While a Corporation Commission judge heard testimony in the $730 million acquisition of a gas plant by Public Service Company of Oklahoma, it was opposed by the AARP.
State Director Sean Voskuhl said if the Corporation Commission were to approve the purchase announced last fall, it would put more burden on PSO customers with additional charges amid historic rate increases.
“PSO customers are already facing a significant financial burden with the recent approval of a $12 per month rate hike. This increase came with an agreement PSO would not seek another rate hike in 2025,” remarked Voskuhl.
“However, PSO’s plan to purchase the Green Country Plant for $730 million could immediately pass those costs on to customers. Instead of waiting to recover the costs (if preapproved) in its next rate case, PSO seeks to immediately pass the cost onto customers, adding $7.24 per month to residential customer bills. ”
An administrative law judge heard support for the purchase of the Green Country Power Plant last week and began hearing detailed testimony from witnesses for and against the plant on Monday.
“It is unreasonable to expect customers to shoulder the cost of a new power plant before PSO’s next rate case, akin to being asked to pay the mortgage on a new house before even moving in. PSO customers can express their opposition to additional charges from the utility by contacting the Oklahoma Corporation Commission,” added Voskuhl.