Power generation shouldn't be over-reliant on one source of fuel

If an increased emphasis on gas to make power is good for the state, Oklahomans should be thrilled by recent trends, right? Yes and no. Over time, gas prices will rise; increased demand (to make power and to fuel vehicles) will translate into higher severance tax revenues. At the same time, consumers could find that moving away from coal means sharply higher electricity rates.

Oklahoma is one of only three states that encourage utilities to buy gas on long-term contracts. Oregon and Colorado are the other two. The danger is that any future surge in gas prices will be blamed on the utilities and the politicians who set energy policy. Indeed, Obama will have to answer for a policy that could see relatively cheap coal left in the ground (or shipped to China) while gas prices rise rapidly. In truth, though, he will likely be out of office before this scenario takes full flower.

The utility company presidents who are still in office have a difficult time deciding how to plan for future power demand. As much as we encourage new markets for Oklahoma-produced gas, we believe that power generation should not be over-reliant on one source of fuel and coal should not be left in the ground.