Oklahoma Corporation Commission will have an emergency meeting here in 15 minutes. Among other things, the commission will hear background on how we reached this power situation. They'll also hear a proposal on natural gas transmission, which could help the situation (continued)
This is an oversimplification, and I am not an energy reporter, so bear with me. Oklahoma regulates how much natural gas companies can ship out to prevent gluts in supply, which can sink prices. The proposal will ask for a pause on that, so companies can send out more natgas.
Here is a link to the meetings website, where a stream will be available. oklahoma.gov/occ/dockets/ag… I'll be live tweeting (given I don't end up in a controlled blackout during the meeting)
Briefing on winter storm situation from Gov. Kevin Stitt, Director of Oklahoma Emergency Management Mark Gower and Secretary of Energy and Environment Ken Wagner is just about to start. I'll be tweeting here.
Will also be hearing from Brandy Wreath, Oklahoma Corporation Commission Public Utilities Division Director.
Stitt: "We are experiencing unprecedented cold weather." We are currently preparing a request for federal disaster declaration. We're asking for personal utility assistance and for ag assistance.
Secretary of Energy Ken Wagner: I'm thankful SPP has temporarily withdrawn their level 3 emergency announcement. That means no rolling blackouts for the time being. "We've dodged that bullet for a moment."
Blackouts are already underway, though, so not sure if they mean moving forward there won't be any.
OK Corporation Commission meeting on the current power situation and proposal to lift caps on natural gas transmissions is starting. I'll be live tweeting on this thread. Here's the link to follow along. live.gisolutions.com/live/RBUdrJoGX…
If the teleconference ends up disconnected, they'll come back at 2:30.
I'm having trouble following, honestly. I'll try to back fill when I can speak intelligently.
We're getting an update on vaccinations from Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. About 600,000 Oklahomans have registered through the portal, and about 100,000 appointments have been scheduled.
Reed: Keep in mind the scheduling portal is not the only way to get a vaccine. It is the way to get one through health departments and pandemic providers. You can contact pharmacies and doctors.
Reed: The waiting period between doses is 3-4 weeks. "That's the minimum time period to wait." The CDC issued a guidance that efficacy is the same up to 6 weeks apart. That being said, Oklahoma is aiming to get second doses into arms at the beginning of the window, not the end.
I'll do a couple of threads on interesting #okleg bills on health. Here is one on vaccines.
HB 1653 by Rep. Humphrey requires drug makers to notify providers if their shots contain "human parts, animal parts, metals in any quantity, tracking devices, or any DNA-altering properties." oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?…
SB 679 by Sen. Bullard says local governments, school districts etc can't "through direct or indirect means, compel or coerce any person under its jurisdiction to receive any immunization." webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22…
The Oklahoma Senate Health and Human Services Committee is hearing from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which administers Medicaid. I won't really be live tweeting but will share some highlights.
OHCA CEO Kevin Corbett: OHCA's budget request is $210 million — close to 20 percent — over the prior year. "Suffice it so say a large part of that is expansion."
Kevin Corbett: There will be a few savings with partner agencies that will offset some of the cost. For example, we have mental health programs that now all use state funding, but under expansion, we'd get a federal share. "We think the net benefit of that is about $17 million."