Energy

HB 1220 prohibits Oklahoma cities and towns from imposing franchise fees or sales/use taxes on specific revenue streams used by utilities to repay private financing. It directly affects electric cooperatives and other utilities that used private financing under the February 2021 Utility Consumer Protection Acts to avoid immediate cost burdens on customers. The bill defines "securitization revenue streams" as rates and charges solely for repaying such private loans, and bans local taxes on these streams for bonds issued by the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority under those acts. This prevents municipalities from taxing revenue dedicated to repaying utility loans structured to protect consumers from upfront costs.

HB 2312 prohibits operating drones below 400 feet over designated critical infrastructure facilities, including refineries, power plants, water treatment centers, pipelines, and telecom towers. It directly affects drone operators, requiring prior authorization from facility owners or operators to fly in these areas. Key provisions ban unauthorized low-altitude drone flights, contact with facilities, or interference with operations, with exceptions for government entities, facility owners, law enforcement, and FAA-authorized commercial operators. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

HB 2402 would create tax breaks and grants to attract manufacturers of low-temperature waste heat electrification technology (recovering heat below 200°C) to Oklahoma. Companies investing $10 million+ with 50+ new jobs would get up to 30% corporate tax breaks for five years (renewable), while larger investments ($20 million+ with 100+ jobs) qualify for 50% breaks. The state would cap annual spending at $8 million, with unused funds rolling over, and prioritize grants for facilities in economic development zones or energy-sector projects. Manufacturers must meet specific technology standards, submit job/investment plans, and report annually on progress to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

HB 2747 allows Oklahoma electric utilities regulated by the Corporation Commission to recover specific costs through rate adjustments. It creates mechanisms for utilities to seek recovery of costs for: (1) transmission upgrades supporting wind generation (approved by Southwest Power Pool before 2013), (2) capital expenditures needed to comply with environmental laws (like Clean Air Act), and (3) new generation facilities or power contracts after considering reasonable alternatives through competitive bidding. The bill requires the Corporation Commission to review these cost recovery requests within set timelines (180-240 days) and mandates a rate review within 24 months of cost recovery initiation. This directly affects regulated utilities and impacts electricity rates for Oklahoma consumers.