Connecting co-op leaders and lawmakers

“Out of the Gate” reception sees record legislative attendance

Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives kicked off the legislative session with a strong presence at the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives’ (OAEC) annual “Out of the Gate” reception. This year’s event saw record attendance, with 90 legislators — up from 79 in 2024 — alongside 12 congressional staffers, nearly doubling last year’s participation. Staff from the Governor’s and Lieutenant Governor’s offices, a Corporation Commissioner and the Broadband Office Director and Deputy Director were also in attendance, along with numerous state office staffers. The cooperative presence was just as robust, with 231 representatives, including youth ambassadors and statewide staff, engaging with policymakers on key issues.

Discussions throughout the evening highlighted the cooperatives’ commitment to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, emphasizing the role of natural gas, oil and renewables in powering Oklahoma.

Co-op leaders also reinforced the importance of property rights, advocating for fair compensation and the limited, responsible use of eminent domain.

With the rise of data centers demanding increased energy infrastructure, co-op leaders stressed that the cost burden should not be placed on residential and rural consumers. Structural resiliency was another key issue, with co-ops reiterating their 99.99% reliability rate and pushing back against unnecessary additional regulations.

With record-breaking engagement, “Out of the Gate” continues to be a pivotal event for strengthening the relationships between Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives and state leadership, ensuring that the needs of rural Oklahomans remain a priority at the Capitol.