On May 9, Bartlesville residents will have the opportunity to consider the renewal of the PSO franchise. The proposition considers acceptance of an ordinance that gives PSO permission to access the city public right of ways and streets to operate the electric grid in the City of Bartlesville.
What is included in the ordinance being considered on May 9? The ordinance:
- Recognizes the regulating authority of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) for the operation of daily activities, which include providing power, tree trimming, maintenance of the grid, construction, etc.
- Outlines responsible rates authorized by orders from the OCC. PSO prices are based on cost of service and must prove reasonableness and investments are “used and useful to customers.”
- Details the sale of power to the City – water facilities, wastewater facilities, municipal buildings, etc.
- Continues an existing 2 percent franchise fee to the City of Bartlesville for the access permitted to the streets and alleys. In 2022, the 2 percent franchise fee totaled $889,738, and was remitted back to the City to provide essential City services — public safety, parks and recreation, community development, other general services the City provides for day-to-day operations.
- Provides for a mechanism to collect a Facilities Fee in the future, if the city determines that additional funding is needed to support a priority project. The existing ordinance has the same mechanism, but the city did not have need to call for a vote for this additional facilities fee to be considered.
For more information, see this City-PSO franchise information. To view the ordinance, see PSO ordinance or Bartlesville Municipal Code.