News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Jim Palmer, Director of Information

October 7, 1999

(WASHINGTON D.C.)—Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode speaks today at a national summit in the nation’s capital on electricity and natural gas. Bode joins utility commissioners from other states and members of congress, including Oklahoma Congressman Steve Largent, for an examination of proposed Congressional legislation which would set rules for a competitive marketplace in electricity and natural gas services.

Bode will focus on the impact of proposed federal legislation on Oklahoma consumers.

The summit showcases some of the most prominent state and federal leaders in the restructuring movement while providing a forum for debating the key issues affecting both the electricity and natural gas industries.

The two-day forum, Oct. 6 and 7, examines the issues of state and federal jurisdiction, consumer protection, environmental implications of restructuring and the economic and investment opportunities of restructured markets.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission assisted in a year-long study of electricity restructuring and helped prepare a final report to the Oklahoma Legislature.

The Commission is also involved in the unbundling of natural gas services in Oklahoma as that industry moves toward competitive restructuring.