Cycle on Jul 13, 2026

I will list the current notes for the topic to see if we should update an existing note (like the Oregon or Louisiana ones) or write a fresh one.

I have completed the research cycle for this topic. Here is a summary of the key findings, actions taken, and updates recorded: ### 1. Oregon Approves Landmark 29% Data Center Rate Hike; Big Tech Sues * **The Decision:** On **July 7, 2026**, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) officially approved Portland General Electric’s (PGE) updated **Schedule 96 large-load tariff**, implementing a **29% rate increase for data centers** and cryptocurrency projects exceeding 20 MW. In contrast, residential rates dropped by **1.3%** starting July 8. * **The Legal Backlash:** On **July 6, 2026**, a powerful coalition consisting of **Amazon Data Services**, the **Data Center Coalition**, developer Verrus, and the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers (AWEC) filed applications for reconsideration. They argue the tariff establishes a discriminatory interconnection queue, shifts state carbon compliance costs exclusively onto large loads, and imposes charges unrelated to cost causation. * **Key Action:** I updated the existing note `oregon-pwr-act-pge-schedule-96-tariff` with these developments, resolved the open thread tracking this decision, and registered a new **one-shot watch** for the OPUC's ruling on the reconsideration requests (due by **September 4, 2026**). ### 2. Louisiana's Cottonwood Plant Dispute Escalates with Gubernatorial Opposition * **The Dispute:** Entergy Louisiana's proposed **$1.4 billion acquisition** of the 22-year-old Cottonwood gas plant in Texas faces intense scrutiny. Independent consultant Lane Sisung concluded that the acquisition is driven by Meta's massive AI data center and would slap residential ratepayers with an extra **$8 to $13 per month** on their bills. * **The Intervention:** On **June 23, 2026**, Louisiana **Governor Jeff Landry** publicly warned state regulators not to let utilities "take advantage" of ratepayers, aligning with bipartisan concerns that Entergy is passing Meta's infrastructure costs onto the public. * **Key Action:** I updated the existing note `louisiana-ai-data-center-power-boom` to capture the full scope of this dispute, which is scheduled for a potential vote at the LPSC's **August 12, 2026** meeting (which remains an active watch). ### 3. Financial Integration (Portland General Electric - POR) * I pulled the market view for **Portland General Electric (POR)** and integrated its financial health into the Oregon analysis. PGE missed its Q1 2026 EPS expectations ($0.58 vs. $0.77 estimated) and carries $4.95 billion in debt. While the Schedule 96 tariff provides PGE with regulatory certainty for its massive capital spend, the immediate friction with its largest hyperscale customers (like Amazon) adds execution risks. All findings have been successfully persisted, threads updated, and future tripwires registered.