** Unless new evidence emerges about how the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles started earlier this year, Southern California Edison and parent company Edison International Inc. are likely to incur “material losses,” Edison President and CEO Pedro Pizarro said earlier this week. Pizarro said company officials and other investigators have made progress of late on …
May 2025 archive
Texas retail sales decline notably
While a recent Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank survey found a slump in manufacturing in Oklahoma and other states in its region, a new survey finds a sharp contraction in retail sales activity in Texas as well. The Texas Retail Outlook Survey reported labor market indicators suggested continued contraction in employment and workweeks. …
New state law to be reviewed by Oklahoma regulators
A new state law that allows utilities to begin charging ratepayers for projects while they are under construction will get the public attention Thursday of Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners. While commissioners at one time suggested SB998 infringed on their constitutional powers and they might challenge its constitutionality in the courts, they will discuss the …
PSO’s request for power plant acquisition to go before regulators on Thursday
Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners could decide Thursday whether to approve a Public Service Company request for preapproval of its acquisition of the Green Country Power Plant, a request an Administrative Law Judge and the Commission’s Public Utilities Division say should be denied. In a 1:30 p.m. meeting, Commissioners will consider the PSO request, which …
OGE wants preapproval for power expansion and work in progress
Not only does Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company want Oklahoma Corporation Commission approval to raise rates, it is also seeking preapproval for electric transmission projects that will also likely result in increased costs to consumers. The company, serving 907,000 customers covering 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas says its 2024 Integrated …
Oil down, OK energy stocks up on Tuesday
Tuesday’s trading, prompted by worries a possible OPEC+ decision to increase output, resulted in a 1% fall in crude oil prices. At the same time, investors were influenced by progress in the talks between Iran and the U.S. It also sent Oklahoma energy stocks up for the day. OPEC+ members are to meet Wednesday …
ONG customers face another possible rate hike
By Mike W. Ray Southwest Ledger Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. has asked the state Corporation Commission to approve its fifth rate hike in five years: a request for a $41.5 million increase. Company officials contend that ONG’s earned return on equity for calendar year 2024 was lower than the 9.4% ROE authorized by …
OGE wants higher electric rates—details coming in June
Details haven’t been released yet, but customers of Oklahoma Gas and Electric better brace for another rate hike request coming from the utility after recording an increase in 2024 net income to $470 million. A recent filing with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission made by OG&E attorneys stated the company “hereby gives notice to …
Oklahoma retail electricity market fares badly in new nationwide study
Oklahoma might have some of the lowest electricity rates across the country, but a new study of retail electricity markets across the U.S. doesn’t give Oklahoma a high mark when it comes to fostering cutomer choice and market-based electricity options. The R Street Institute, a nonpartisan public policy research group gave a “D” to Oklahoma …
Metronet to launch internet service in Tulsa
Fiber-optic internet provider Metronet is expanding its service to include the city of Tulsa. Described by PCMag as the “Fastest Major ISP,” Metronet, based in Evansville, Indiana, is privately funding the multimillion dollar investment in Tulsa’s digital infrastructure. According to an announcement in BusinessWire, the project will bring symmetrical, multi-gigabit speeds to thousands of homes …