Bill No. 1374 amends the definition of "public utility" in Oklahoma law to clarify the exemptions for certain entities involved in the production of electricity, particularly those engaged in the production of green hydrogen. The bill specifies that a corporation or entity producing electricity solely for its own use, or for affiliates or tenants engaged in green hydrogen production, will not be classified as a public utility, provided that the electricity is not resold for public use. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that these entities must still comply with state and federal grid interconnection requirements.

The bill also includes several deletions from the existing law, particularly regarding the conditions under which certain corporations can sell surplus electrical energy or water without being classified as public utilities. Notably, it removes the previous provisions that allowed for the sale of surplus energy in Washington County under specific conditions. Furthermore, the bill introduces new language stating that there is no obligation for public utilities to serve customers receiving electric service from the exempt entities, and it mandates that any project under this act must incorporate a natural gas component in its power generation capacity. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-151
House Committee Substitute: 17-151
Floor (House): 17-151
Engrossed: 17-151