The Oklahoma AARP says Oklahomans complain of high utility bills and they don’t want to be hit with higher rates because of data center construction.
The state chapter says it has a national AARP survey to back up its claims and supports the efforts of one state legislator who filed a measure to protect consumers from higher rates caused by new data centers.
“These findings reinforce what we’re hearing from thousands of Oklahomans who say utility bills are already too high, and they can’t afford a penny more,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl. “Residential customers must be protected from massive data centers and utility companies that want to leave customers holding the bag.”
The new AARP survey finds that 75% of Americans, regardless of political party, believe state policymakers should work to ensure that residential utility customers do not pay for the costs of serving new large data centers, including the massive artificial intelligence (AI)-related facilities coming online across the country.
Although the survey was conducted nationally, the findings carry particular urgency in Oklahoma, where data center development is accelerating at an unprecedented rate.
According to reporting from The Frontier and The Oklahoman, at least 18 data center projects in Oklahoma driven heavily by AI-related power consumption needs are either under construction or awaiting approval.
The survey shows an overwhelming public agreement, with 78% of respondents saying data centers, not residential customers, should cover their own electricity and water costs associated with their large-scale operations.
Additionally, the survey shows that older Americans are increasingly worried about rising electricity costs, with 69% of adults 50-plus reporting their electric bills increased in the past year and 78% expressing concern about future increases.
“People are already sacrificing and being forced to choose between food, medicine and keeping the lights on,” Voskuhl said.
Voskuhl said AARP Oklahoma is hopeful residential customers will see relief this year with legislation filed by Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) that aims to prevent higher utility rates for families, seniors, and small businesses as data center expansion accelerates.
“As Oklahoma faces a wave of large load users like data centers, we need strong guardrails at both the Legislature and the Corporation Commission to ensure Oklahomans are not forced to foot the bill,” Voskuhl said.
Voskuhl noted that AARP Oklahoma has long advocated on behalf of residential customers. “We need hardworking Oklahomans to stand up and oppose any utility rate proposal that shifts data center-related infrastructure costs onto consumers,” he said. “If people stay silent, they will pay the price.”