SB 279 Summary

• Requires transmission developers to obtain a certificate of authority from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission before commencing construction of any high-voltage transmission facility rated greater than 300 kilovolts.

• Establishes Corporation Commission docket for electric transmission facility filings and requires applications to include developer contact information, facility route maps, affected counties, and connected energy resources.

• Mandates transmission developers provide proof of publication in newspapers, certified notice to county commissioners/municipalities/landowners/oil and gas operators within specified timeframes, and hold public meetings in affected counties.

• Requires developers to demonstrate sufficient insurance coverage, environmental/safety plans, decommissioning plans with financial surety guarantees, and attestation that facilities are beneficial to public interest.

• Corporation Commission must issue certificate of authority within 200 days of complete application filing; failure to issue results in automatic approval; allows filing fee not to exceed $1,000.