A major question has hung over Oklahoma since Winter Storm Uri: Were Oklahomans pushed into paying unlawfully inflated natural gas prices during an energy crisis?
Now, part of the answer is in. A judge in Osage County has concluded that NextEra Energy Marketing violated Oklahoma law by selling natural gas at excessive prices during the 2021 storm.
Here's what to know
As News9 reported, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the judge granted partial summary judgment to the state, finding NextEra liable under the Oklahoma Emergency Price Stabilization Act and the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act.
During Winter Storm Uri, a February 13-17, 2021 freeze that slammed Oklahoma and other parts of the central United States, widespread outages hit as natural gas prices surged.
How much NextEra may eventually have to pay is still unresolved. A trial will determine damages, including alleged overcharges, restitution, and disgorgement.
What's being done?
The lawsuit will remain in Oklahoma state court after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission dismissed NextEra's September 23 petition seeking federal jurisdiction over issues raised in the case.
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Drummond has also brought multiple cases against energy marketers, alleging they artificially raised natural gas prices during Winter Storm Uri, and those lawsuits have been consolidated.
"This ruling marks an important victory in our fight to hold NextEra accountable for the staggering prices Oklahomans were forced to pay during Winter Storm Uri. My office will continue fighting to ensure NextEra answers for the harm it caused and to recover every dollar possible for the Oklahomans exploited during the emergency," Drummond said in a statement.
Where can I learn more?
Questions about utility costs and energy company conduct tied to Winter Storm Uri have also surfaced in other disputes.
• In Texas, CPS Energy faces a $400 million judgment while storm gas fees linger.
• In California, SoCalGas drew outrage after rebates offered to disaster survivors left many shortchanged.
• In Washington, the Senate moved to block Biden-era methane rules tied to energy costs.
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