Senator Says ‘Behind the Meter’ Law Is Model

Oklahoma Senator Grant Green, who authored the state's 'Behind the Meter' law, says the legislation should be a model for protecting ratepayers across the nation. The law allows certain industrial and commercial projects to generate and manage their own electricity behind the meter rather than relying entirely on public utilities. Green says the law shields Oklahomans from higher electricity costs as data centers, which draw massive amounts of electricity, continue to be developed in the state. He credits the law with the recent decision of engineering firm Mecad USA to build a $13 million U.S. headquarters at the Port of Catoosa, as the flexibility provided by the 'Behind the Meter' law was a key factor in the company's location decision. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce also cited the law as a major reason for Mecad USA's choice to locate in the state.