An order by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Darby has in effect closed a hearing to the public concerning the nearly $800 million bonding request of Oklahoma Gas and Electric and its February 2021 winter storm costs.
In a ruling issued Thursday, Justice Darby took note that the Oklahoma Judicial Center is closed to the general public, a reference apparently because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“Only parties who have filed a written protest with the Court, by no later than January 24, 2022, or attorneys who have filed entries of appearance, may enter the Judicial Center and appear at the hearing,” wrote the Chief Justice.
He also said all parties will have to wear face coverings at all times, “even when speaking before the Court.”
The Justice also ordered all parties to “socially distance as much as is practicable in the Supreme Court Hearing Room.”
The hearing will focus on the application of the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority for approval of not more than $800,000,000 in ratepayer-backed bonds for OG&E to cover its storm costs from February 2021.
(copy link below to view order)
file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/1051089097-20220120-105306-.pdf
