Senate Bill No. 480 amends the definition of a public utility in Oklahoma law, specifically in 17 O.S. 2021, Section 151. The bill modifies the exceptions to this definition, allowing certain entities to receive electricity while also authorizing public utilities to refuse service under specific circumstances. Notably, the bill clarifies that entities engaged in the production of electricity for their own use, particularly in the context of green hydrogen production, are not classified as public utilities if they do not resell the electricity for public use. Additionally, the bill mandates that any project under this act must incorporate a natural gas component in its power generation capacity.

The bill also updates statutory references and language, ensuring clarity and consistency in the law. It removes previous exceptions related to the private manufacturing of products and the sale of surplus electrical energy or water in Washington County, while also eliminating the requirement for public utilities to serve customers receiving electricity from exempt entities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52-288.3
Committee Substitute: 17-151
Floor (House): 17-151
Floor (Senate): 17-151
Engrossed: 17-151
Enrolled (final version): 17-151