Concerned Oklahomans Hold Rally Against OG&E's Anti-Solar Proposal, Urging "Don't Block the Sun"

OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today dozens of rooftop solar advocates gathered in front of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to rally for solar choice in light of OG&E's proposed solar fees. Representatives from diverse groups led the crowd in calling for OG&E to stop attacking rooftop solar in attempt to protect their utility monopoly. Holding bright yellow umbrellas that said, 'Don't Block the Sun," rally members urged the OCC to reject OG&E's unfounded attempts to obstruct rooftop solar adoption, putting consumer choice, local jobs and homegrown energy security at risk.

"OG&E's discriminatory charges on solar customers will eliminate the growing solar market here in Oklahoma," said Steve Wilke, local solar business owner. "OG&E is aggressively lobbying the state government for anti-competitive measures that puts its profits over the interests of Oklahomans who want choice and competition in the energy market, and who have a right to buy less energy from OG&E."

Today marked the first day of hearings on OG&E's three-part rate proposal for solar customers which includes an increased fixed charge, a charge for energy, and a charge for demand. After the rally, advocates packed the courtroom to deliver their public comments before the Administrative Law Judge overseeing the hearing.

The OCC has been receiving public comment for months, with over 800 pro-solar letters into the Commission. That's nearly four times the number of solar customers in OG&E territory. Advocates including concerned OG&E customers, shareholders, small business owners, as well as representatives from the local solar industry, faith groups, and environmental groups are writing to the OCC in unprecedented numbers in opposition to OG&E's proposal.

OG&E is threatened by the choice and competition solar brings to consumers. They've chosen to follow in the footsteps of Salt River Project (SRP), an unregulated utility of Arizona. Following SRP's announcement of its plan to impose demand charges on new solar customers, the competitive solar industry has ground to a halt, with applications down 96%.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will continue to accept public comment through the conclusion of the proceeding. Comments can be submitted by email to Natosha Scott at [email protected], by phone at (405) 521-2211 or by mail at P.O. Box 52000, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Public Comments should reference Docket #201500274.

Press Contact: Michael Scerbo
Phone: 602.615.6523

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