AARP Oklahoma Expresses Disappoint Over Historic PSO and OG&E Rate Increases, Vows to Continue to Fight for Residential Utility Customers
AARP Oklahoma is concerned about the Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) rate increases resulting from recent decisions from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which combined will cost residential utility customers more than $246 million.
“What should be a joyous holiday season is now marred with yet another round of rate hikes customers simply cannot afford,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl.
On Nov. 25, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners approved a historic $119.5 million rate increase that will saddle PSO customers with an additional $12 a month, or $144 annually, rate hike. This increase comes on the heels of two additional pending cases where PSO seeks further increases of $7.24 and $5 per month.
Over the last 10 years, between rate hikes and Winter Storm Uri, PSO residential bills have increased more than $27 a month, which adds up to customers paying an additional $327 a year. The settlement agreement increases rates by more than $39 a month in a decade.
Also last week, the Corporation Commission entered an interim order which adopts a settlement agreement and raises rates for OG&E customers. AARP Oklahoma did not sign the settlement agreement, which will burden OG&E residential customers with a historic $126.6 million rate increase. The interim order will raise utility bills more than $9 a month, an amount many customers simply cannot afford as OG&E continues to raise rates with no end in sight.
Voskuhl said while AARP is disappointed in the overall interim order, he is pleased AARP’s efforts were successful to reject OG&E’s proposed monthly customer charge increase from $13 to $21 a month.
“AARP Oklahoma will continue to fight against these unfair rate increases, advocating for the needs of residential customers who deserve better than the largest rate hikes from PSO and OG&E in the last decade,” Voskuhl said.
More than 6,700 AARP members called, emailed and signed petitions urging Corporation Commissioners to reject the OG&E and PSO rate hikes. Many shared heartbreaking stories about the difficult choices they face due to rising utility costs. Jearl from Allen stated, “It shouldn’t be a choice to pay my PSO bill or eat.” Carl from Tulsa, a 99-year-old on a fixed income, echoed this sentiment, saying, “If you raise my rate, it will make me decide whether I eat or pay my bill.” Terry from Miami added, “My utilities are presently 37% of my Social Security check.”
AARP Oklahoma Advocacy Director Joy McGill said in addition to fighting to prevent unfair residential utility rate hikes, AARP Oklahoma is a powerful voice at the state legislature. "AARP Oklahoma advocates for Oklahomans by fighting financial fraud, supporting family caregivers, expanding home and community services, enhancing long-term care quality, developing livable communities, and boosting health and financial security." McGill urges Oklahomans to get involved and make their voices heard. Learn more about AARP Oklahoma’s 2025 advocacy work and opportunities to get involved at aarp.org/OKAction.
