The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the public utilities commission of the U.S state of Oklahoma run by three statewide elected commissioners. Authorized to employ more than 400 employees, it regulates oil and gas drilling, utilities and telephone companies.
The commission was established in 1907 and the First Oklahoma Legislature gave the commission authority to regulate public service corporations.[1]
Railroad, telephone and telegraph companies were the companies first regulated by the commission, which also collected records of the stockholders, officers and directors of corporations chartered or licensed to do business in Oklahoma.[1] Record collection duties were later split; the commission keeping records only for public service companies.[1] The commission added pipelines, water, heat, light and power in early years.[1]
The commission began regulating oil and gas in 1914 and was given additional regulatory power over the industry the following year.[1]
Candidates for the commission must be a citizen of Oklahoma for over two years before their election, at least 30 years of age and have no interest in any entity regulated by the commission.[2]
Commissioners serve a six-year term.[3] The terms are staggered so that one commissioner is up for re-election every two years, in even-numbered years. The chair of the commission is determined by the three commissioners.
In case of vacancy the Governor of Oklahoma appoints a replacement, to stand until the next general election.[3] The commissioner elected at that election will serve the remaining unexpired term, so as to maintain the staggered term system.[3]
The Commission regulates and enforces the laws and supervised the actives associated with:
The exploration and production of oil and gas
The storage and dispensing of petroleum based fuels
The establishment of rates and services of public utilities
The operation of intrastate transportation
The administration of the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund for internet to schools, libraries, and qualified health centers.
Early emphasis for the commission was on regulation of railroad routes and rates. Through changes by the Legislature, and the change in services considered essential to the public welfare, the commission presently regulates public utilities, oil and gas industry (exploration, drilling, production and waste disposal), motor carrier transport, and petroleum products industry (transportation, storage, quality and dispensing). The commission also monitors a number of federal programs for compliance in Oklahoma. The commission also oversees the conservation of natural resources, avoiding waste production, abate pollution of the environment, and balancing the rights and needs of the people of Oklahoma with those of the regulated entities. The Public Utility Division acts as the Administrator for the states $30 million Universal Services Fund. This fund supports rural telecommunications as well as internet to Oklahoma public schools, libraries, and health centers.
Judicial and Legislative Services- The former Administration, Judicial, and General Counsel Divisions were merged in 2017 to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Administration Office- Responsible for providing central services to the Commission's division as well as direct support staff to the Commission members
Public Information Office
Finance Office
Human Resources Office
Administrative Programs Office
Office of the Secretary to the Commission
Administrative Hearings Office - responsible for overseeing all hearings and appeals of the Commission's regulations
Office of the General Counsel - responsible for providing legal advice to the Commission
Energy Group- Handles all gas, electric, water, and cotton gin matters.
Telecommunications Group
Oklahoma Universal Services Group-Administers $30 million dollar OUSF.
Consumer Services Group
Enforcement Group- Field safety throughout Oklahoma
Administrative Group
Petroleum Storage Tank Division - responsible for enforcing state and federal regulations and administers certain assistance programs applicable to the storage, quality, and delivery of refined petroleum products
Accounting Department
Administration Department
Compliance and Inspection Department
Technical Department
Information Technology Division - Consolidation with statewide OMES is in process.
The commission, with an annual budget of over $60 million, is one of the larger employers of Oklahoma state government. For fiscal year 2012, the commission was authorized 430 full-time employees, but experience numerous vacancies.[5]
