November 15, 2023
Press Release
Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed two motions today requesting that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission modify its final order on Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s (PSO) rate request to ensure greater relief for residential customers.
In an initial settlement agreement hammered out by the Utility Regulation Unit of the Attorney General’s office, the AARP, and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s own Public Utility Division, PSO’s proposed monthly residential increase was reduced from an average of $14 to $3.57, the result of a negotiated cap on the residential increase of 2.5 percent.
Despite the agreement, Corporation Commissioners made several modifications, resulting in a final order that significantly increases residential rates compared to the settlement agreement. This equates to an average monthly increase of $5.35 for residential customers, an amount 50 percent higher than the settlement negotiated by Attorney General Drummond.
“PSO ratepayers deserve better,” Drummond said. “I take my role of advocating for public utility consumers very seriously. My office worked diligently to craft an agreement to protect ratepayers as much as possible, and I am extremely disappointed that it was cast aside in favor of higher bills for residential customers. With inflation through the roof, consumers are already paying too much for basic goods and services. The last thing they need is unnecessary rate increases.”
In the motions filed today, Drummond asked Corporation Commissioners to modify their final order to approve the previous settlement agreement. If the Commission does not approve the agreement, a second motion seeks a reinstatement of the lower residential rate to keep costs down for ratepayers and hold them harmless from the Commission’s modifications to the settlement agreement.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
High Speed Pursuit Leads to Felony Charge
May 30, 2024 A Fort Sill man received a felony charge in Beckham County recently after leading authorities on a high speed pursuit that reached speeds of at least 125 mph.
Elk City Grad Receives OERB Scholarship
May 29, 2024 It was announced recently that a record-breaking amount of scholarship dollars will be awarded to students at state universities studying petroleum-related fields.
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Announces 2024 Nurse of the Year
May 28, 2024 GPRMC Press Release Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is proud to announce Lauren Celsor, CCRN, BSN, as the recipient of the 2024 Nurse of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates Lauren’s outstanding
Coca-Cola Southwest & SWOSU Partner to Help First-Gen College Students
May 28, 2024 SWOSU Press Release One of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, a company of Arca Continental, has generously established a scholarship benefitting first-generation students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Early Voting Begins Thursday, June 13th
May 28, 2024 Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Early voting begins Thursday June 13th for voters in Roger Mills County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day,
Absentee Deadline and Early Voting
May 28, 2024 Custer County Election Board Press Release The deadline for requesting an Absentee Ballot for the June 18, 2024, Republican Primary Election is Monday, June 3rd at 5 p.m. said Ann Brown, Secretary, Custer County
ECHS Seniors Prepare for Boys State
May 28, 2024 By Landry Brewer Four members of the Elk City High School class of 2025 hope that Oklahoma Boys State is gonna treat ’em great.
Deadly Memorial Day Accident Near Carnegie
May 28, 2024 The cause of a deadly crash near Carnegie on Monday is under investigation.
The Clinton Public Works Authority receives $100,000 grant for water system improvements
May 24, 2024 The Clinton Public Works Authority (Authority) in Custer County received approval for a $100,000 Emergency Grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.
Local County Eligible for Unemployment Assistance
May 24, 2024 Five additional counties, including one in Western Oklahoma, are now eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Reach Higher Program at SWOSU Awards over $59,000 in Scholarships
May 24, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded over $59,000 in scholarships to 20 SWOSU students during the 2023-2024 academic year, including the 2024 summer semester. Over
Public Invited to Memorial Day Service
May 23, 2024 Memorial Day weekend is upon us once again and that means the annual Memorial Day service at Elk City’s Fairlawn Cemetery will take place Monday morning.
K9 Unit Aids in Traffic Stop, Drug Discovery
May 22, 2024 A Tennessee man was arrested in Custer County recently after being found with a large amount of marijuana and cocaine.
Bicycle Accident Injures Erick Juvenile
May 22, 2024 An unusual accident in Erick early Monday morning involving a vehicle and a juvenile on a bicycle.
Manslaughter Suspect Back Behind Bars
May 21, 2024 The man charged in the shooting death case of Colter Jake Vaught is back in jail after allegedly tossing a bag of animal feces at a memorial honoring the victim.
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Work Ready Weatherford
May 21, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Work Ready Oklahoma (WRO) is hosting a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Work Ready Weatherford center. The event will take place on May 22 from 10 a.m.
NWS: Latest Western Oklahoma Tornado Rated EF-2
May 21, 2024 The National Weather Service released preliminary tornado ratings for two tornadoes that touched down on Sunday in Oklahoma.
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots For June 18th Election
May 20, 2024 Roger Mills County Election Office Press Release The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, June 3rd.
Caddo Co. Wreck Hospitalizes OKC Woman
May 20, 2024 An Oklahoma City woman was hospitalized Friday afternoon after being involved in a one vehicle accident near Hydro.
More Tornadoes Strike Western Oklahoma
May 20, 2024 Oklahoma saw another round of tornadoes late Sunday afternoon and well into the evening.
Burglary Suspect Turns Himself In
May 17, 2024 The Elk City Police Department has announced the arrest of the suspect wanted in a burglary case.
Washita Co. To Receive FEMA Disaster Assistance
May 17, 2024 The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to appropriate $45 million to help counties that have been ravaged by recent tornadoes.
Remembering May 16th, 2017
May 16, 2024 It was seven years ago today (May 16, 2017) Elk City experienced one of it’s worst natural disasters in city history when a tornado ravaged the south side, destroying or damaging multiple homes near
Elk City Graduation Saturday
May 16, 2024 The 2023 – 2024 school year is wrapping up across the country with graduation ceremonies taking place throughout the next few days.
Sayre Man Accused of Attempting to Steal Car
May 15, 2024 A Sayre man was arrested and charged recently after allegedly attempting to steal a car.
