AARP Oklahoma Statement on PSO Rate Case Outcome
AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl issued the following statement regarding PSO’s proposed $294 million rate and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s subsequent order which was finalized today.
“The voices of AARP Oklahoma members once again successfully rose in opposition to PSO’s proposed $294 million rate hike. While the proposed rate hike was not entirely eliminated, it was significantly reduced.
AARP Oklahoma member and volunteer efforts helped reduce the proposed $14 a month residential rate hike request to $5.35 a month. Additionally, AARP advocacy efforts helped reduce the monthly customer charge from $20 to $17 a month. Unfortunately, the Commission declined to adopt an increase cap of 2.5 percent, which now results in an overall increase of 3.7 percent for residential customers.
The corporation commissioners’ order also eliminates PSO’s proposed controversial formula rate plan, a move that could lead to more frequent or larger rate increases for customers.
More than 5,000 Oklahomans who wrote, called and emailed corporation commissioners put us in a position to negotiate a better deal for residential customers who are already forced to make difficult decisions between food, prescription drugs and keeping the lights on. We thank them for raising their voices.
AARP Oklahoma will remain dedicated to fighting for affordable and reliable utilities and will keep a vigilant watch on PSO's actions, ensuring that residential customers are not burdened with more than their fair share of costs."
- Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma State Director
