Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chair Kim David is hopeful Gov. Kevin Stitt might step in and veto SB998, a utility construction bill approved this week in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
She joined opposition led by the AARP, an organization that immediately launched a campaign to urge the governor to veto the measure that it called a “utility power grab.”
“I am disappointed that the House approved SB 998 and encourage Governor Stitt to veto this measure. SB 998 mandates rates increases by forcing ratepayers to pay for construction of projects they are not currently using, and it bypasses the oversight and scrutiny by the Corporation Commission and the consumer advocates who actively participate in these cases,” stated Commissioner David in a comment provided to OK Energy Today.
The measure also raised questions about the constitutionality of removing some powers from the state regulators. Commissioner David hinted it could end up being decided in the courts, should the Governor allow the bill to become law.
“The possibility of a constitutional challenge is an option on the table, either from the OCC itself, or from another party harmed by this law.”
She and Commissioners Todd Hiett and Brian Bingman voted last month in opposition to the bill and this week, the House voted to approve the measure and send it to the Governor.