PSO Rate Adjustment Request

How to Provide a Public Comment

There are many ways to submit public comments. By far the most impactful is in person, next is Zoom, then in writing. Please consider both commenting in person and submitting something in writing. In-person and Zoom comments are limited to five minutes.

In writing, you can:

• Send an email to CS@occ.ok.gov
• Fill out the online comment form at the OCC website
• Mail a letter to: Oklahoma Corporation Commission, ATTN: Public Utility Division, Public Comments, PO BOX 171, Oklahoma City, OK 73101-9918

Discussion Points for Your Comments

The OCC's ability to reduce or deny PSO's rate increase is limited — the OCC does not decide whether the smelter is built. The best comments will be specific and relevant to the OCC's jurisdiction. Adding details particular to you and your household will strengthen them.

• Impact on Household Budget: The rate adjustment will increase bills by an average of 16%. How will a more expensive PSO bill affect your household? Will you be able to pay normal expenses, or have to cut back? Note if you are retired, on a fixed income, between jobs, living paycheck to paycheck, a single-income household, or caring for dependents. If you are an AARP member, note that you support their Statement of Position.
• Potential Loss of Jobs/Businesses: Testimony states the increases "could result in significant job losses in Oklahoma." If you work for a large energy consumer (such as Walmart, which objected), mention it. Business owners face an average total bill increase of 22% (industrial base rates rise an average of 91%) — explain how that affects your business, employees, and ability to stay open.
• Unfair for Consumers to Pay for Shareholder Benefits: PSO's increase includes compensation, incentive, pension, and other corporate costs that benefit shareholders, not consumers. In your own words, explain why it is unfair to pay for costs that do not benefit you. You can join the objections of AARP, OIEC, and the Attorney General.
• Shifting Costs for Large Load Customers to Residential Consumers: New large load customers like the smelter and data centers will require improved infrastructure and generation. There is good reason to believe PSO will try to shift those costs onto residential consumers. Tell the OCC it is unfair to make residents pay for improvements they do not need.