Rep. Gann challenges PSO’s 2021 winter storm bonds at OK Supreme Court

Gann Challenges PSO’s 2021 Winter Storm Bonds at OK Supreme Court

OKLAHOMA CITY – An appeal brief filed Thursday by Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, asks the Oklahoma Supreme Court to invalidate some $700 million in ratepayer-backed bonds issued to cover costs incurred by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) during February 2021’s Winter Storm Uri. Payments for those bonds have been collected on the monthly bills of PSO’s customers since the bonds were issued in September 2022. They are scheduled to continue for another 17 years.

Gann’s brief tells the court that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) failed to provide a required audit of the bonds in PSO’s most recent rate case. He also argues PSO’s original 2021 Uri costs that were securitized into the bonds were never audited either.  Gann asserts the audit failures are fatal in both cases, making the OCC’s orders void. 

Attorney Stephen Jones joins Supreme Court effort against Corp. Commish Hiett

Attorney Stephen Jones Joins Supreme Court Effort Against OCC’s Todd Hiett

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28th) – Three Oklahoma lawmakers say that legal legend Stephen Jones will argue on behalf of their petition against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, according to a notice filed at the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday. 

Legislators respond to Supreme Court request in Hiett case

Legislators Respond to Supreme Court Request in Hiett Case

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 15th) – Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today issued statements regarding an Oklahoma Supreme Court request for oral arguments in their case against Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett.

"On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court changed its position and took the extraordinary step of asking for oral arguments about our Petition for a Writ of Prohibition against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. We filed our case after allegations of sexual misconduct and public drunkenness were published, but Hiett refused to disqualify himself from Oklahoma Corporation Commission cases involving the victims and/or witnesses of his alleged criminal conduct. These utility cases are worth billions of dollars and affect millions of Oklahoma customers of Oklahoma Natural Gas, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, and Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

Legislators consider taking action after Corp. Commissioner Hiett’s assault, harassment accusations

L-R: State Rep. Kevin West and State. Rep Tom Gann

Legislators Consider Writ of Prohibition over Concerns about Hiett’s Impartiality

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 5th) – Reps. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Tom Gann, R-Inola, today issued statements regarding Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, who has been accused of sexual molestation and public drunkenness. The two said they are considering filing a writ of prohibition against Hiett, asking the courts to intervene to protect the public interest.

Bingman's Corporation Commish candidacy endorsed by LtGov Pinnell, Commissioners Hiett and David

TOP REPUBLICAN LEADERS ENDORSE BRIAN BINGMAN FOR CORPORATION COMMISSION

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, September 7, 2023 - Statewide leaders joined Governor Kevin Stitt in lending their support of Brian Bingman for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell said: “I’m proud to throw my endorsement behind Secretary Bingman; he’s a strong conservative leader, extremely qualified for the job, and a man of faith. I’m thrilled that he’s wanting to continue to serve the people of Oklahoma as our next Corporation Commissioner.” Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners Kim David and Todd Hiett also issued endorsements today.

Commissioner David said in a statement, “Brian and I worked together in the state Senate, where he championed conservative reforms. His leadership and prowess will be an unmatched attribute on the Commission.”

Commissioner Hiett echoed his support for Bingman saying, “With more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry, Brian is the most qualified person to be the next Corporation Commissioner. He’ll bring invaluable knowledge, common sense and maturity that will help us in our efforts to protect our oil and gas industry.”

In response, Bingman said, “I’m honored to have the support and endorsement of our state’s top conservative leaders today. It’s very humbling that they are putting their trust in me to help make Oklahoma a better place to do business and raise a family. I look forward to getting together with them on day one to start working on our vision for the State.”

Bingman is the only announced Republican candidate for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. He currently serves as Senior Policy Advisor and Secretary of State to Governor Kevin Stitt.