With the growing pressure of electrical power demands and challenges regarding whether ratepayers should pay for additional needs of industrial growth and data centers, two state legislators want the legislature to study the electric grid in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Senate Energy Committee intends to hold an interim study hearing next week featuring testimony from two major utilities in the state, OG&E and PSO, as well a representative from the Southwest Power Pool, the grid controlling electrical distribution in Oklahoma. There will also be testimony from a Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Energy along with a director of State Government Affairs with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Sen. Casey Murdock (R-Felt) and Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City) requested the study entitled “Grid Resilience and Innovation.” Chaired by Sen. Grant Green (R-Wellston), the Committee hearing will be held Wednesday, September 23 at 9 a.m.
The agenda calls for comments from Zach Quintero, State Government Affairs Senior Manager at Oklahoma Gas and Electric and Cordon DeKock with Public Service Company of Oklahoma.
Casey Cathey, Vice President of Engineering with the Southwest Power Pool, will also testify. He recently was interviewed on the Scott Mitchell Talks Energy With Jerry Bohnen. David Parsons, Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Energy will also give testimony as will Mark Ourada, Director of State Government Affairs with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Three other experts are also slated to testify. They include Jay Caspary with the Trans Grid Advisors; Kelt Wilska of Grid Strategies; and Theodore Paradise at CTC GLobal.
Senate committee meetings continue to be livestreamed at https://oksenate.gov/room-230.
