By Mike W. Ray
Southwest Ledger
More is being learned about a Texas company whose plans to develop a hydroelectric power plant using water from the Kiamichi River in southeast Oklahoma were temporarily rejected last week.
The Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC) is owned and managed by individuals who have no connections whatsoever to Oklahoma.
The SEOPC’s initial application was filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Aug. 27, 2018, and was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 26, 2018. Its cover letters to FERC were signed by John Bobenic in care of Daytona Power Corp. in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Daytona Power Corp. was incorporated in Nevada on Dec. 20, 2017; was still an active company on March 21, 2024; and lists a street address in Carson, NV.
Southwest Ledger visited “SilverFlume, Nevada’s Business Portal,” on March 21, and found Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation listed as an active corporation registered on July 2, 2018, at the same street address in Carson, NV, as that for Daytona Power Corp. Johann Tse is listed as the president of SEOPC.
In January of this year, Johann Tse sent a letter to Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary of FERC, notifying her of a “notice of intent to file an application for an original license and pre-application document” for a Pushmataha County Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project.
Tse directed inquiries to a Dallas, TX, telephone number or an email address at Aquarian Capital. On its website, Aquarian lists a street address in Plano, TX.
Also on its website Aquarian Capital posts this introduction – which indicates close ties with China:
“The rapid emergence of China as a major economic power has produced fundamental changes across the global competitive landscape and the supply chain structure for many industries. Such developments have in turn produced new paradigms, business models, and competitive strategies for many.
“The China Factor represents serious threats, in numerous ways, to incumbents and industries that have strong inertia to change, but it also represents new opportunities for those who are willing to adapt quickly, develop strategies that can stand the test of time, and have strong execution capabilities.
“Aquarian Capital, LLC, is a corporate development and investment advisory firm that specializes in helping middle-market companies capitalize on strategic opportunities that exist primarily between the US/Europe and China. With offices and partners in Dallas, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei, our advisory team has deep and broad experience in corporate strategic planning, building cross-cultural partnerships, originating, structuring, negotiating and closing cross-border mergers, acquisitions and direct investment transactions, as well as turning around and growing businesses profitably. With extensive relationships across governments and industries in the Greater China region, our insight, experience and creativity can help businesses and investors create unique competitive edge and sustainable shareholder value.”
In addition, several members of Aquarian Capital’s “team” have extensive business ties to China. They include Johann Tse, chief executive officer and founder of Aquarian Capital, and directors Joe Chan, Wilfred K. “Chuck” Lau, Manmeet Singh, Raymond Tse, David Yao, and Mei Zhu.