’s rates are in the lower half of rates statewide, and I think you’ll find AE’s general fund transfers pale in comparison to the profits taken by the for-profit electric utilities, which goes to lining the pockets of shareholders and executives. I’m very glad I live in AE’s service area, their service is way better than the for-profit utilities I used around Houston.