PSO purchase of power plant best of options to expand capacity, according to company executive

The $730 million purchase of a power plant in Jenks was the best option to ensure available capacity for PSO, according to Amy Brown, Director of Regulatory Affairs for PSO in Tulsa.

The Corporation Commission approved the purchase of Green Country Power, with a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Todd Hiett issuing a dissenting opinion critical of the sale price and lack of protection for customers of the utility.

Previous Story: Corporation Commission Approves PSO Purchase of Green Country Power

Brown said even with the purchase, the company is seeking more generating capacity to satisfy increasing demand. The order from the Corporation Commission approving the sale indicated that PSO-owned capacity would supply predicted demand until 2027.

The generation from Green Country Power is already utilized on the grid, supplying Tulsa. By owning the plant, Brown said PSO would be able to sell excess power when possible, and always ensure it's available for the region.