The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) voted Thursday, Nov. 5, to approve part of Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s (PSO) request for new electric rates. Commissioners Todd Hiett and Brian Bingman voted in favor, while Chair Kim David voted against the decision, according to OCC Communications Director Jack Damrill.
What the order means for Tulsa customers
Since July, PSO customers have been paying higher temporary rates while the commission reviewed the case. The new interim order directs PSO to calculate rates that reflect the commission’s decisions, but it does not adopt the June settlement as a package. As a result, the exact monthly change compared with current temporary rates is still unknown.
PSO must submit a final accounting and an updated cost‑allocation study within six calendar days of the order’s issuance. The study must show how costs are divided among residential, commercial, and nonprofit customer groups. Until those figures are filed, the OCC cannot provide precise bill‑impact numbers.
Refunds and credits
The order requires PSO to return any excess money collected through the temporary rates, plus interest. However, refunds will be allocated only to the customer groups that overpaid. Residential customers may receive credits, but the amount and eligibility criteria have not yet been disclosed. Any required refunds must be returned within 90 days after the revised tariffs take effect, and each bill’s refund portion will appear as a separate line item.
Implementation timeline
The vote does not cause the revised rates to appear on bills immediately. After PSO files its accounting, the order provides a four‑calendar‑day window for parties to file objections or requests concerning the calculations. If no objections are filed, PSO must submit revised tariffs for review and approval by the director of OCC’s Public Utility Division. The new rates will then apply beginning with the first regular billing cycle after that approval.
What remains to be confirmed
Tulsa’s News Pulse is seeking answers to several key questions:
- How much residential bills will change compared with the current temporary rates.
- What the reported 3.55% residential increase is measured against.
- Which customer groups will receive refunds or credits.
- When customers will first see the revised rates on their statements.
- How the decision affects businesses and nonprofits on different rate schedules.
Damrill indicated the OCC will not provide an on‑camera interview until PSO submits its calculations and the information is reviewed. The news outlet is also reaching out to customers and nonprofits willing to share their bills to illustrate how electricity costs affect household and organizational budgets.
Background
The decision is formally titled an “Interim Order” because certain issues involving power‑supply options for large electricity users remain unresolved. The full order, No. 761871 in case PUD2025-000075, is available for public review.
As the OCC finalizes the rate structure, Tulsa residents should watch for updates from PSO and the commission. The revised tariffs will be reflected on the first regular billing cycle after OCC approval, and any refunds will be processed within the 90‑day window following that implementation.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
