OG&E Seeks Jan. 12 Hearing on Data Center Self-Supply Rules

OG&E Seeks Jan. 12 Hearing on Data Center Self-Supply Rules

OG&E wants to push a Nov. 3 hearing on large-load customer rules to Jan. 12, 2027, while Google and commission staff want the date kept. Oklahoma Energy Today reports Oklahoma Corporation Commission regulators took the request under advisement Wednesday.

Market Impact

The commission had issued no written ruling as of Friday afternoon, according to the report by Tim Allen. An administrative law judge recommended granting the delay Oct. 1, and Wednesday’s session covered objections to that recommendation.

The underlying fight is over whether data centers can buy power from independent generators and what they would still owe OG&E. Under Google’s proposal, a data center could buy some or all of its power elsewhere. OG&E would still deliver it over its system and charge for those services. OG&E argues that amounts to customer choice of power supplier, which it says Oklahoma law does not authorize. Google says the arrangement is lawful. OG&E wants written legal briefing before commissioners hear evidence. Those opposing the delay say legal arguments can follow the November hearing.

Parties opposing the delay include AARP, Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers, Oklahoma Sustainability Network and the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, plus Google and commission staff. They agree on November but split on how much freedom large customers should get. AARP backs a supply option with financial commitments to protect other customers. The industrial group wants it developed in a separate case. The attorney general’s witnesses proposed that customers identify power sources OG&E could acquire for its broader system, and OG&E has conditionally supported that.

A January date would also put the hearing before a changed commission. Commissioner Todd Hiett’s term ends Jan. 11, and the Nov. 3 election between Republican Brad Boles and Democrat Rhonda Eastman will pick his successor. OG&E rejected any suggestion it chose the date for that reason.

What It Means for Subcontractors

• Schedule risk is roughly 10 weeks. That is the gap between the current Nov. 3 hearing date and the requested Jan. 12, 2027 date. The source does not say when an order would follow either hearing. Our inference: EPC and electrical subs pricing data-center work in OG&E territory should not assume final rules before the new year.
• Scope depends on which model wins. Google’s model keeps OG&E delivering power from outside generators. The attorney general’s model has OG&E acquiring customer-identified sources. Our inference: the first points to interconnection and delivery work (switchgear, protection and controls, civil) tied to third-party supply. The second keeps more work on OG&E’s system. The source does not name any specific projects.
• Write rule-change language into bids. Until a ruling, add allowances or change-order clauses tied to the commission’s final rules on large-customer supply, and state who owns interconnection scope.
• Mark Nov. 3 and Jan. 11 on the calendar. If the commission denies the delay, the hearing proceeds Nov. 3, the same day as the Hiett seat election. If it grants the delay, the case lands the day after his term ends.
• A separate case could add time. The industrial consumer group wants the supply option developed in its own proceeding. If that happens, any supply-option work could trail the main rules case. The source gives no timeline.