A new state law that allows utilities to begin charging ratepayers for projects while they are under construction will get the public attention Thursday of Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners. While commissioners at one time suggested SB998 infringed on their constitutional powers and they might challenge its constitutionality in the courts, they will discuss the …
PSO’s request for power plant acquisition to go before regulators on Thursday
Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners could decide Thursday whether to approve a Public Service Company request for preapproval of its acquisition of the Green Country Power Plant, a request an Administrative Law Judge and the Commission’s Public Utilities Division say should be denied. In a 1:30 p.m. meeting, Commissioners will consider the PSO request, which …
OGE wants preapproval for power expansion and work in progress
Not only does Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company want Oklahoma Corporation Commission approval to raise rates, it is also seeking preapproval for electric transmission projects that will also likely result in increased costs to consumers. The company, serving 907,000 customers covering 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas says its 2024 Integrated …
Oil down, OK energy stocks up on Tuesday
Tuesday’s trading, prompted by worries a possible OPEC+ decision to increase output, resulted in a 1% fall in crude oil prices. At the same time, investors were influenced by progress in the talks between Iran and the U.S. It also sent Oklahoma energy stocks up for the day. OPEC+ members are to meet Wednesday …
ONG customers face another possible rate hike
By Mike W. Ray Southwest Ledger Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. has asked the state Corporation Commission to approve its fifth rate hike in five years: a request for a $41.5 million increase. Company officials contend that ONG’s earned return on equity for calendar year 2024 was lower than the 9.4% ROE authorized by …
OGE wants higher electric rates—details coming in June
Details haven’t been released yet, but customers of Oklahoma Gas and Electric better brace for another rate hike request coming from the utility after recording an increase in 2024 net income to $470 million. A recent filing with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission made by OG&E attorneys stated the company “hereby gives notice to …
Oklahoma retail electricity market fares badly in new nationwide study
Oklahoma might have some of the lowest electricity rates across the country, but a new study of retail electricity markets across the U.S. doesn’t give Oklahoma a high mark when it comes to fostering cutomer choice and market-based electricity options. The R Street Institute, a nonpartisan public policy research group gave a “D” to Oklahoma …
Metronet to launch internet service in Tulsa
Fiber-optic internet provider Metronet is expanding its service to include the city of Tulsa. Described by PCMag as the “Fastest Major ISP,” Metronet, based in Evansville, Indiana, is privately funding the multimillion dollar investment in Tulsa’s digital infrastructure. According to an announcement in BusinessWire, the project will bring symmetrical, multi-gigabit speeds to thousands of homes …
Legislature sends expansion of GRDA bonding bill to Governor
The Grand River Dam Authority members await word that Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed a bill to increase the authority’s bonding capacity as part of its attempt to expand electricity generation. As NonDoc reported, HB 1422 was sent to the governor’s desk late Thursday night but as of Tuesday, the legislative history …
DEQ public meeting planned for remediation of abandoned tire plant
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality plans a public hearing June 11 in Miami regarding the remediation efforts that have been underway for two years at the former BF Goodrich Manufacturing plant. Geosyntec Consultants inc. requested a synthetic minor source operating permit on behalf of Michelin North America, Inc. The former Goodrich tire …