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OIEC Critical of OG&E's Interim Rate Increace
By
2012-05-21
 
TULSA, OKLA. – Today, Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers (OIEC) announced its opposition to OG&E’s unilateral decision to implement an interim rate increase without Corporation Commission approval. According to OIEC, the increase is neither justified by the evidence presented in OG&E’s pending rate case nor appropriate.

“OG&E previously waived its right to implement an interim rate increase during the hearing on the merits in OG&E’s rate case,” said Tom Schroedter, Executive Director of OIEC, an association of industries representing some of OG&E’s largest electric consumers. “The $24 million rate increase should not be authorized and OIEC calls on state regulators to take the appropriate actions necessary to deny the implementation of such an interim rate increase.”

“The press release issued by OG&E 'spins' the rate increase announcement by suggesting that OG&E customers will benefit through a decrease in their electric bills,” said Schroedter. "While OG&E’s announced actions could result in an electric cost decrease for its customers, the announced refund of approximately $50 million in excess fuel costs recovered from OG&E customers is simply a return to those customers of what is lawfully theirs. The $50 million refund in fuel costs should occur immediately.”

OIEC represents industrial companies with thousands of employees across the state. The organization works to ensure just and reasonable utility rates for OIEC members. OIEC has been active on behalf of industrial and other large consumers of energy for more than 15 years advocating for utility cost reductions or avoidance of utility cost increases for its member companies.

For more information on OIEC, call Tom Schroedter at (918) 594-0400 or visit www.oiec.org

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