** Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore is sentenced to two years in prison for her role in a bribery scheme that involved giving jobs to associates of Illinois’ former House Speaker in exchange for favorable legislation. ** The U.S. Commerce Department’s Inspector General launches an investigation into whether the Trump administration’s staffing cuts at the …
Category: Oil & Gas
Crude oil prices remained steady Wednesday amidst more tariff talks
Tariff moves by the White House left crude oil prices steady on Wednesday. Investors weren’t sure how to react to the President’s new tariff deal with Japan and continuing tariff talks with European Union leaders. Global benchmark Brent crude finished down 8 cents or 0.12% at $68.51 a barrel. US standard, West Texas …
Latest ONG rate hike formally approved by Oklahoma regulators
Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners gave approval Wednesday to a slight increase in rates for customers of Oklahoma Natural Gas company. The rate hike, totaling $41,078,183 will have an impact of $1.69 more a month on residential customers while low income customers will see a 57 cent increase per month. The commission vote was 3-0. …
While Cushing Hub added crude stocks, the nation’s total fell in the past week
The nation’s crude oil supplies fell by more than 3 million barrels in the past week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At the same time, the Cushing Hub saw a gain in crude oil stocks. The U.S. stocks declined 3.2 million barrels, falling from 422.2 million barrels the week of July …
Oil and gas groups urge US House for swift action on permitting reforms
Eight oil and natural gas trade groups called on the U.S. House of Representatives this week to “take swift action on permitting reform,” otherwise, delays will only threaten the nation’s economic growth. In a letter to Chairman Bruce Westerman ahead of an oversight hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee, the coalition underscored the need to streamline …
Electricity production declined in April in many countries around the world
When it comes to worldwide electricity generation, there was a nearly 8% decline in April compared to April 2024, reported the International Energy Agency, an energy forum comprised of 29 industrialized countries under the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD). In April 2025, total net electricity generation in the OECD reached 833.8 …
Nation’s data center growth spurs questions about ethics responsibilities
So many data centers are being built or proposed around the nation, including in Oklahoma that it raises questions about the ability of utilities to meet the demand for electrical power and for water. The growth also raises questions of responsibility when it comes to the environment. The U.S. Department of Energy contends the …
Entergy to build new Arkansas gas plant
Entergy Arkansas has unveiled plans for a new 754-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in south central Arkansas, replacing a coal-fired plant that will stop burning coal in 2028. The proposed Jefferson Power Station will replace the White Bluff power plant, known for having one of the tallest chimneys in the world at 1,001 …
Energy briefs
** Fervo Energy, a startup that specializes in geothermal energy, has started using the same horizontal drilling strategy that revolutionized oil drilling decades ago. The technique not only drills sideways, but it also drills deeper to access a different reserve of heat energy that was previously unavailable. ** General Motors calls EVs its “north star” …
Sandridge Energy expands size of board of directors with appointment of Carl Icahn’s son
The Board of Directors at SandRidge Energy, Inc. has been increased from five to six members. The decision was reached July 18 and according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the new board member is Brett Icahn. His appointment will be effective Aug. 1, 2025. The 45-year old Icahn, a …