From the Capitol: Your Quarterly Legislative Update

Changes in Oklahoma’s energy laws and what they mean for you

by Tim Ferree

As the 2025 legislative session ends, Oklahoma lawmakers passed a series of energy-related bills that will shape electric infrastructure, land use and utility operations across the state. Several new laws affect how electric cooperatives like Oklahoma Electric Cooperative serve members and plan for future demand.

Landowner Protections And Eminent Domain Reform

Two bills passed this session tighten restrictions on the use of eminent domain for energy projects.

House Bill 2752, authored by Rep. Trey Caldwell, prohibits private developers from using eminent domain for renewable energy facilities such as wind, solar, hydrogen or battery storage. It also requires any entity planning to build high-voltage (300 kV or higher) transmission lines using eminent domain to first obtain a Certificate of Authority from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

House Bill 2756, outlines how to obtain the Certificate of Authority. Applicants must provide detailed route plans, hold public hearings and show need for the project. The law does not grant new eminent domain powers but creates a framework for developing high-voltage lines.

Neither law requires electric co-ops or retail electric suppliers to obtain a certificate for upgrades or extensions to existing lines. 0732400304

ENERGY SOURCE BALANCE: ELECTRIC VS. NATURAL GAS

Senate Bill 480 allows large commercial and industrial users to build behind-the-meter power systems—typically natural gas generators—on-site. This lets businesses reduce reliance on the grid while raising new challenges for cooperatives around infrastructure planning and peak demand.

Industrial Growth And Energy Demand

Data centers and cryptocurrency operations are driving increased energy demand, especially in rural Oklahoma. These facilities operate around the clock and require significant power capacity.

Lawmakers are considering how to support this growth through microgrids, energy storage and custom rate structures. Co-ops may play a critical role in helping these industries grow while maintaining grid reliability for all members.

Looking Ahead

The 60th Oklahoma Legislature brought major shifts in energy policy. Some changes create opportunities for innovation, while others call for adjustment and advocacy. OEC continues to work with lawmakers to ensure community needs remain at the center of policy decisions.

As new laws roll out, the cooperative remains focused on reliability, affordability and fairness— planning for growth while protecting members’ property rights and energy access.