Oklahoma’s competitive bidding fight also waged in other states

The Right of First Refusal argument taking place against some proposed utility transmission bills in the Oklahoma legislature is taking place also in Wisconsin where utilities claim they can build regional power lines better, faster and cheaper than out-of-state competitors and they should have exclusive, no-bid rights to those grid expansion projects.

Just as in Oklahoma, consumer groups contend competition is the key to driving down costs. E&E News reports the groups contend the proposal is unconstitutional. Further, just as in Oklahoma’s continuing debate, consumers don’t believe utilities and contend the costs will eventually find their way to monthly power bills.