Oklahoma Lawsuit Over Winter Storm Uri Heads to Trial

State alleges natural gas companies illegally inflated prices during 2021 storm.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Oklahoma Attorney General's office has filed a lawsuit alleging that natural gas marketers and pipeline operators illegally drove up spot prices during the devastating Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, allowing them to collect huge profits. The case is expected to go to trial later this year.

Why it matters

The lawsuit aims to hold energy companies accountable for price gouging that left many Oklahomans struggling to pay their utility bills in the aftermath of the historic winter storm. The outcome could set an important precedent for how states can protect consumers from energy market manipulation during emergencies.

The details

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond alleges the natural gas companies engaged in unlawful bidding practices that artificially inflated spot prices during the storm. This allowed the companies to reap massive profits while many Oklahomans faced financial hardship trying to heat their homes.

  • Winter Storm Uri struck Oklahoma in February 2021.
  • The state of Oklahoma filed the lawsuit in 2022.
  • The case is expected to go to trial later in 2026.

The players

Gentner Drummond

The Attorney General of Oklahoma who filed the lawsuit against the natural gas companies.

Natural gas marketers and pipeline operators

The energy companies accused of illegally inflating prices during Winter Storm Uri.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold these companies accountable for their actions that left so many Oklahomans struggling to pay their bills.”

— Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General (Tulsa World)

What’s next

The judge in the case is expected to set a trial date in the coming months, with the lawsuit likely to be heard by a jury later this year.

The takeaway

This lawsuit represents an important effort by the state of Oklahoma to protect consumers from energy price gouging during emergencies, setting a potential precedent for how states can rein in market manipulation by natural gas and utility companies.