A recent poll regarding proposed Oklahoma legislation that would increase incumbent utility control over the state’s electric power grid shows that voters continue to show very little support for the concept.
Conducted by national polling firm TargetPoint Consulting during the period of December 2-7, 2024, the poll found that a supermajority of voters agrees that so-called “Right of First Refusal Legislation” currently being considered once again by the Oklahoma Legislature has many downsides for consumers.
The legislation, which failed to pass the legislature in 2023, would limit competition on who can build transmission lines – the large powerlines that carry electricity from the power generating facilities to your local utility provider – and automatically grant current incumbent electric utilities the right to build any new transmission lines in their service area, instead of allowing a competitive bidding process to take place.
Results of the poll also show that:
• 82% of voters agree that in a time of record inflation, electrical rates are already extremely high and a burden on the consumer and that legislators should fight to decrease costs, not raise them.
• 80% agree that ROFR will increase power of incumbent utilities and want legislators to act in interests of citizens.
• 77% of voters agree that ROFR’s elimination of competition will drive up prices and deprive customers of substantial cost savings seen in other states.
• 71% agree that ROFR simply runs against core principles of free-markets and open competition.
Additionally, with a Right of First Refusal law having already been thrown out by a federal court in Texas for being unconstitutional, voters believe the Oklahoma legislation will end up in court as well.
76% agreed including 77% of Republicans, 75% of Democrats and 77% of Independents that the last thing Oklahoma needed to spend more money on was lawyers and lawsuits when it could be going to fund schools, roads and other important projects.
Competitively bid electric transmission projects can save consumers 20-30% or more.
Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly agree that Right of First Refusal will lead to higher electricity rates, stifle innovation and increase risks for consumers.
Click below to see questions:
OK Dec 2024 ROFR Survey Topline F1.2.pdf
Americans for Fair Energy Prices is an organization for consumers, ratepayers, renewable energy advocates, energy providers and other organizations dedicated to affordable and reliable energy.
Source: press release
