House Media

Oklahoma lawmakers examined emerging technologies and strategies to strengthen the state’s electric grid and meet growing energy demand during an interim study Wednesday at the State Capitol. The study, requested by Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, heard from Oklahoma’s largest electric utilities, the Southwest Power Pool, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss the state’s transmission and distribution systems and technologies that could improve grid capacity and reliability. "This study wasn’t about reaching a predetermined conclusion," Archer said. "It was about understanding what technologies are available, how they’re being evaluated today and what technical, economic or regulatory barriers may affect their use." Archer told the committee energy usage in the U.S. and Oklahoma has been relatively flat for two decades but is currently undergoing a "very extreme demand for power." "Over my 12 years in state service, proposed transmission projects have repeatedly triggered nasty eminent domain fights across my district," Murdock said. "This study gave my legislative colleagues a better understanding of new grid-enhancing technologies that can strengthen our electric system and lower costs for consumers, all without massive new transmission lines. I look forward to continuing to work with Representative Archer on bringing these grid enhancements here to Oklahoma." Adam Snapp, director of transmission planning for Oklahoma Gas & Electric, discussed grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) such as static synchronous compensators, which provide dynamic voltage support, and advanced power-flow control devices that can help reduce congestion and make better use of existing transmission lines. Snapp said OG&E has used GETs since 2007 and plans to continue using them as appropriate, describing them as a "valuable tool in the toolbox." He also noted that when existing structures are nearing the end of their service life or a significantly larger conductor is needed, rebuilding a transmission line may be the most cost-effective option. Jeffrey Ellis, director of distribution planning for Public Service Company of Oklahoma, said utilities are already using these technologies as they evaluate how to best serve ratepayers. He emphasized that grid-enhancing technologies are not a replacement for traditional transmission in every circumstance. "GETs and traditional transmission are not competitors," he said . "Advanced technologies may increase capability or address particular transmission constraints in the right circumstances, but they do not eliminate situations where maybe rebuilding is necessary." Richard Ross, director of transmission readiness and seams planning for the Southwest Power Pool, discussed the challenges of meeting long-term transmission needs, noting that many of the best long-term solutions can involve large transmission lines that take years to bring into service. David Parsons, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, echoed that sentiment, telling legislators demand is changing faster than many of the core infrastructure processes traditionally relied upon to serve it. The discussion comes as Oklahoma considers how to prepare its electric system for increasing demand while making efficient use of existing infrastructure. Last session, Archer and Murdock authored House Bill 3183 , the GET Over Congestion Act, which would have required utilities to analyze the cost effectiveness of deploying advanced transmission and grid-enhancing technologies to address congestion. Archer said the discussion provided lawmakers with a better understanding of how utilities and regional planners evaluate transmission needs and where emerging technologies may fit within that process.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today thanked Gov. Kevin Stitt for his order to pause on enforcement of all taxes, regulations and fines levied on the use of red dyed diesel in farm vehicles. The representatives serve as chair and vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, respectively. "The governor's action to create relief in this area for our state's agricultural producers is much needed and appreciated," Patzkowsky and West said in a joint statement. "This will not only benefit our hardworking farmers and ranchers, but the savings will expand to everyone who benefits from the food and other products they produce." Stitt on Monday issued a letter to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission ordering the pause and instructing the Tax Commission to seek Dyed Diesel Fuel Penalty Relief from the Internal Revenue Service. He also instructed the Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to suspend any and all enforcement actions regarding the use of dyed diesel fuels in highway vehicles during this time period. The request will remain in place for 120 days from the date of the order. The governor pointed out in his action that Oklahoma feeds the world, and yet the state's farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges as they head into harvest season. The governor said that as their costs increase, so do prices at the grocery store. He said the state should ease burdens where it can in order to provide relieve for the agricultural industry and for Americans trying to feed their families.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, has been named the 2026 Public Official of the Year by the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association (OFMA). The award is based on Cantrell's efforts to pass House Bill 1675 , the state's first statewide youth camp safety law focusing on severe weather preparedness and emergency planning. The legislation requires all youth camps and outdoor programs to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an emergency action plan by the end of the year.  "While this legislation was born out of unimaginable tragedy, I'm glad that something positive might come from it that can benefit future campers," Cantrell said. "I'm thankful to be recognized for my efforts in championing this bill, but the praise belongs to a much wider audience. Still, I thank the folks at the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association for giving me this award. I will treasure it, and it will stand as a reminder of the souls we lost that day."  Cantrell received the award at a banquet help Sept. 22 at the Osage Casino & Resort in the Skyline Center in Tulsa. HB 1675 was inspired after the deaths of 27 girls, now known as "Heaven's 27," who lost their lives during flooding at Camp Mystic in Hunt, TX in 2025. Cantrell's legislation updates procedures for how camps are to receive emergency alerts and report to parents and local emergency management officials as well as staff training requirements.  "We want summer camp to be a fun and safe experience for all involved," Cantrell said. "This legislation should help." OFMA consists of professionals who encourage and support flood-safe development and flood mitigation through promotion of sound floodplain management practices and the natural and cultural benefits of the floodplain. They also offer education and certification to floodplain management professionals.  "Saving lives and reducing property loss from floods are our ultimate goals," association materials read.