energy shortages

Data center demand, severe weather and the aging grid are forcing utilities to drive up electricity rates. While the Midwest has historically had the cheapest energy in the nation, forces are undermining that trend.

To help meet growing electricity demand, Oklahoma's largest utilities are investing in battery energy storage systems. The facilities store extra energy and discharge it when the grid needs it.

Gulf Coast refineries are welcoming the surge from Venezuela during the prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure that’s virtually halted imports from Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

The governor said the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT must take steps to prevent the cost of data center infrastructure from being passed on to electricity customers.

Texas leads the nation in utilities shutting off electricity and natural gas services to customers who can't afford their energy bills, according to a report released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Business is booming for exports, but consumers are feeling the pinch.

The Unified Government and the BPU are in discussions with three proposed data center projects code-named Project Red Wolf, Project Yardbird and Project Linda. Officials insist the projects won't increase utility bills for other ratepayers, but similar promises elsewhere have been proven false.

Experts were skeptical of a report from the Texas grid operator showing the state could run short of power by 2026.