Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter is asking the State Corporation Commission for guaranteed ratepayer protections for customers if the PSO Wind Catcher Project in the Panhandle is granted preapproval by the commission. It is his latest legal move as he continues to oppose the giant wind farm to be built near Guymon.
In a filing this week, Hunter also asked Public Service Company to enter into a voluntary agreement with affected landowners along the project’s routine to outline a process for dispute resolution.
Attorney General Hunter said although he still believes the project should not be preapproved, he wants to guarantee Oklahomans are protected if the OCC approves it.
“We want to ensure the potential burden that comes with this project is not placed on the backs of hardworking Oklahomans,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Once adopted, our recommendations will add necessary provisions to safeguard customers by holding them harmless from exorbitant fees and will give money back to customers if warranted, regardless of the project’s performance.
“We are also calling on PSO to work with landowners across northern Oklahoma to ensure the concerns of each Oklahoman are heard, considered and addressed before moving forward.
“Our position has been clear from the beginning, and has since garnered support from both the OCC’s administrative law judge and public utility division, that this project does not meet the requirements for pre-approval and cost recovery. We will continue to work with the OCC and the public utility division to ensure customer protection even if this project goes forward.”
