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Oklahoma Woman's $1,373 Electric Bill Sparks Outrage
30 Aug
Summary
- A Tulsa woman received a shocking $1,373 electric bill.
- Oklahoma leads the nation in residential electricity disconnections.
- Low incomes and limited consumer protections contribute to the problem.
Raelynn McMurchy of Tulsa, Oklahoma, publicly shared her distress over a $1,373 electric bill in August 2026, an amount that surpassed her monthly rent. This bill included a nearly $600 deposit due to prior late payments, intensifying her financial strain as she attempted to catch up.
McMurchy initiated a petition on Change.org on August 14, 2026, urging Oklahoma regulators to address what she terms unfair rate increases from her utility provider, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). The petition has garnered nearly 25,000 signatures.
Her experience is indicative of a widespread challenge for households grappling with utility payments. Oklahoma recorded the nation's highest rate of residential electricity disconnections for nonpayment in 2024, with rates ranging from 2.10% to 3.34% monthly. This contrasts with Texas, which had a range of 0.95% to 2.67%.
In 2024, Oklahoma utilities disconnected residential electricity for over 572,480 customers. PSO was responsible for 290,739 disconnections, while Oklahoma Gas & Electric accounted for 167,254. Factors contributing to Oklahoma's high disconnection rate include low incomes, limited consumer protections, and poor energy efficiency.
