Protecting Oklahoma consumers from data centers

A significant piece of legislation, HB2992, known as the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act, is progressing through the Oklahoma legislature to address concerns about the impact of data center growth on consumer electric rates. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives in a 92-2 vote on March 23. The proposed measure seeks to ensure that residential, commercial, and industrial customers are protected from unjust rates resulting from service to large load customers, such as data centers. Rep. Boles emphasized that the bill is about fairness, preventing Oklahomans from subsidizing the infrastructure needs of large data centers as the state attracts new industries. Currently, HB2992 awaits a crucial vote by the State Senate Energy Committee this week, which will determine if it moves forward to the full State Senate. If the bill passes the Senate and receives the support of Gov. Kevin Stitt, it is slated to become effective on July 1, 2026. Under the act, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission would be responsible for creating and enforcing the rules governing these rate controls.