Stitt signs bill to prevent higher utility costs from data centers into law

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2992, the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, into law on Monday. Authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, the legislation seeks to protect average utility ratepayers from increased costs as energy-intensive facilities, such as data centers and crypto mining operations, connect to Oklahoma's electricity grid. The new law mandates that electricity suppliers establish separate terms and conditions for large-scale customers. Oklahoma's two largest utilities, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E), are already in the process of creating these large load tariffs, which require approval from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Both utilities expressed support for the bill's passage, with OG&E chairman Sean Trauschke stating it will protect existing customers from adverse effects, and PSO spokesperson Matt Rahn noting alignment with objectives to ensure fair rates. OG&E recently announced an agreement to power three Google data centers in Muskogee and Stillwater, with Google agreeing to cover grid connection costs. The legislation, effective July 1, 2026, also requires data center developers, owners, and operators to notify the Corporation Commission, local county commissioners, and adjacent property owners of their plans within 60 days of a deal. Rep. Boles emphasized that the bill prevents Oklahomans from subsidizing the infrastructure needs of large energy users while still promoting responsible state growth.