Legislators in Colorado took another major step in pushing the state toward expanded electric vehicle use by approving $65 million to help school districts acquire EV buses. The Colorado Sun reported such buses cost on average $400,000 or about three times the cost of a diesel or gasoline-powered school bus. Now a state agency …
Agency to consider $2.2 billion in bonds for utilities
The last three of four requests by Oklahoma utilities for billions of dollars in ratepayer backed bonds to cover 2021 February winter storm costs go before a state agency on Wednesday. The Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, in its 10 a.m. meeting will consider ratepayer-backed securitization proposals from Oklahoma Natural Gas, Public Service Company of Oklahoma …
Other headlines
** North Dakota regulators this week will hold a public hearing on a proposed $390 million wind project in the southern part of the state. ** A coal company owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s family agrees to pay $320 million to a Swiss bank to help settle an outstanding $850 million debt. ** Volkswagen aims to hire 1,000 new employees at its …
Heavy travel predicted for July 4th holiday
AAA Oklahoma is projecting that more than 510,000 Oklahomans will travel a distance of 50 miles or more over the Independence Day Holiday weekend. As usual, the large majority will be driving to their destinations. However, air travel and other modes of travel transportation (trains, cruises and buses) are up significantly compared to last year. …
Enid to decide on OGE franchise
Enid voters will decide Tuesday whether to continue with a nearly 100-year old franchise with Oklahoma Gas and Electric. Click here for Enid News & Eagle
New energy funding program to begin in Oklahoma County
Oklahoma County’s new clean energy financing program includes more than $80 million in development for Oklahoma City businesses. The Oklahoman reported the funding is about to become a reality after being stalled for years. Click here for The Oklahoman
OGE rate hike dispute to go before Judge
In an unusual hearing scheduled for Monday morning, an Oklahoma Corporation Commission Administrative Law Judge will consider two settlement agreements regarding the matter of Oklahoma Gas and Electric’s request for a $163.5 million rate hike. One agreement reached by OG&E is to reduce the request to $45 million while the second agreement, reached by …
Evergy to recover 2021 winter storm costs from consumers
The latest large utility to win approval of regulators allowing recovery of costs from the 2021 winter storm Uri is in Kansas. It means a $3 increase in monthly bills for Evergy Central customers while Evergy Metro customers will pay nearly $7 more a month. The Kansas Corporation Commission signed off on the settlement …
Wind tower collapses in Oklahoma and Colorado
At least two wind turbine tower collapses occurred in the past week, one in Oklahoma and one in eastern Colorado. As OK Energy Today reported last week, the Oklahoma incident happened near the Major County town of Ames and no one was injured. The second tower collapse happened a few days later near the …
Wildlife measure gets split support among Oklahoma Representatives
The recent U.S. House approval of a measure called the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act came with a split vote by Oklahoma’s representatives. The final vote was 231-190. Rep. Tom Cole voted in support of H.R. 2773 (117)) while Reps. Stephanie Bice, Kevin Hern, Frank Lucas and Markwayne Mullin opposed the bill pushed by Michigan’s Rep. …
