Oklahoma Lawmakers Challenge Utility Rate Hikes, Bonds in Supreme Court

Appeals seek to overturn $1.4 billion in bonds and $377 million in rate increases for OG&E and PSO customers

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Oklahoma state representatives have filed appeals with the Oklahoma Supreme Court challenging over $1.4 billion in bonds and $377 million in rate increases approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) for electric utility companies OG&E and Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri in 2021. The lawmakers argue the OCC violated state laws and ethics rules in approving the rate hikes and bonds without proper audits and oversight.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing disputes over how Oklahoma utilities have sought to recoup billions in costs from the 2021 winter storm, with lawmakers arguing ratepayers are being unfairly burdened. It also raises questions about the OCC's oversight and adherence to state laws and ethics rules in approving major utility rate increases and bonds.

The details

The appeals filed by Reps. Tom Gann, Kevin West, and Rick West challenge a 2025 OCC order approving a $127 million rate increase for OG&E without a CPA-led audit of the utility's 2021 Winter Storm 'Uri' bonds. The lawmakers also filed a separate appeal challenging $250 million in rate increases and bonds for PSO. They argue the OCC violated state laws by allowing an employee without a CPA license to conduct required audits, and that an OCC commissioner who was allegedly involved in misconduct should have been recused from the cases.

  • The appeals were filed on February 20, 2026, the fifth anniversary of Winter Storm 'Uri'.
  • The final brief in the OG&E appeal was filed on February 20, 2026.
  • The OCC approved the $127 million OG&E rate increase and bonds in 2025.

The players

Tom Gann

A Republican state representative who has filed multiple appeals challenging over $11 billion in utility charges approved by the OCC.

Kevin West

A Republican state representative who joined the appeals against the OG&E and PSO rate increases and bonds.

Rick West

A Republican state representative who joined the appeals against the OG&E and PSO rate increases and bonds.

Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC)

The state regulatory agency that approved the utility rate increases and bonds being challenged.

Todd Hiett

An OCC commissioner who the lawmakers argue should have been recused from the cases due to alleged misconduct.

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What they’re saying

“We have asked the court for a lot. We not only asked the justices to overturn the OCC's rate increases and orders authorizing OG&E and PSO's 2021 Winter Storm 'Uri' bonds. We have asked the court to require the OCC to follow state ethics rules and to follow state laws that require audits to be conducted by licensed CPAs.”

— Kevin West, State Representative (tulsatoday.com)

“The OCC's past violations of the law have far-reaching consequences, especially since they are ongoing, impacting current cases.”

— Tom Gann, State Representative (tulsatoday.com)

“Imagine the consequences of that. Imagine the financial chaos that would break out across state government if the court says it's okay for state agencies to make up their own definition of 'audit' and allow any staffer to do them, the way the OCC did. The Department of Mental Health would be a drop in the bucket compared to what would happen next.”

— Rick West, State Representative (tulsatoday.com)

What’s next

The Oklahoma Supreme Court will now consider the appeals and could issue a decision at any time.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battles over how utilities in Oklahoma have sought to recoup billions in costs from the 2021 winter storm, with lawmakers arguing ratepayers are being unfairly burdened and that the state's regulatory agency has failed to properly oversee the process.