Electricity in Oklahoma

There are 87 companies in Oklahoma selling electricity. Of those 87, 25.29% of them offer some type of net metering option for their customers, making solar panels and alternative electric sources more economically feasible. Oklahoma has nonexistent regulations in place for consumers who are interested in taking advantage of net metering with solar installations.

The average energy loss for electricity providers in Oklahoma is 3.39%. This includes data from 27 suppliers, including Oklahoma Gas & Electric, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. For comparison, the United States average energy loss is 2.76%. Oklahoma ranks 28th best in the nation for grid efficiency based on energy loss.

Motivating private citizens to consider installing solar panels can sometimes be a challenge due to high installation costs. Governments can help ease costs by issuing rebates and tax breaks to their residents. Oklahoma, unfortunately, has no statewide tax credits offered to residents who install solar panels. The state offers no rebates to residents who are purchasing private solar. There are currently no property tax exemptions for citizens in Oklahoma who wish to install solar at their residence. The state currently does not offer a sales tax exemption for the purchase of solar panels, leaving citizens high and dry for this category.

Legislation enacted at the state level determines whether a state is friendly towards customers searching for renewable energy sources. Many states require green fuel types to make up a portion of the fuel used for electricity generation. These stipulations are known as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Sadly, Oklahoma has only limited or optional standards plan set up. Additionally, the state does not have any sort of low income solar programs that assist with the installation of solar panels at low income households.