Energy

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has been elected chair of The Energy Council, an international nonpartisan organization focused on energy policy. He was elected chair during the Council's annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last week. Archer, who served as vice chair of the Council's Executive Committee last year, joined the Executive Committee last February and has been a member of the Council since 2022. "I am honored to have been named chair of the Energy Council by my colleagues," Archer said. "This organization plays an important role in bringing policymakers together to address the opportunities and challenges facing the energy industry. I am committed to continuing conversations to support a strong, stable energy future as Oklahoma powers our country and world."  Archer is the chair of the Oklahoma House Energy Committee and is a member of the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. He has represented House District 55 in western Oklahoma since 2022 and previously served as mayor of Elk City.

Oklahoma lawmakers examined emerging technologies and strategies to strengthen the state’s electric grid and meet growing energy demand during an interim study Wednesday at the State Capitol. The study, requested by Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, heard from Oklahoma’s largest electric utilities, the Southwest Power Pool, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss the state’s transmission and distribution systems and technologies that could improve grid capacity and reliability. "This study wasn’t about reaching a predetermined conclusion," Archer said. "It was about understanding what technologies are available, how they’re being evaluated today and what technical, economic or regulatory barriers may affect their use." Archer told the committee energy usage in the U.S. and Oklahoma has been relatively flat for two decades but is currently undergoing a "very extreme demand for power." "Over my 12 years in state service, proposed transmission projects have repeatedly triggered nasty eminent domain fights across my district," Murdock said. "This study gave my legislative colleagues a better understanding of new grid-enhancing technologies that can strengthen our electric system and lower costs for consumers, all without massive new transmission lines. I look forward to continuing to work with Representative Archer on bringing these grid enhancements here to Oklahoma." Adam Snapp, director of transmission planning for Oklahoma Gas & Electric, discussed grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) such as static synchronous compensators, which provide dynamic voltage support, and advanced power-flow control devices that can help reduce congestion and make better use of existing transmission lines. Snapp said OG&E has used GETs since 2007 and plans to continue using them as appropriate, describing them as a "valuable tool in the toolbox." He also noted that when existing structures are nearing the end of their service life or a significantly larger conductor is needed, rebuilding a transmission line may be the most cost-effective option. Jeffrey Ellis, director of distribution planning for Public Service Company of Oklahoma, said utilities are already using these technologies as they evaluate how to best serve ratepayers. He emphasized that grid-enhancing technologies are not a replacement for traditional transmission in every circumstance. "GETs and traditional transmission are not competitors," he said . "Advanced technologies may increase capability or address particular transmission constraints in the right circumstances, but they do not eliminate situations where maybe rebuilding is necessary." Richard Ross, director of transmission readiness and seams planning for the Southwest Power Pool, discussed the challenges of meeting long-term transmission needs, noting that many of the best long-term solutions can involve large transmission lines that take years to bring into service. David Parsons, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, echoed that sentiment, telling legislators demand is changing faster than many of the core infrastructure processes traditionally relied upon to serve it. The discussion comes as Oklahoma considers how to prepare its electric system for increasing demand while making efficient use of existing infrastructure. Last session, Archer and Murdock authored House Bill 3183 , the GET Over Congestion Act, which would have required utilities to analyze the cost effectiveness of deploying advanced transmission and grid-enhancing technologies to address congestion. Archer said the discussion provided lawmakers with a better understanding of how utilities and regional planners evaluate transmission needs and where emerging technologies may fit within that process.

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has introduced legislation establishing a statewide effort designed to position Oklahoma to compete for a U.S. national laboratory and other major federal research centers. If passed into law, House Bill 3176 would establish the Oklahoma Gas, Artificial Intelligence, and Space Research Hub (GAS Hub) to serve as a central coordinating entity, connecting state agencies, higher education and industry partners. The legislation is designed to create organizational readiness rather than initiate a specific project, establishing a disciplined framework for federal engagement, site evaluation, workforce alignment and long-term competitiveness. The GAS Hub would be located within the Department of Commerce. Archer said the focus is to attract long-term research investment and support advanced workforce development across the state. The GAS Hub could lead to new high-paying technical jobs, expanded opportunities for CareerTech graduates and university researchers, and economic growth in both rural and urban communities.  "Great opportunities don’t wait for states to catch up," Archer said. "We have the talent and resources available, but we need Oklahoma to be in position when the starting gun goes off, so we don't miss our chance. By laying the groundwork now, we can make sure we're organized and truly competitive when the time comes to seize the next opportunity." Archer emphasized that national laboratories function as long-term economic engines, generating sustained federal research investment and compounded private-sector activity over decades. For example, Oak Ridge National Laboratory  contributes more than $7 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy, with similar long-term economic impact seen in states such as New Mexico . Archer, who chairs the House Energy Committee, pointed out that energy and aerospace, the state's two largest advanced industries, intersect directly with national security and supply chain networks, which he said would make Oklahoma a prime site selection for future national laboratories if there was an established framework. "When you look at the national lab system, nearly every energy sector is represented, except oil and gas," he said. "We're at a time when energy security, space technology and computing power are vital to our national defense and global competitiveness. If we're ready when the time comes, Oklahoma could have a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity." Archer also pointed to a recent economic analysis showing that Oklahoma has lost ground in advanced industries relative to peer states, a trend he said underscores the need for a more coordinated, long-term strategy of attracting IP and development capital. "This is not a failure of effort. It’s a signal that our model needs to change," Archer said. "The GAS Hub is how we start making that change." The bill also creates the Oklahoma National Laboratory Development Program, which would identify and prepare sites by aligning workforce pipelines and assembling the infrastructure and incentives needed to attract federal investment, such as the U.S. Dept. of Energy, NASA, and the U.S. Dept. of War. With federal research priorities evolving and Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in key leadership roles, Archer said the timing is right to begin building the framework now. "House Bill 3176 is ambitious, and it may be hard, but the things worth doing usually are," Archer said. "When Oklahoma puts the right framework in place whether in aerospace, logistics or major national events, opportunity follows. This bill is about building the foundation for the next generation of opportunity." HB3176 would require annual reporting to state leadership to ensure transparency and accountability as the program moves forward. If enacted, the measure would take effect Nov. 1, 2026.