Gov. Stitt, State Leaders Announce Plan To Investigate Impact On Utility Bills From Winter Weather

Last week's record cold and snow could have an impact on your utility bills.

On Monday, state leaders announced a plan to investigate what caused this and help Oklahomans.

Governor Kevin Stitt says he will be working with both state and federal officials to make sure Oklahomans can pay their bills.

On Monday, he was joined by members of his cabinet, the House and Senate, and Attorney General Mike Hunter.

Last week's record cold slowed wind, solar, and natural gas production statewide, forcing utility companies to buy emergency power at skyrocketing rates, which in turn could impact consumers, but they're not sure how much yet and when.

The Governor says he has two goals.

First, to make sure Oklahomans can get financial assistance, something both the house and senate have formed committees to look into.

Second, the Governor says he wants to investigate what happened with the power system to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Energy Secretary Kenneth Wagner says it's important for Oklahomans to understand most customers will not see a dramatic increase in their energy bill as a result of rising gas costs.

Instead, the increase will be related to energy usage in your home.

"So your bill, at the same gas cost and fuel cost, will reflect proportionally the amount of increased usage that you did as a result of this historic system," said Wagner.

Attorney General Mike Hunter is encouraging utility companies to suspend auto payments for the next couple of months as there's some uncertainty with pricing.

Governor Stitt will travel to Washington DC this week to meet with Oklahoma’s federal delegation and ask for more federal assistance.