Oklahoma Corporation Commission Denies Reconsideration of OG&E Projects Amid Consumer Protection Concerns
On December 11, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission voted 2-1 against a motion to reconsider its earlier approval of Oklahoma Gas & Electric's (OG&E) electricity projects. The commission had authorized expanded projects on November 13, including new generation units at the Horseshoe Lake natural gas power plant and agreements with Kiamichi Power Partners and Black Kettle Energy Storage Project.
Commissioner Todd Hiett dissented, citing a lack of consumer protections and concerns over increased costs for customers. AARP Oklahoma and Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers filed the reconsideration motion, arguing that the commission's order would unfairly burden OG&E's customers.
Hiett reiterated that the selected self-construction bid for Horseshoe Lake was not cost-effective. OG&E plans to address consumer protections in future projects, including tariffs for large-load customers. The commission's decision to deny reconsideration maintains the approved projects despite ongoing disputes over their implications for ratepayers.
