utility costs

Oklahoma enacted legislation to shield ratepayers from cost increases associated with data center construction, taking effect in July. This policy protects consumers from utility rate hikes caused by data center power demands, potentially making Oklahoma more attractive for future data center investments.

Maryland faces a $2 billion power grid upgrade bill from PJM to support out-of-state AI data centers, with the state filing complaints to federal energy regulators. This cost allocation dispute highlights how AI infrastructure demands are creating significant regional utility upgrade costs and regulatory tensions.