OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed legislation aimed at shielding Oklahoma utility customers from the rising energy demands of data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, as state leaders position Oklahoma for continued technology growth.
House Bill 2992, the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, establishes new guardrails for how utilities and regulators manage large-scale energy users, including data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and AI facilities.
The measure, authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, and carried in the Senate by Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston, cleared the Legislature unanimously earlier this month.
At issue is who pays for the infrastructure needed to support massive new electricity demand. The law targets so-called “large load” customers — facilities requiring at least 75 megawatts of power — a category that includes major data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and advanced AI computing sites.
Supporters say the measure ensures those costs are not passed on to residential customers and small businesses.
“As Oklahoma continues to grow and attract this new industry, we have to make sure the cost of that growth does not fall on hardworking families and small businesses,” Boles said. “Oklahomans will not be forced to subsidize the infrastructure needs of massive data centers.”
The law directs utilities and regulators to treat those high-demand users differently when setting rates and planning grid upgrades, an approach intended to ensure companies — not existing customers — absorb the costs tied to expansion.
It also imposes new transparency requirements. Developers must notify nearby landowners, county commissioners and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission within 60 days of acquiring land for qualifying projects.
Green, a rancher, said the measure is also intended to give rural communities greater visibility into large-scale developments.
“One of my biggest fears is that thousands of acres of prime farmland could be impacted by large industrial sites that strain local resources,” Green said. “This law brings much-needed transparency so communities have a voice in the process.”
Stitt said the legislation reinforces a “pay-your-own-way” approach for companies connecting to Oklahoma’s energy grid.
“This bill makes it clear that when you plug into Oklahoma’s world-class energy grid, you come to the table as a partner and do your part to cover the costs,” Stitt said. “Oklahoma is open for business, and we welcome technology investments that want to grow here the right way.”
The policy aligns with a broader national push — including calls from Donald Trump and industry stakeholders — for large technology companies to finance the energy and infrastructure needed to support data center expansion rather than shifting costs to residential ratepayers.
The legislation comes as Oklahoma competes for billions in technology investment. Companies such as Google have announced major data center expansions in the state, while utilities including OG&E are preparing for increased electricity demand tied to artificial intelligence growth.
While the bill drew bipartisan support — with 36 lawmakers signing on as co-authors — its long-term impact will depend on how regulators implement the new rules and whether utilities pass along any indirect costs to consumers.
House Bill 2992 takes effect July 1.
