“See you bright and early Monday morning,” said Corporation Commission administrative law judge Carly Ortel in addressing the list of those preparing to present their cases in the request of Public Service Company of Oklahoma to approve the $730 million purchase of a Jenks gas plant.
Judge Ortel held the first hearing into the request last Thursday and heard the testimony of nearly 20 witnesses who supported PSO’s acquisition.
But the heavy lifting will be done this week when PSO and other groups present their witnesses. It could be another nearly 20 witnesses who will be called to testify as the utility attempts to make its success for approval of the Green Country Energy power plant in Jenks. PSO announced last fall its agreement to purchase the plant.
The utility wants ratepayers to bear the cost by adding $7.24 to their monthly bills, which would constitute a 5% increase.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. but no decision is anticipated from the corporation commissioners until possibly in May.
Judge Ortel knows it could be several days of hearing testimony and told attorneys on hand last week she will plan on breaks every 90 minutes.