Demand Side Energy Management: A Note from OSN's Montelle Clark on Energy Efficiency and Public Utilities in Oklahoma

On November 14th the Corporation Commission voted 2-1 to adopt energy efficiency rules for our electric utilities. On December 4th the rules were formally submitted to the Governor and the Legislature. Next year OG&E and PSO will submit their proposals for specific programs. Across the country, Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs have a proven record of saving consumers money, delaying the need to build expensive new power plants, reducing our consumption of coal, and conserving our natural gas resources. Oklahoma is well behind most other States, but these rules could help us catch up. The OSN Board will continue to participate in this process and work with other stakeholders to encourage the development of ambitious and cost-effective programs. - Montelle Clark