Switching Electric Companies In Oklahoma: A Simple Guide

how do i change electric companies oklahoma

If you're looking to change electric companies in Oklahoma, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Oklahoma has several electric cooperatives, such as the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) and Kay Electric Cooperative, that provide electric services to residents. These cooperatives often require a small initiation and membership fee to start services and may also charge a deposit based on your credit history. To switch providers, you'll need to provide information to verify your identity and determine your eligibility for any deposit waivers or reduced rates. You can usually do this online, over the phone, or through a mobile app, and it's a good idea to allow a few business days for processing. Additionally, some electric companies in Oklahoma are regulated by the Commission, while others, such as government-operated utilities and electric cooperatives, are not subject to price regulation.

Characteristics Values
Service initiation fee $25
Membership fee $5
Deposit Based on credit or OEC payment history
Service request days Monday to Friday before 4:30
Processing time 3 business days
Contact number (405) 321-2024
Service request notice period 1 business day
Utility service okcutilities.com or My OKC Utilities mobile app
Utility service contact number 405-297-2833
Utility service hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

shunzap

Requesting a service transfer

To request a service transfer to the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), you can either request service online or call their Member Services team. If you choose to request the service transfer online, you will need to complete the secure residential service request form. It is important to note that completion of this form will not establish service. You will be contacted by a member service associate to complete the process or to request any additional information. This process usually takes three business days. If you need service sooner, you can contact the Member Services team at (405) 321-2024. They are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you must call at least one business day prior to the day you are requesting to connect the service. There is a $25 service initiation fee and a $5 membership fee that is required upfront. You may also be asked to pay a deposit based on your credit or OEC payment history.

If you are transferring your service to Oklahoma City, you can do so by signing into your account or registering at okcutilities.com or the My OKC Utilities mobile app and selecting the "Service" tab. You can also call Utilities Customer Service at 405-297-2833, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5:00 p.m. When starting or transferring service, the Oklahoma City Utilities Department will use the information provided to verify your identity, see if you qualify for a deposit waiver, and qualify for their reduced solid waste rate. They do this through a partnership with a credit reporting agency to pull a "soft inquiry," which will not impact your credit score.

It is important to note that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission does not regulate all electric utilities in the state. For example, state law prevents the Commission from regulating any electric utility operated by a governmental entity, such as the Grand River Dam Authority, or cities that are members of the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority. Electric cooperatives can also opt out of price regulation, and most have done so.

shunzap

The initiation and membership fees

To establish electric service with the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), there is a $25 service initiation fee and a $5 membership fee that must be paid upfront. Additionally, you may be required to pay a deposit based on your credit or OEC payment history. This deposit can be paid via cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card. It is important to note that OEC does not have any hidden fees or gimmicks associated with their pricing structure.

When starting or transferring electric service in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Utilities Department will verify your identity, check if you qualify for a deposit waiver, and determine your eligibility for their reduced solid waste rate. They do this through a partnership with a credit reporting agency, pulling a "soft inquiry" that will not impact your credit score.

If you are a new customer, you can start your Oklahoma City water, sewer, and trash services by visiting okcutilities.com and selecting "Start Service," or by calling Utilities Customer Service at 405-297-2833 between 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can transfer, start, or stop your Oklahoma City utilities service by accessing your account or registering at okcutilities.com or through the My OKC Utilities mobile app, and then selecting the "Service" tab.

For those interested in establishing electric service with OEC, service requests are typically scheduled Monday through Friday before 4:30. You can request service online by submitting a secure residential service request form, though you should allow for three business days for processing and correspondence. Please be aware that submitting this form does not guarantee immediate service activation, as you will be contacted by a member service associate to finalize the process or request additional information if needed. If you require service sooner or have any other questions, OEC's Member Services team can be reached at (405) 321-2024 during regular business hours. Remember to call at least one business day in advance of your requested service connection date under normal circumstances.

shunzap

Credit checks and deposit waivers

Credit checks are a common practice for electric companies in Oklahoma when establishing new service. These checks help determine whether a customer needs to pay a deposit to initiate service. While a good credit score can result in a deposit waiver, other factors are also considered, such as utility payment history, outstanding balances, and unverified identity.

If you are applying for new electric service in Oklahoma and are concerned about the credit check, there are options to consider. Some companies, like Gexa Energy, offer deposit waivers in certain situations. For example, if you can provide a utility credit history letter indicating no more than one late payment in the last 12 months, you may be eligible for a deposit waiver. Additionally, Gexa Energy offers waivers for customers over 65 years old who are not delinquent in paying their electric service accounts.

