Those critical of Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners funding their election campaigns by way of huge contributions from utilities might also find it objectionable to learn those same utilities hold “Happy Hour” events with staffers at the Corporation Commission.
While such social-gatherings at some Oklahoma City bars and restaurants are not against any law, they might enter the realm of raising ethical questions. In other words, the very staff members of the Corporation Commission who are supposed to be objective in their reviews of utility requests, including those for rate hikes, rub elbows at Oklahoma City bars with the utility attorneys and executives who make those requests.
Were they occasions where utility issues and requests were discussed over drinks? Was it a time where utility representatives were able to make private discussions that perhaps changed the minds of staffers or convinced them to support the utility? Or was it strictly talk about OU or OSU football, the weather or Caitlin Clark’s latest performance in the WNBA?
A source recently passed along one such notification for a Happy Hour gathering where Oklahoma Gas and Electric executive Kimber Shoop reminded OCC staff and others with the State Attorney General’s office about an upcoming social event. Shoop has gone before the Corporation Commissioners and made presentations in support of OGE requests.
“All – Again, the people on this email are the special folks that practice and work before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. From time to time in the past, we have gathered for Happy Hour for no particular reason other than socializing outside the Jim Thorpe/Will Rogers building. Let’s continue this tradition and gather together on Wednesday, June 28th to celebrate the upcoming July 4th holiday,” wrote Shoop in his invitation.
It isn’t clear who attended and how many might have met for drinks at the Oklahoma City bar.
OK Energy Today sent emails to some OCC staff members inquiring about the event. In our haste to make such inquiries, we apparently failed to send such emails to all of those listed on the invitation. We initially reported they failed to respond and we apologize to those who believe they were maligned.
From: Shoop, Kimber <shoopkl@oge.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 4:15 PM
To: Adam J. Singer <asinger@derryberrylaw.com>; Brandy Wreath <Brandy.Wreath@occ.ok.gov>; Butson, Jill <butsonja@oge.com>; Crowel, Renee <crowelrl@oge.com>; Curtis M. Long <clong@cwlaw.com>; Deborah Thompson <dthompson@okenergyfirm.com>; Humes, William <humeswl@oge.com>; J. Dillion Curran <dcurran@cwlaw.com>; J. Eric Turner <eturner@derryberrylaw.com>; Jack Fite <jfite@wcgflaw.com>; C. Clark <cclark@cswp-law.com>; Jared Haines <jared.haines@oag.ok.gov>; Michael Velez <Michael.Velez@occ.ok.gov>; Quintero, Zach <quintezj@oge.com>; Rick Chamberlain <rick@chamberlainlawoffices.com>; Ronald E. Stakem <rstakem@cheekfalcone.com>; Shuart, Emily <shuartec@oge.com>; Thomas P. Schroedter <tschroedter@hallestill.com>; Todd Bohrmann <todd.bohrmann@oag.ok.gov>; Davis, C. Eric <cedavis@phillipsmurrah.com>; lindsey <lindsey@anewenergylaw.com>; Kenneth Tillotson <kenneth@ttfirm.com>; Mary Williamson <mewilliamson@aep.com>; ‘Slaughter, Cory M’ <Cory.Slaughter@onegas.com>; dfredrick@ong.com; Kenneth Tillotson <Kenneth.Tillotson@libertyutilities.com>; Mark Willingham <Mark.Willingham@occ.ok.gov>; Burton, Harrison <burtonhl@oge.com>; jtstevenson@aep.com; jaroth@phillipsmurrah.com; Edwards, Marc <MEDWARDS@PHILLIPSMURRAH.COM>; Christine Chevis <Christine.Chevis@oag.ok.gov>; eamitchell@aep.com; Jeff Kline <Jeff.Kline@occ.ok.gov>; Geoffrey Rush <Geoffrey.Rush@occ.ok.gov>; EJ Thomas <EJ.Thomas@occ.ok.gov>; Erica O’Neal <Erica.O’Neal@occ.ok.gov>; Matt Mullins <Matt.Mullins@occ.ok.gov>; Nicole King <Nicole.King@occ.ok.gov>; Jana Slatton <Jana.Slatton@occ.ok.gov>; ‘bud@cgc-llc.net’ <bud@cgc-llc.net>; dusty.darr <dusty.darr@oneok.com>; Matthew A Horeled <mahoreled@aep.com>; hthompson@okstatechamber.com; Jared Haines <jaredbhaines@outlook.com>; Andy Ferguson <andy.ferguson@oag.ok.gov>; Christine Chevis <Christine.Chevis@oag.ok.gov>; Ron Comingdeer – Ron Comingdeer & Associates PC (hunter@comingdeerlaw.com) <hunter@comingdeerlaw.com>; lauren.willingham@libertyutilities.com; Deborah Thompson <deborah@ttfirm.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Happy Hour Alert
All – Again, the people on this email are the special folks that practice and work before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. From time to time in the past, we have gathered for Happy Hour for no particular reason other than socializing outside the Jim Thorpe/Will Rogers building. Let’s continue this tradition and gather together on Wednesday, June 28th to celebrate the upcoming July 4th holiday.
Location: Daley Speakeasy attached to Frida (500 Paseo, OKC)
Time: 5:00pm
Please forward to anyone that was left of (sic) this email.