BREAKING: Attorney General’s Office to monitor natural gas supply, marketing activity during frigid weather
Oklahoma City – Observers might call it a "blast from the past" or give it a Yogi Berra '-ism' designation ("it's like deja vu, all over again"). Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has announced that his office will monitor natural gas supply and marketing activity during the expected cold weather conditions. Drummond aims to ensure Oklahomans are not exploited as they were during Winter Storm Uri in 2021. He has asked public utilities to notify his office if natural gas marketers fail to meet their obligations as specified by contract. An investigation into the incident is ongoing and Drummond's office has also announced establishment of a Winter Storm Ari "Hotline" late in 2023. In related news, Jonathan Small of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) suggested that government monopolies require regulation.
Published : 4 months ago by Staff Report adapted from A.G. Drummond release in Business Politics Weather Environment
Oklahoma City – Observers might call it a "blast from the past" or give it a Yogi Berra '-ism' designation ("it's like deja vu, all over again").
Oklahomans and neighbors across the mid-Southern states are preparing for another polar vortex, or arctic attack, or whatever term might be applied for pervasively cold weather further south than normal.
In a press release sent to CityNewsOKC.com and other news organizations, state Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today (Friday morning, January 12) that his office will be monitoring natural gas supply and marketing activity during the frigid weather conditions expected this weekend.
With bone-chilling temperatures in the forecast over the next three-to-four days, Drummond said he wants to ensure Oklahomans are not exploited as they were during Winter Storm Uri.
“I am committed to protecting ratepayers from price manipulation to ensure fair costs that reflect market conditions,” Drummond said.
“I understand the natural volatility of energy prices during inclement weather. My office will be closely monitoring the situation and any suspicious activity will be investigated promptly. I will not permit unscrupulous actors to exploit Oklahoma on my watch.”
Drummond is asking public utilities to notify his office if natural gas marketers fail to meet their obligations as specified by contract.
Drummond announced last year possible legal action against various entities he believes were responsible for soaring natural gas prices during Winter Storm Uri in 2021. An investigation into activity during the Uri storm is active.
Drummond's office also announced establishment of a Winter Storm Uri "Hotline" late in 2023.
Among others, Corporation Commmissioner Bob Anthony has been a persistent critics of both the private sector (energy supply sources) and government sector of the response to the histori 2021 storm.
CityNewsOKC and other news organizations have monitored the “Uri” aftermath and its impact on policy.
In related news, Jonathan Small of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) explained the view that "government monopolies require regulation."
Topics: ESG