Broken Arrow voters approved a 25-year renewal of the city’s franchise with Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) on Tuesday.
With 100% of the vote counted, unofficial results show franchise renewal passed with a majority of more than 68%.
The franchise gives PSO the right to use city streets, alleys and rights of way to provide critical electric services, perform maintenance and improvements, quickly restore power following severe weather, and support Broken Arrow’s growth by serving new customers. As part of the franchise agreement, PSO will collect a 2% franchise fee and a new 1% economic development fee for the city to fund essential services and future prosperity.
“Franchise extension will mean PSO can service the electrical grid in Broken Arrow safely and quickly, speeding storm recovery and our city’s growth,” said Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon. “It will mean our essential public services – police, fire and medical services – will have needed funding, and we will be able to do the things necessary to ensure future growth for the city.”
Broken Arrow is PSO’s second largest market. Many of the 1,100 PSO employees in the Tulsa area call Broken Arrow home.
“We thank our friends in Broken Arrow for this vote of confidence,” said PSO President and Chief Operating Officer Leigh Anne Strahler. “PSO and Broken Arrow have been partners for decades. Franchise renewal means that successful relationship will continue for years to come.”
Source: PSO press release