Legislation aimed at shielding Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility bills is advancing at the Capitol. A measure that would require data centers to cover the infrastructure costs tied to their operations passed the House Utilities Policy Committee Tuesday with a unanimous 7-0 vote, clearing another step in the legislative process.
Authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, House Bill 2992, the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would set guidelines for how electric suppliers and regulators address the rising energy demands of large data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. The bill defines “large load customers” as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification.
His bill was amended to reduce the large load definition.
“We were at 100 MW we’re going down to 75 that’s more in alignment with Texas in Kansas and what they done and so we just Wanna be somewhat consistent with the states next to us,” explained Rep. Boles during the committee presentation.
“I appreciate the strong support behind this bill, especially from members of the Utilities Committee who understand how important this issue is for Oklahoma families,” Boles said. “With more than a dozen potential data centers considering our state, we must make sure everyday Oklahomans are not left paying higher electric bills because of increased demand. This is about protecting ratepayers and ensuring large energy users pay for the infrastructure needed to support their operations instead of shifting those costs onto families and small businesses.”
The legislation would require the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and other governing bodies to ensure rates remain fair and that costs are assigned according to cost causation principles, meaning those who create the demand are responsible for the associated expenses. Electric suppliers would need to establish separate terms and conditions for large load customers, including credit protections and a minimum 10-year service commitment to reduce the risk of stranded costs if a facility leaves or significantly reduces usage. The measure would apply to all electric suppliers operating in the state.
“I will continue working with my colleagues as well as stakeholders to move this bill forward thru the legislative process,” Boles said. “We have a duty to put proper ratepayer protections in place. Oklahoma families should not be expected to finance major system upgrades required for high-demand users. Those costs should rest with the companies driving the need.”
Boles will next present the measure in the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee, which he chairs.