Oklahoma Sets Renewable Energy Goal
On May 27, 2010, Governor Brad Henry signed legislation designed to expand the use of clean energy in Oklahoma, though the measure stops short of setting a mandate for utility companies. Instead, the Oklahoma Energy Security Act sets a goal by calling for 15 percent of electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources such…
On May 27, 2010, Governor Brad Henry signed legislation designed to expand the use of clean energy in Oklahoma, though the measure stops short of setting a mandate for utility companies.
Instead, the Oklahoma Energy Security Act sets a goal by calling for 15 percent of electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal by 2015.
The plan allows electricity generators to utilize energy efficiency in order to meet the goal and establishes a natural gas energy standard to maximize development of Oklahoma’s natural gas resources.
As of December, 29 states — including all of Oklahoma’s border states except for Arkansas — had set such a standard, which requires or encourages electricity providers to obtain a minimum percentage of their power from renewable energy resources by a certain date.
Top officials from two of the state’s largest utilities, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. and Public Service Company of Oklahoma, have balked at the idea of a mandate, saying their companies already embraced using renewable energy sources without one. Spokesmen for both companies said OG&E and PSO had input into the new law.
Source: Bloomberg Businessweek
