Oklahoma Energy Resources
Historically, Oklahoma has been at the forefront of American energy production, with oil, gas, wind and solar all contributing to that status in the 21st century. Now, the state is even exploring hydrogen fuel — green, blue and other colors — as a promising option for a new branch of the industry.
Outside of production jobs and companies, energy lands on the average Oklahoman’s radar in the form of their electric and gas bills. Where you buy your electric power generally depends on where you live, with a pair of publicly traded utility companies — OG&E and the Public Service Company of Oklahoma — covering much of the state.
Publicly traded utilities are regulated by the Corporation Commission, a state agency created in Article 9, Sections 15-33 of the Oklahoma Constitution (and governed in Title 17 of state statute) that “works to ensure safe and reliable utility service at fair, just and responsible rates,” according to its website. Voters elect three statewide corporation commissioners to staggered six-year terms, and those commissioners hold hearings and take votes on utility rate adjustments and other regulatory questions.
Additionally, the Corporation Commission regulates oil and gas companies operating in the state, petroleum storage tanks and aspects of transportation, including railways, towing, licensing and permits and pipelines.
The following page includes links to resources for members of the public to alert officials to power outages or change their energy service, as well as links to information and resources on energy production in the state.
We know this list is far from comprehensive, so it will likely grow. If you think a significant state resource should be added, please let us know.
Corporation Commission / Geological Survey
OCC: Corporation Commission meetings
OCC: Public Utility Division (PUD)
OCC: Oil & Gas Conservation Division
OCC: Petroleum Storage Tank Division
Submit comments on active utility cases
February 2021 winter storm information
Oil & gas documents, case filings
Regulated, unregulated electric and gas utilities
Oklahoma residents and businesses purchase electricity and natural gas from a variety of sources, some of which are regulated by the Corporation Commission and some of which are not. Most Oklahomans receive their electricity from OG&E or Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), but other entities exist as well.
A non-appropriated state agency, the Grand River Dam Authority operates as a public power utility, generating and selling electricity (and sometimes water) to a slate of contracted customers, including cities and companies in northeast Oklahoma, southeast Kansas and northwest Arkansas. GRDA also manages the Grand and Illinois rivers and some lakes. The OCC does not regulate GRDA, nor does it regulate the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, which operates as a utility system consisting of member cities.
Oklahoma has multiple electric cooperatives that are able to opt out of regulation by the OCC. A list of those whose prices are still regulated by the OCC is linked below. The same link also lists cooperatives that have opted out of OCC price regulation. For those cooperatives, the OCC still regulates service reliability.
OG&E links
Public Service Company of Oklahoma links
Other electric and gas utility information
Legislative committees / state energy secretary
Oklahoma Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee
Oklahoma House Energy & Natural Resources Committee
Other entities, associations, information
Directory of Oklahoma oil & gas companies (bottom of page)
Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Energy Producers Alliance
Hamm Institute for American Energy (OSU)
Oklahoma Energy Resources Board
