The federal government is asking the question, “Why are Midwest grid operators turning away wind power?” Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor; the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) market monitor; and Potomac Economics (the Midcontinent Independent System Operator [MISO] market monitor) Note: Midwestern United States is the area overseen by the MISO and the SPP …
June 2024 archive
OGE expects some OKC power outages to continue into Friday following Tuesday night severe weather
Electric power in most areas hit by the Tuesday night severe weather in Oklahoma was expected to be restored Thursday evening by OG&E. But outages in the Oklahoma City metro were predicted to continue through Friday. The company stated Thursday it anticipated a full return of power by 5 p.m. Thursday in Fort Smith, …
Tulsa to be site of Norwegian firm’s first-ever solar wafer plant in the U.S.
Solar manufacturing is coming to Tulsa in a big way—$620 million worth. NorSun, a Norwegian solar energy company that manufactures monocrystalline silicon wafers for the global solar energy industry, announced this week plans to build a plant at the Tulsa International Airport. Governor Kevin Stitt made the announcement this week that the firm …
Closing: Oil futures higher on worries about global supply
The potential for war in the Middle East and the possible disruptions to the oil supply were the main drivers for oil futures settling higher Thursday. Observers say the surprise increase in US crude and gasoline inventories provided a ceiling for prices. Brent crude oil futures settled up $1.14 to $86.39 a barrel. West Texas …
US Supreme Court blocks “Good Neighbor” rule
The US Supreme Court has blocked the federal “Good Neighbor” rule after requests from three states, energy companies, and industry groups that it be paused. Part of the Clean Air Act, the rule is aimed at reducing air pollution and harmful smog that can travel into neighboring states. Thursday’s vote was 5-4. The rule will …
Oklahoma City voters will be asked to approve a light rail plan next year
Voters in Oklahoma City will be asked to approve a light rail plan for a route between Will Rogers World Airport and the downtown area next year. The Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma has approved the plan. It would be part of a network that includes service to Tinker Air Force Base and a …
US Senate probes suspected collusion among domestic oil producers
The US Senate budget committee has launched an investigation into suspected collusion among 18 domestic oil producers. Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips are among the companies targeted. The Federal Trade Commission barred former Pioneer Natural Resources CEO Scott Sheffield from taking a seat on Exxon’s board of directors last month based on allegations he tried to …
API sues, says new federal standards effectively ban new liquid fuel-powered vehicles
The American Petroleum Institute is part of a federal lawsuit filed over new fuel economy and efficiency standards from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those standards were finalized earlier this month. The suit alleges they effectively ban new liquid fuel-powered vehicles by requiring mileage rates to be improved by 2% per year starting in …
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner answers key questions about homeowners program
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready is answering some key questions about the state program for homeowners. Governor Kevin Stitt signed the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act in May. The legislation is aimed at helping Oklahomans fortify their homes and reduce their homeowners’ insurance rates. The new law goes into effect November 1st. Continue reading
OG&E Moves Forward With Rate Increase Before Receiving Approval
Oklahoma Gas and Electric reports it is moving forward with a rate increase that is still pending approval by the state Corporation Commission. Current rules allow moves like that one and this isn’t the first. OG&E settled earlier this month with parties opposed to the rate change request. The Oklahoman reports the AARP is the …