House Utilities Committee to hold public hearings on effects of winter storm

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House of Representatives Utilities Committee Chair Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie, announced Monday his committee intends to hold hearings to examine the storm’s effect on utility bills and identify measures to prevent astronomically high utility bills after future storms.

The hearings are part of multiples steps announced by state leaders to examine the aftermath of last week’s storm.

“Every single county in our state was affected by last week’s winter weather,” Mize said. “Our constituents are worried about the storm’s impact on their utility bills, and as their elected officials, we need to understand how prepared or unprepared Oklahoma was for this storm and what, if any, policy changes should be implemented in preparation for future storms.”

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, joined Gov. Kevin Stitt and other elected leaders at Monday’s press conference.

“All 101 House members are working to connect our districts with necessary aid in addition to taking calls from constituents who are very concerned about increased utility bills,” McCall said. “In addition to efforts in our districts, we have an obligation to examine the situation at the legislative level, as well. The House will conduct hearings on the matter to ascertain what needs to be done going forward. I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Mize and the Utilities Committee for reviewing this matter for our constituents.”