Oklahoma State Representative Tom Gann, R-Inola, has filed an appeal with the Oklahoma Supreme Court challenging $700 million in bonds issued by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) to cover costs from Winter Storm Uri in 2021. According to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, PSO customers are expected to pay for the bonds through their bills for another 17 years.
Gann argues that the bonds are invalid because no audits were conducted before they were issued. He also claims the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) failed to provide required audits in PSO’s most recent rate case. Utilities including PSO, OG&E, ONG, and CenterPoint/Summit accumulated about $2.8 billion in costs during the storm, which grew to nearly $5 billion with interest and expenses.
The appeal cites a 2024 report by former Oklahoma Accountancy Board Chairman David Greenwell, who criticized the OCC for weak compliance with audit laws. Former OCC Commissioner Bob Anthony also objected to the commission’s brief audit reports. Gann is seeking refunds for PSO customers, including about $250 million from rate increases in 2023 and 2025, and $140 million already collected from bond payments.
Gann also raises concerns about OCC Commissioner Todd Hiett, citing past allegations against him. The Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Hiett in May, but Gann’s filing questions his impartiality.
The case is one of several similar appeals involving other Oklahoma utility companies. Representatives Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, have joined Gann in pursuing these challenges. The court’s decision will determine whether customers must continue paying the disputed costs.
