Oklahoma lawmakers to make final changes to data center customer protection bill

Oklahoma's House Bill 2992, known as the Data Center Customer Protection Act of 2026, is currently undergoing final changes in a conference committee. Introduced by Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) and co-authored by Sen. Grant Green (R-Wellston), the bipartisan legislation aims to prevent the costs associated with connecting large-load customers, such as data centers and cryptomining operations, to the state's electricity grid from being passed on to regular households and businesses. The bill mandates that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates state utilities, protect consumer rates. An amended version, passed by the Senate but rejected by the House due to unspecified changes, initially required data center developers to notify the Corporation Commission, county commissioners, and property owners within five miles at least 60 days before a proposed transaction, alongside a public meeting requirement. However, a new draft of the bill, shared by Rep. Boles, now requires developers to notify regulators and abutting property owners within 60 days *after* a purchase, removing the public meeting requirement. Developers found in violation could face daily fines of $1,500, enforced by the county. The legislation comes amidst growing community opposition to data centers in Oklahoma, with concerns raised in areas like Sand Springs regarding high water usage and potential increases in electricity prices. A recent AARP report indicated that a significant majority of surveyed Oklahomans worry about electricity reliability and water availability due to data center expansion. Rep. Boles expressed hopes to see the bill passed through both chambers and sent to the governor for signing within the current week.