** Constellation announced it has received regulatory approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas for its previously announced acquisition of Calpine Corporation. ** Maryland regulators issue the final approval needed for US Wind to begin construction on a 114-turbine offshore wind farm, though local opposition remains strong and the possibility the Trump administration could intervene still …
Oil and gas drilling remains strong in Oklahoma
While the latest Baker Hughes rig count reported a drop of 2 rigs in Oklahoma to 50, most of the strong oil and gas plays in the state still saw continued activity. A breakdown of the oil plays showed only one with a decline of activity and that was the Granite Wash, which …
Solar manufacturer Sunnova lays off more than 700
More than 700 workers at Sunnova Energy in Houston lost their jobs this week as the solar power manufactured filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, another sign that things were anything but sunny for the nation’s solar industry. It’s the latest renewable energy firm to fall victim to weakening sales and growing debts, the …
Nation’s rig count slips again but sees a gain in gas drilling
The nation’s rig count took another tumble in the past week with a decline in oil rigs but a gain in gas rigs. All the while, Oklahoma’s count slipped too. Baker Hughes reported Friday the total in oil and gas rigs fell by 4 to 559 and included a loss of 9 oil rigs, …
Resumption of trade talks sent crude oil prices up on Friday
Crude oil prices and Oklahoma energy stocks finished the week with strong gains—oil up more than $1 a barrel while some Oklahoma energy stocks rose as much as 7%. Crude oil prices made their first weekly gain in three weeks, thanks in large part to a favorable U.S. jobs report combined with trade talks that …
Scott Mitchell talks energy with Jerry Bohnen—a split corporation commission vote
Scott Mitchell talks energy with Jerry Bohnen and this time, they focus on the recent Corporation Commission split vote to approve PSO’s purchase of a Jenks power plant. Scott raises the question of whether Commissioner Todd Hiett is becoming the new Bob Anthony in questioning rate hikes.
Oklahoma highway budget to total more than $2.5 billion
Oklahoma Transportation Commissioners recently signed off on the Transportation Department’s 2026 budget of more than $2 billion, one that saw a decrease of more than $11 million. They did so without any discussion. The estimated budget, based on revenue provided by the legislature and funds from the motor fuel tax and from the …
Annual meeting results announced at Expand Energy
Shareholders in Expand Energy attended their annual meeting this week and went through the usual process of electing directors, naming an independent auditor and approving executive compensation. Each of the 11 directors nominated by the company’s Board of Directors was elected by the shareholders. They’ll serve until the next annual meeting. Those chosen included: Domenic …
Mammoth Energy announces executive changes
Changes in leadership at Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. have been announced following the $109 million sale of some of its subsidiary holdings to Peak Utility Services Group, Inc. The biggest change will be the loss of Chief Executive Officer Phil Lancaster who resigned Mammoth effective June 30 to become an employee of Peak. In recent …
Another rate hike is coming for PSO customers and soon
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s recent decision, on a split vote, to approve Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s $730 million purchase of a 23-year old power plant in Jenks shows a distinct difference of opinion between at least two of the commissioners. It was a 2-1 vote to approve PSO’s request to purchase the …