Wyoming is contemplating power supply regulations for artificial intelligence and data centers. Developers propose building stand-alone power plants to serve these growing industries. However, state officials currently lack a framework for regulating these customer-specific power generating stations.

Regulatory Framework

A pair of Anschutz Corporation subsidiaries have been laying the groundwork to build 3,200 megawatts of natural gas-powered electrical generation and 1,000 megawatts of solar — equal to 33% of Wyoming’s total generating capacity. The idea is to quickly add massive amounts of new electricity to juice data centers while guarding existing customers’ monthly bills by separating the two customer services.

The Wyoming Public Service Commission last week shot down Anschutz’s request to declare that its direct power-to-customer project in Carbon County not be considered a public utility under its authority. The commission voted 2-1 against, aligning with Rocky Mountain Power’s objection to Anschutz’s request.

Industry Impact

Data center developers and others are left with a short menu of options in the short term. Data centers in the U.S. get the bulk of their electricity from existing utilities. About 40% of that electricity comes from natural gas-fueled generation and about 24% from wind and solar energy.

Gov. Mark Gordon in June signed Executive Order 2026-03, “Data Centers the Wyoming Way.” The order declares that data center development is vital to national security and economic development, while outlining principles to ensure Wyoming remains competitive in attracting investment while protecting ratepayers, natural resources, local communities, and Wyoming’s way of life.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.