No vote on OG&E rate increase, moved to later date
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Wednesday, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners delayed a vote to give final approval for a rate hike for OG&E customers.
The $126.6 million rate increase took effect in July and customers have already started seeing roughly $9.58 added to their monthly bill, but the Corporation Commission must vote on a final order to approve the hike.
Commissioners argued on Wednesday about one statute in the rate hike involving a new 2023 law for "one megawatt" customers. OG&E said it has around 30 customers outside its service area who use one megawatt or more of electricity. Commissioners Kim David and Todd Hiett disagreed on how to resolve changes to those customer's pricing.
The delay does not change anything for current customers who have already seen the increase on their bill and the topic could be brought up during next week's OCC meeting.
However, it could also mean a decision will be made after the State Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a case involving Hiett.
Three Oklahoma lawmakers, Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, filed a petition against Hiett in September, asking the State Supreme Court disqualify Hiett from voting on upcoming cases involving utility companies.
The move from lawmakers came after allegations surfaced, accusing Hiett of sexual assault and drunkenness. The victim in the case was a lawyer from a company working closely with the Corporation Commission.
Hiett has already voted on a $33 million rate hike involving ONG back in August. The State Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the case against Hiett November 12.