Security measures prompt call for rate increase

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma Gas and Electric is seeking a rate increase to pay for anti-terrorist precautions, the company said Friday. <br><br>OG&E said it plans to increase security because of

Friday, December 14th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma Gas and Electric is seeking a rate increase to pay for anti-terrorist precautions, the company said Friday.

OG&E said it plans to increase security because of the Sept. 11 attacks.

``We determined that while our existing security was adequate for conditions before Sept. 11, it is clear we need to increase security for the environment we live in now,'' said spokesman Paul Renfrow.

Renfrow said the increase is estimated to be about $20 million and would raise the average monthly bill by about $1. That figure could change when a more thorough report is filed with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission next month.

Renfrow said a series of severe storms over the last six years was another reason for the proposed increase.

It would be the first rate hike for the state's largest electric utility since 1985, the company said.