Oklahoma Utility Shutoffs Rank Among Highest In Nation

Oklahoma Utility Shutoffs Rank Among Highest In Nation

A new federal report shows Oklahoma utility shutoffs ranked among the highest in the country in 2024, with hundreds of thousands of residents losing electric or natural gas service because of unpaid bills.

According to newly released data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Oklahoma recorded 572,480 electricity disconnections and more than 52,000 natural gas shutoffs last year.

Despite Oklahoma’s relatively small population, the state ranked third nationally in total electricity disconnections behind only Texas and Florida.

Researchers say the growing number of Oklahoma utility shutoffs reflects mounting financial pressure tied to inflation, rising utility costs, and stagnant household income growth.

Oklahoma Utility Shutoffs Impacted Thousands Of Families

The federal report found Oklahoma led the nation in utility disconnections relative to customer base size.

Analysis from the Energy and Policy Institute and the Center for Biological Diversity estimated more than 2% of Oklahoma utility customers experienced service interruptions during 2024.

Oklahomans also reportedly received more than 3 million final notices involving overdue utility bills last year.

Most of the notices involved electric service.

According to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the state does not currently require utilities to regularly report shutoff data, making the federal report one of the first comprehensive statewide looks at the issue.

Experts Point To Rising Costs And Low Wages

Researchers say multiple economic pressures are likely contributing to rising Oklahoma utility shutoffs.

Energy and Policy Institute researcher Shelby Green said low wages, repeated utility rate increases, and limited consumer protections are creating financial strain for many households.

Oklahoma ranked 42nd nationally for total household income in 2024.

Meanwhile, electricity prices continue climbing.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Oklahoma electricity rates averaged roughly 9 cents per kilowatt-hour during 2024 but increased to nearly 13 cents by early 2026.

Experts say aging infrastructure, inflation, growing energy demand, and expanding data center usage are all contributing to higher monthly utility bills nationwide.

Some Consumer Protections Remain In Place

While Oklahoma utility shutoffs remain widespread, state regulations do include several protections for customers during dangerous weather conditions.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission prohibits electric shutoffs when temperatures are forecast below freezing or when the heat index reaches 101 degrees or higher.

Utilities are also barred from disconnecting service during certain late-day, weekend, or holiday periods.

Major utilities including OG&E and PSO also offer payment assistance programs, installment plans, and donation-supported emergency aid for qualifying customers.

Federal officials expect the utility disconnection report to continue publishing annually moving forward.

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