Bill > HB2992

This bill, known as the Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, aims to protect existing electricity customers from bearing the costs of new, large-scale data centers and similar operations. It defines "large load customer" as new data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and AI computing facilities that add 75 megawatts or more of electricity demand. The act mandates that governing bodies overseeing electric suppliers ensure that residential, commercial, and industrial customers are not charged unfairly due to the electricity needs of these large load customers, and that costs are allocated based on "cost causation," meaning those who cause the costs should pay for them. Electric suppliers must establish separate terms, conditions, and tariffs for large load customers, with a minimum service term of ten years, to ensure these customers cover all allocated costs, including those that might be unrecovered if they leave or reduce their demand. The act also requires large load customers purchasing land outside of designated industrial areas or municipalities to notify the Corporation Commission, county commissioners, and adjacent property owners within 60 days of purchase, with a penalty of $1,500 per day for non-compliance. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is granted exclusive jurisdiction to enforce these provisions for regulated electric suppliers, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2026, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation.