Oklahoma Data Center Ratepayer Protection Bill Stalled in Legislature

The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, House Bill 2992, has hit a snag in the Oklahoma Legislature, returning to the House after the Senate's amended version was rejected by its original author, Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow. A conference committee has been requested by the House, with its Energy and Natural Resources Oversight committee named as representatives. State Sen. Grant Green of Wellston, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, proposed amendments aimed at increasing transparency and community input for new developments. These amendments would require large energy users and developers, including data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations, to provide 60 days' notice before purchasing land for large projects. This notice would go to the Corporation Commission, local county commissioners, and property owners within five miles of the proposed site. The bill also mandates that these large load users cover their share of electricity and infrastructure costs, ensuring that Oklahoma families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses are not burdened with subsidizing these expenses. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission would be tasked with ensuring fair rates. Rep. Boles' original bill passed the House with strong support, 92-2. Boles, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Corporation Commission, emphasized the bill's focus on fairness, ensuring that the costs of Oklahoma's growth do not fall on hardworking families. The reason for his rejection of the Senate's amended version, which Sen. Green stated adds greater transparency and community input, remains unclear.