OGE Franchise Election in City of Norman - January 2023

Election Day: January 10, 2023

UPDATE, POSTED 2/1/23: A joint statement (statement amended 2/15/24 to reflect accurate number of votes cast) regarding a path forward has been released by the City of Norman and OG&E, which can be found here.

UPDATE, POSTED 1/12/23: The OG&E Franchise agreement proposition in the City of Norman failed with 60.71% voting against and 39.29% voting in favor, according to results posted by the Oklahoma State Election Board on 1/10/23. The City of Norman recognizes the importance of electric utility service accessibility and delivery for residents and businesses within the service area of OG&E. With the vitality of such services in mind, both parties are working diligently to determine details of Norman operations and procedures moving forward as they relate to OG&E. As election results are certified, details will be solidified and expanded upon for stakeholders. Such information will be made available at normanok.gov.

 

POSTED 8/18/22: Article 18, Section 5(a) of the Oklahoma Constitution requires voter approval of a franchise in order for the City to grant the right to use its streets to sell and distribute utility services to its residents to a public utility company. A franchise is achieved by putting forth a franchise agreement to the voters in the form of an ordinance and calling a city-wide election. Franchise agreements are typically longer term and provide for a franchise fee to be paid to the City in exchange for access to the City streets and rights of way for utility services.

The proposed franchise agreement provides for an annual payment of a franchise fee equal to three percent (3%) of OG&E’s gross revenues arising from the sale of electricity within the city limits of Norman. Formed in 1902, OG&E (Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company) is Oklahoma’s oldest and largest investor-owned electric utility.

Ordinance 0-2122-48, adopted by Norman City Council on 8/9/22, reads: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, GRANTING TO THE OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, AN OKLAHOMA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, THE RIGHT TO PRODUCE, TRANSMIT AND DISTRIBUTE ELECTRICITY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS AND TO SELL ELECTRICITY THEREIN FOR ALL PURPOSES FOR WHICH IT MAY BE USED, TO THE CITY OF NORMAN, CLEVELAND COUNTY, OKLAHOMA, ITS INHABITANTS AND THE PUBLIC GENERALLY, AND THE RIGHT TO CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE A SYSTEM OF POLES, WIRES, CONDUITS AND OTHER FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT IN, UPON, ACROSS, UNDER AND OVER THE STREETS, ALLEYS, PUBLIC GROUNDS AND OTHER PLACES IN THE CITY FOR SUCH PURPOSES FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS BEGINNING ON JANUARY 11, 2023, AND ENDING ON JANUARY 10, 2048, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE VOTERS AND ACCEPTANCE OF THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING COMPENSATION TO THE CITY; AND CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION ON JANUARY 10, 2023.

The deadline to register to vote in this election is December 16, 2022.

See below links to items for additional information. Sample ballots and other important information for voters will be made available through the Oklahoma Voter Portal through the Oklahoma State Election Board at: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.html

 

Learn more about OGE by visiting their website here. Questions about the voting the process can be directed to the Cleveland County Election Board. Other questions may be directed to the City of Norman Action Center.