News & Issues
Changes Coming to Reactive Power Charges
Beginning with the April 2010 billing cycle, PSO will be implementing changes to its Reactive Power charges. The changes will affect all commercial and industrial customers whose reactive power needs exceed tariff standards. Learn more.

AEP vehicles get plugged in
AEP is revving up to test greener driving with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). AEP, as part of its gridSMARTSM initiative, is testing PHEVs to determine driver habits and impacts on the electric system.

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy looks over the PHEV.
What is a PHEV?
A PHEV operates using a gasoline engine, rechargeable battery, or both, depending on the operating conditions. Unlike full-electric vehicles, a PHEV can operate on a gasoline engine when the battery runs low.
About the vehicle
The Toyota Prius is modified with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and associated controls. A data logging system and electric meter collect data for further analysis of the technology.
On the Road
This modified Prius can achieve 70 to 100mpg or more when assisted by the battery. The battery lasts up to 40 miles, and can be recharged overnight using a regular 120volt outlet.
Benefits
Reduced fuel use Environmentally friendly, Greater control of energy use.
For more information visit aep.com/sustainability

Play It Safe: Don't Steal Metal
Stealing metal from electric lines, substations or other electrical equipment isn’t just illegal. It can kill you. Don’t do it. Don’t let people you care about do it. Read more about this danger.

PSO Recognized For Early Childhood Education Efforts
PSO was recognized by Smart Start Oklahoma for efforts to improve school-readiness opportunities for young children. Smart Start has a vision for all Oklahoma children to be safe, healthy, eager to learn and ready to succeed by the time they enter school.

 PSO president Stuart Solomon reads about the character Curious George to 4- and 5-year-olds at a daycare facility.
PSO president Stuart Solomon reads about the character Curious George to 4- and 5-year-olds at a daycare facility.

Smart Start program honored PSO for its support and involvement in early childhood education in two newspaper special advertising supplements, one in the Oklahoman and one in the Tulsa World.

PSO has been at the forefront in recognizing that investment in positive outcomes for young children is a key to the success of our state’s future. When the Smart Start Oklahoma program was established in 2003 PSO provided a three-year commitment of $300,000 to hire staff and launch the initiative. In addition, PSO encourages employees to volunteer in ways that enhance the education of children statewide.

In the newspaper ads, Nancy Von Bargen, Smart Start Oklahoma’s executive director, says, “PSO is more than a provider of electric service to 500,000 customers across Oklahoma. The company also partners with community leaders in the more than 230 Oklahoma cities and towns it serves, helping to make our communities strong.

 

Trees and power lines don't mix.
Photo shows trees that have been scorched or burned because they are too near high-voltage transmission lines at a location in the PSO service areaPhoto shows trees that have been scorched or burned because they are too near high-voltage transmission lines at a location in the PSO service area. Trees like this need immediate attention for both safety and reliability reasons.


For more news and issues, see:
PSO news releases
Storms & outages
Media contacts
PSO's Reliability Enhancement Plan
Wind power for PSO customers
Community advertising
Requests for proposals
Additional resources