(SPP’s Casey Cathey explains potential high-voltage solutions in the Permian Basin. | © RTO Insider LLC) Details are slowly coming out about the Southwest Power Pool plans to build 300 miles of extra-high-voltage transmission lines in the Permian Basin to help its grid handle expected “extreme” load growth. Oklahoma is a member of the SPP …
Gulfport plans more Marcellus acquisitions and exploration
Despite a more than $26 million net loss in the second quarter of 2024 and strong challenges from fluctuating natural gas prices, Gulfport Energy Corporation says it plans to engage in more acquisitions in the Marcellus and move ahead with strong exploration plans. The Oklahoma City company reported $54 million in adjusted net income …
ODOT Commissioners begin Texoma bridge replacement effort
Oklahoma Transportation Commissioners took the initial step toward replacement of the historic US-70 Roosevelt Bridge that crosses over Lake Texoma between Kingston and Durant in southeastern Oklahoma. During a meeting on Monday, the Transportation Commission was briefed by Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz about a $124 million Large Bridge grant awarded to ODOT through …
Rep. Lucas wants better weather forecasting
In a move to improve the nation’s weather forecasting accuracy, Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas and Ohio Rep. Max Miller introduced the Weather Data Taxpayer Protection Act. Lucas did so in his capacity as chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. He and Miller described H.R. 9219 as critical step in improving the …
Energy briefs
** Navajo Nation tribal President Buu Nygren issued an executive order banning the transportation of uranium ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine through reservation property in Arizona. ** The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an emergency order Tuesday to remove from the market a pesticide linked to fetal damage, its first such action in nearly four …
Utility offers to spy on big electricity users in hunt for illegal pot growers
A Maine utility’s offer to spy on big electricity users in law enforcement’s search for hidden marijuana growers is raising questions….big questions about the privacy of the company’s customers. Maine’s Versant Power made the offer as law enforcement cracks down on illegal pot growers and in doing so, often sends subpoenas to power companies …
Fort Sill’s joint technology center sees growth and expansion
An expansion has been made of a technology and drone technology center involving Fort Sill and Lawton. The Lawton Fort Sill’s Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA) Innovation Park is a leading center for technological advancement and home to the Joint Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) University (JCU) based in Lawton, Oklahoma. …
Devon Energy’s 2Q earnings soar with record oil production
With a second quarter all-time high production of oil, Oklahoma City’s Devon Energy’s second quarter financial report glowed with net earnings of $844 million or $1.34 a share—far better than the $596 million and 94 cents a share in the first quarter of the year. The company had core earnings of $885 million and …
OGE holds linemen’s Expo and competition
Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) line crews competed in the 33rd annual Linemen’s Expo, an annual company event in which line crews compete in timed competition and families and co-workers show their appreciation for the crews who help deliver reliable and dependable electric service to Oklahomans and Arkansans regardless of the weather. The …
Ozone alert for Wednesday in OKC
With increased temperatures, another ozone alert was issued for Wednesday for the Oklahoma City metro area. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality issued the alert late Tuesday afternoon with the assistance of the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. This ozone alert is a prediction that concentrations of ozone will approach levels of concern over the next 24 …