Stitt pushes confidence, not fear, on data centers
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt says the state should not fear the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence, arguing that Oklahoma’s energy strategy positions it to stay competitive while protecting consumers from rising electricity costs.
“I think we, we don’t need to be scared about data centers,” Stitt said during a recent interview on Hot Seat, a News 9 television program.
Stitt emphasized that AI and data center development present significant opportunities for Oklahoma, particularly when paired with policies that allow new power generation without straining the existing grid.
Behind-the-meter law central to energy strategy
The Governor pointed to Oklahoma’s recently approved behind-the-meter legislation, which allows large users such as data centers to generate their own electricity instead of relying entirely on the public grid.
“That’s why I passed behind the meter because I believe that it’s natural for consumers to say, oh, I don’t want that data center in my backyard because it might drive my cost of electricity up,” Stitt said. “Right. That would be the concern.”
He said the policy ensures data center development does not increase electricity costs for residential customers while holding utilities accountable.
Stitt added that Oklahoma utilities, including Oklahoma Gas and Electric and Public Service Company of Oklahoma, must continue expanding generation capacity. He noted recent legislative action that increased bonding authority for the Grand River Dam Authority, allowing it to build more generation.
“Oklahoma needs to stay ahead of that curve,” Stitt said. “Because we don’t want — I don’t want consumers’ prices to go up.”
Keeping prices low drives economic growth
Stitt repeatedly returned to electricity affordability, arguing that low power costs give Oklahoma a competitive advantage nationally and globally.
“That’s all I care about is I want Oklahoma prices to stay low,” he said. “Because if we can keep our prices low, then that creates more disposable income to go on vacation, buy yourself a new car, and it helps our businesses.”
He also said behind-the-meter generation allows large facilities to produce their own electricity if grid upgrades take too long, preventing power shortages.
“So it’s not gonna take away from the grid, in other words,” Stitt said.
All-of-the-above energy approach
Stitt reiterated his support for an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including oil and gas, wind, and other power sources.
“We’ve got a great energy strategy and it is an all of the above approach,” he said. “It’s more gas. It’s more wind energy. It’s more everything.”
He warned against policy swings that discourage investment.
“We can’t have government coming in and putting their thumbs on the scale,” Stitt said. “That whipsaw effect, that pendulum swinging is not good for our country.”
Federal permitting reform and state authority
Stitt also discussed his work with other governors on permitting reform, including bipartisan efforts to shorten timelines for pipelines and transmission projects. He said governors across party lines agree federal bureaucracy slows critical infrastructure.
“You can’t have projects that’ll take seven years to get done,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of preserving state flexibility while avoiding overly fragmented regulation.
“We believe in this federalist idea that Oklahoma’s different than Texas and different than New York,” he said.
Stay up to date with the latest developments affecting Oklahoma’s energy industry, utilities, data centers, and power policy across the state.