So many utility rate hikes are hitting Oklahoma ratepayers, it’s like a game of whack-a-mole, Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma State Director, said during a Tuesday town hall meeting where hundreds of millions of dollars in new requests were discussed. “They say it’s only $2 to $3 more a month but when you add these …
September 2024 archive
Opposition grows to proposed SE Oklahoma hydroelectric project
A proposed hydroelectric project along the Kiamichi River in southeast Oklahoma’s Pushmataha County pushed along quietly until residents finally learned of the company’s plans filed with the federal regulators. Mike Ray of the Southwest Ledger has written extensively about the growing opposition and what the developer proposed. For the next several days, we …
Energy briefs
** Members of an Arizona tribe are trying to persuade a federal judge to extend a temporary ban on exploratory drilling for a lithium project near lands they have used for religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries. Leaders of the Hualapai Tribe and others are scheduled to testify in U.S. District Court before the judge who issued …
Carl Icahn walks away with court victory in claims against his Icahn Enterprises
Billionaire activist Carl Icahn came away with a court victory this week after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that had accused him of defrauding shareholders of his investment company Icahn Enterprises so he could obtain large personal loans. Icahn, a major holder of Oklahoma oil and gas operations SandRidge Energy and the …
New OKC Transportation and Parking Director named
Oklahoma City Manager Craig Freeman has named Jesse Rush administrator of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) and Director of the City of Oklahoma City’s Public Transportation and Parking Department. Rush replaces Jason Ferbrache, who has served in a dual role as an Assistant City Manager and the Public Transportation and …
Attorney General Drummond wants EPA to continue with block on California’s EV mandate
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said this week he joined a host of other state attorneys general in a fight to have the Environmental Protection maintain a federal legal block on California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation. The regulation in question, according to Drummond, “illegally” attempts to impose an electric-truck mandate on fleet owners, operators, and …
PSO’s planned purchase of natural gas plant in Jenks could mean higher rates for customers
Public Service Company of Oklahoma filed for Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) approval to purchase a natural gas combined-cycle generation plant located in Jenks, Oklahoma. But it will also mean higher rates for PSO customers. The company, in making the announcement explained the purchase will meet customers’ projected power needs using an existing local facility while …
Scott Mitchell talks energy with Jerry Bohnen—rate hikes and latest on Todd Hiett scandal
This week, on the Scott Mitchell Talks Energy with Jerry Bohnen, we discuss the confluence of utility rate hikes and intensified political scrutiny by Republican House members on the Corporation Commission’s handling of the Todd Hiett controversy, creating a perfect storm.
OGE workers return home after assisting with hurricane damage in Louisiana
OG&E’s team of 150 linemen and support staff returned home safely after a five-day deployment to assist with power restoration efforts in Louisiana. Line workers restored power for more than 15,000 Entergy Louisiana customers in several parishes in Louisiana including Ascension, Iberville, St. James, and Livingston after Hurricane Francine caused significant damage to the area. The …
Lingering impact of Hurricane Francine sent crude oil prices upward on Monday
The continued impact of Hurricane Francine on Gulf oil output sent crude oil prices climbing on Monday. Reports indicated at least 12% of crude production and 16% of natural gas output in the Gulf of Mexico was still offline because of the storm that hit the southern states last Wednesday. West Texas Intermediate crude futures …