In support of victims of family violence, Gexa Energy also provides deposit waivers upon acceptable evidence of such circumstances. This requires the completion and submission of a "Victim of Family Violence" waiver form, as defined in the Texas Family Code section 71.004.

If you are looking to avoid the credit check process altogether, you may want to consider a prepaid electricity plan. With this option, you pay for your electricity service in advance by purchasing credits for your meter. While this helps you bypass the credit check and deposit requirements, it often comes with higher rates compared to traditional credit-based plans.

It is worth noting that the Oklahoma City Utilities Department performs a "soft inquiry" when verifying your identity and eligibility for a deposit waiver. This type of inquiry will not impact your credit score and will only be visible to you through TransUnion.

shunzap

Electric cooperatives and price regulation

Electric cooperatives are non-profit organisations that are owned and democratically controlled by their members. These cooperatives provide a range of benefits to their members, such as reliable electric service, community support programs, and tools to help members live energy-efficient lives. One example of an electric cooperative in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC). OEC offers a highly reliable electric service and supports its community through programs like Operation Round Up. They also provide high-speed fibre services with simple and straightforward pricing, free from hidden fees or promotional fine print.

In terms of price regulation, electric cooperatives like OEC typically have transparent and member-friendly pricing structures. For instance, OEC charges a $25 service initiation and $5 membership fee upfront. They may also request a deposit based on the individual's credit or payment history. This deposit can be paid through various methods, including cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card.

Additionally, electric cooperatives often strive to provide cost-effective solutions to their members. OEC, for example, focuses on maximising reliability improvements in the most cost-effective manner. They achieve this through their team of inside and outside workers, who work together to enhance the reliability of their systems.

It is worth noting that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) does not regulate electricity producers who solely sell in the wholesale market. This means that electric cooperatives may have some flexibility in setting their prices, as they are not subject to the same regulations as traditional electric utilities.

Overall, electric cooperatives like OEC aim to improve their members' quality of life by offering reliable and affordable electric services, transparent pricing, and community support. Their pricing structures are designed to be straightforward and fair, without any hidden costs or complex promotional deals. As member-owned organisations, electric cooperatives prioritise the needs and satisfaction of their members, ensuring that prices remain reasonable and aligned with the cooperative's values.

shunzap

Electricity providers in Oklahoma City

The process of changing electricity providers in Oklahoma City will depend on the provider you are switching to and from, but there are a few general steps you can follow. Firstly, research the various electricity providers in the region to find the one that best suits your needs. The 10-county Greater Oklahoma City region has two investor-owned electric utilities providing electric service to the majority of the region: Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) and Public Service Company of Oklahoma. There are also several municipally-owned energy providers in the area, including the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative, City of Stroud, Edmond Electric, and Kingfisher Public Works Authority.

Once you have decided on a new provider, you will need to contact them to initiate the switch. For example, if you are switching to OEC, you can request service online by completing their secure residential service request form. Alternatively, you can contact their Member Services team by phone. Similarly, if you are switching to OG&E, you can contact their customer service department by phone or email. It is worth noting that OG&E offers an Energy Efficiency Program that provides home upgrades at no additional cost.

When starting or transferring your electric service, you will typically need to provide certain information to verify your identity and determine your eligibility for any deposit waivers or reduced rates. This process may vary depending on the provider, but it generally involves providing personal and financial information. For example, if you are transferring your utilities in Oklahoma City, you can do so by signing into your account or registering on the My OKC Utilities mobile app or website.

Additionally, some providers may require an initiation fee or membership fee when establishing new service. For example, OEC requires a $25 service initiation fee and a $5 membership fee upfront. They may also ask for a deposit based on your credit or payment history. Therefore, it is essential to review the specific requirements and fees associated with your chosen provider.

Frequently asked questions

To change electric companies in Oklahoma, you will need to contact your new provider of choice and request to start service with them. You can do this by visiting their website or giving them a call. You will likely need to provide some personal information to verify your identity.

This may vary depending on the electric company, but you will likely need to provide your name, address, and contact information. They may also ask for information regarding your payment history or credit score to determine if a deposit is required.

Yes, there may be fees associated with initiating service and membership. For example, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) charges a $25 service initiation fee and a $5 membership fee upfront.

The time frame can vary depending on the company and your specific circumstances. OEC, for instance, asks that you allow three business days for processing after submitting your request.

Yes, you can transfer your electric service if you're moving within Oklahoma. You will need to contact your current electric company and provide them with your new address and the date of your move. They will be able to guide you through the process and let you know of any additional steps or requirements.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment