Oklahoma Corporation Commission approves rate increase for ONG customers

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) – Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners voted 2-1 on Tuesday to approve a rate increase for Oklahoma Natural Gas customers. The $31 million hike translated to an additional $1.33 per month on a customer’s monthly bill. It would be $.48 per month for low-income customers.

The rate hike will be used for things like new pipelines, infrastructure needs, and service to new customers.

In a statement, ONG said even with the added cost, customers will pay less on their monthly bill this year compared to 2023.

“It’s important to point out that customer bills are expected to be less in 2024 than in 2023, even with this filing. The average residential customer will save $107 or 10%, while the average low-income customer will save $126 or 20%. The cost of natural gas has been reduced from 2023, which is a main factor for the decrease,” said Chad Previch, Public Relations Manager for ONG.

ONG customers have already started seeing the rate hike on their bill, despite the increase approval Tuesday. It started to take effect in late June.

Commissioners’ Kim David and Todd Hiett both voted for the rate change while Commissioner Bob Anthony was the lone “no” vote.

“I do not believe this proceeding has fully complied with state law, including ethics rules,” said Anthony.

He was referring to Hiett’s vote as unethical due to recent accusations. Last month, the Commission called for an investigation into claims Hiett groped a man at a conference in June. The victim allegedly works for an agency that has a business relationship with the Corporation Commission.

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