** Iran said on Friday that it had reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, sending oil prices tumbling. The key oil artery would remain “completely open” for the duration of the ceasefire in the Middle East, Tehran announced. ** The U.S. military is readying to board ships linked to Iran and seize commercial vessels in international waters …
Devon to release 1Q earnings while awaiting merger approval
More than two months after Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy announced its $58 billion merger with Coterra Energy and intentions to move headquarters to Houston, Texas, Devon plans a release of its first-quarter 2026 financial results. The earnings release will be made on Tuesday, May 5 after the close of U.S. financial markets. Company leaders will …
Ratepayer protection bill to Senate
The proposed Data Center Customer Protection Act of 2026 is on its way to be voted on by the Oklahoma Senate after winning recent unanimous approval in a Senate Energy Committee hearing. Proposed originally by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow and also a candidate for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the measure is designed to protect consumers …
Texas legislator threatens to stop data center
Texas Lawmaker Pushes Back on Archer County Data Center A state legislator who represents Wichita Falls, Texas and surrounding counties near the Red River is tackling the issue of data centers—including one proposed project drawing growing attention. Lawmaker Threatens to Involve Governor Abbott Rep. James Frank said he plans to ask Texas Gov. Greg Abbott …
SunZia starts supplying power
Described as the largest renewable energy effort in the U.S., the $11 billion SunZia Wind project in New Mexico has started delivering electrical power to consumers in California. Testing of the project’s 916 turbines recently began as the power generating effort will officially start commercial operations later this quarter. Developing 3.5 gigawatts of wind …
Data centers to be surveyed for power use
Energy use by data centers in Oklahoma and throughout the U.S. will soon be surveyed in a mandatory effort by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. It means the Google data center in Pryor and those in Oklahoma City will be required to explain just how much electrical power they consume in their operations. The survey …
FERC addresses data center power needs
A decision might be coming in June on the growing controversy over data centers and their connection to the nation’s electric grids and it could have a direct impact on Oklahoma’s questions. Federal energy regulators say they intend to have a decision sometime in June about the government’s proposed reforms for interconnecting data centers and …
OGE Line Crews Deliver When It Counts
Oklahoma Gas and Electric paid special honor over the weekend to its line crews. It was part of National Linemen Appreciation Day held on April 18. “On this day, we recognize the skill, commitment and sacrifice of the linemen who energize our homes and businesses,” said Chad Guthrie, Director T&D Construction Operations at OG&E. “Their work is …
Smelter public meeting this week in Inola
It’s likely to be a well-attended meeting scheduled this week in Inola where the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality intends to answer questions about the $4 billion proposed aluminum smelter for the city. While a Stop the Inola Smelter group is organized in opposition to the manufacturing plant, the DEQ issued a public reminder on …
Oil and gas rig numbers slipped nationally
The nation’s numbers of oil and gas rigs declined by two over the past week, reaching a new total of 543, according to the Baker Hughes Rig Count released Friday. Oklahoma’s count was unchanged from the previous week with 42 active rigs. The national number included a loss of one oil rig to 410 while …