Senate energy committee approves bill making big electric users pay grid upgrade costs, 9–0

House Bill 2,992 was approved unanimously by the Oklahoma Senate Energy Committee after the sponsor and committee members agreed to minor drafting changes.

The bill requires large-load data centers and crypto-mining facilities to pay their portion of new electric infrastructure costs tied to significant demand, rather than allowing those costs to be passed on to residential, industrial, agricultural or commercial ratepayers. The committee approved a sponsor-proposed amendment that inserted the phrase “rate payer,” replaced the term “utility” with “electric supplier,” and amended the title to conform to the changes.

Senator Greene, who moved the amendment, described the edits as clerical corrections from the House drafting. During questions, Senator Boren asked whether municipal power companies and electric co‑ops would be covered; the sponsor responded the measure is statewide and applies when new infrastructure is required so the cost does not fall back on other ratepayers.

The amendment passed 8–0; the amended bill passed on a 9–0 vote and was advanced to the full Senate. The committee record shows no recorded dissent or amendments that changed the bill’s policy direction.

Next steps: HB 2,992 will go to the full Senate for further consideration.