Oklahoma Senate passes bill to shield ratepayers from data center utility costs

The Oklahoma Senate has unanimously passed an amended version of House Bill 2992, known as the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026. Authored in the Senate by Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston, the legislation aims to shield Oklahoma utility customers from bearing higher costs due to the significant energy demands of expanding data centers, artificial intelligence facilities, and cryptocurrency mining operations across the state. Senator Green, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, emphasized that "all developments that would put significant strain on Oklahoma's electric grid must cover their own costs," preventing local families, farmers, ranchers, and small business owners from subsidizing these large users. The measure mandates that electric suppliers establish separate billing terms for "large load" users and directs the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and other regulators to ensure fair rates. An amendment introduced by Senator Green also added community protections, requiring developers of future large-load projects to provide 60 days' advance notice before acquiring land. This notice must be sent to the Corporation Commission, local county commissioners, and property owners within a five-mile radius of the proposed site, in addition to being published in a local newspaper with details for a public meeting. This ensures residents can voice concerns and receive answers from developers before land sales are finalized, with penalties for non-compliance. HB 2992 now proceeds to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for further action.