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 deletes the previous exception for corporations engaged in manufacturing that operated private electric or water plants, and it clarifies that entities producing electricity for their own use or for affiliates are not classified as public utilities, provided 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 in the definitions and regulations surrounding public utilities. It emphasizes that there is no obligation for public utilities to serve customers receiving electricity from the specified entities, while still maintaining the rights of all parties under Oklahoma law. 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