War Acres council sends 25‑year OG&E franchise to June ballot

The War Acres City Council voted March 17 to put a 25‑year franchise agreement with Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) before city voters in a June special election.

The council approved Ordinance 12‑61 to allow OG&E legal access to municipal rights of way for installation, operation and maintenance of electric distribution infrastructure. Crystal Garcia, OG&E’s representative, told the council the agreement does not change customer electric rates, does not alter provider status, and does not authorize eminent domain; the company also said it provides a standard 3% franchise fee to the city and credited the municipality about $327,000 in franchise fees for the 2024–25 year.

Council members asked technical questions about what infrastructure the company maintains and whether the city could use the franchise fee and in‑kind credits for public lighting and municipal buildings. Garcia said OG&E will apply any service‑credit accounts directly to selected city utility bills and will cover the up‑front cost of the election. City staff and the attorney clarified that tonight’s votes approved the ordinance for submission to voters and also approved separate motions calling for the election and the proclamation to notify residents.

The ordinance passed on the council floor; motions to call for the election and to approve the proclamation also carried. The public will decide in June whether to allow the franchise to continue for the next 25 years.

What’s next: City staff said OG&E will handle outreach to its municipal customers and that the city will provide informational notices to residents. The council also discussed placing educational language on utility bills and on the city website ahead of the vote.