The Oklahoma State Energy Office strives to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources across the state by providing information, training, and technical assistance to energy users and developers. Most of the projects/programs administered by the State Energy Office are federally funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program (SEP).
Here you'll find news, updates on energy policy changes, industry events, and opportunities that drive the energy efficiency and renewable resource development efforts throughout Oklahoma. Follow the links below to learn more about the State Energy Office and find the resources you need to lower your energy use and costs, participate in the development of renewable energy, and more.
DOE and USDA Invest Over $4 Million in OSU Feedstocks Project
November 17, 2009 -- The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy recently announced a project at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater was among several projects selected for more grants to research and develop technologies to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products.
Researchers at OSU will receive over $4 million towards the development of best practices and technologies necessary to ensure efficient, sustainable and profitable production of cellulosic ethanol feedstocks. Utilizing large-scale feedstock production research, the economic and environmental sustainability of switchgrass, mixed-species perennial grasses and annual biomass cropping systems will be evaluated, and the synergy between bioenergy and livestock production will be explored.
Horizon Wind Energy Dedicates Blue Canyon V Wind Farm
Project's Third Phase Will Generate Enough Clean Energy to Power 30,000 Average OK Homes Annually
November 6, 2009 -- With the wind at their backs, officials from Horizon Wind Energy, owned by EDP Renewables, the world's fourth largest wind energy player, recently gathered on the Slick Hills terrain of southwestern Oklahoma with state and local dignitaries and project landowners to celebrate the start of operations at Blue Canyon V Wind Farm.
The project, which is the third phase of the Blue Canyon Wind Farm, is situated on 7,000 acres near the small towns of Apache in Caddo County and Elgin in Comanche County. It has an installed capacity of 99 megawatts (MW) -- enough to power approximately 30,000 average Oklahoma homes with clean energy each year.
OG&E's Smart Grid Project Selected to Receive $130 Million Stimulus Grant
October 28, 2009 -- Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) has been notified today by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that its application for $130 million in stimulus funding to accelerate the Positive Energy® Smart Grid program has been accepted for award, pending final negotiations next month.
At the same time President Barack Obama was in Florida, announcing all of the recipients included in the $3.4 billion Smart Grid Investment Grant awards program to improve the nation's electricity infrastructure.
Oklahoma Appliance Rebate Plan Submitted To DOE
October 19, 2009 -- The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently submitted a comprehensive plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the state's Energy Star Appliance Rebate program that is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Oklahoma was approved for a $3.5 million federal grant for the ARRA appliance rebate program.
The DOE is expected to notify Commerce if the state's plan has been approved by November 30. The program will likely begin in early spring of 2010.\
Revolution Wind Energy Conference Set for Dec. 2-3
Denise Bode, CEO of American Wind Energy Association, to Deliver Opening Keynote
October 19, 2009--Come to the 2009 Revolution Wind Energy Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Thursday, Dec. 3 to learn about new developments in Oklahoma's wind energy industry. Online registration is now available at www.OKWindRevolution.com.
Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), will kick off the conference with a special keynote address Wednesday, Dec. 2. 2009 Revolution Wind Energy Conference Agenda
Discussions will focus on energy policy developments and the next steps needed to expand our state's wind energy contribution to America's energy mix. Seminars and breakout sessions will provide an in-depth look at timely industry subjects and issues, including:
Wind energy economics with developer and landowner perspectives;
Transmission and distribution: policy and planning;
Wind energy: the environment and wildlife issues;
Integrating natural gas with renewable energy.
OG&E Reaches Agreements for New Wind Farm Developments
September 30, 2009 -- OG&E has announced agreements with developers who will build two new wind farms in northwestern Oklahoma as part of a plan under which OG&E will more than triple its current wind power capacity by the end of 2010. The construction of the new wind farms is contingent upon Oklahoma Corporation Commission approval of the agreements negotiated by OG&E.
OG&E has 170 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity in production today at its Centennial and Sooner wind farms, both near Woodward. The new 100 MW "OU Spirit" wind farm, now under construction near Woodward, is expected to be in production by year-end.
Obama Administration Awards Over $18.6 Million for Oklahoma's State Energy Plan
September 16, 2009 -- Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu has announced over $18.6 million in backing from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and renewable energy plans in Oklahoma. Under DOE's State Energy Program, Oklahoma suggested a statewide project that prioritizes energy savings, creates or retains jobs, increases the use of renewable energy, and reduces carbon pollution.
"This backing will provide an important boost for the state's economy, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence," says Secretary Chu. "It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly."
New Venture to Help Small Businesses with Wind Turbine Financing
August 28, 2009 – Helix Wind Corp., a global renewable energy company, says it has established a joint venture with Atoll Financial Group to develop products and financing mechanisms to offer individuals, small businesses, commercial users and its distributors’ financing of its small wind turbines.
Helix Wind CEO Ian Gardner says, "We are excited to be the only small wind company to offer individuals and small businesses financing for small wind turbines, which can make purchasing renewable energy much more accessible to consumers." Under the terms of the joint venture, Helix Wind will finance turbines for distributors and end users.
Acciona Making Most of Tax Credits and Finances for Wind Farm
August 20, 2009 -- Acciona Energy North America has completed $252 million in long-term financing for the Red Hills Wind Farm spread over 5,000 acres in Roger Mills and Custer counties, according to the Journal Record.
Long-term financing for the 123-megawatt wind farm, which began production in June, took advantage of the production tax credit renewed in February when President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Journal Record reports Acciona’s financing for the wind farm north of Elk City is the first time this year investors have taken advantage of the production tax credit.
4 Oklahoma Tribes Secure Funding for Clean Energy Projects
August 19, 2009 -- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced up to $13.6 million in multi-year funding for new clean energy projects on tribal lands, including four in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma tribes receiving funds include: Cherokee Nation Business for wind, the Chickasaw Nation for building efficiency, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma for wind, and the Peoria Tribe for weatherization training.
Oklahoma's Wind Industry Suppliers
Learn which existing Oklahoma businesses currently provide products and services to the wind industry or want to do so!
Department of Energy Technical Assistance Project Webcasts
The DOE Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is holding a series of free Web seminars, or Webcasts, through the rest of this year on financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Webcasts are held the last Wednesday of the month and are free of charge, but you have to register in advance to obtain the URL to sign in to the on-screen portion of the presentation over the Internet and the phone line for the audio.
The EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality has added an updated series of Questions and Answers on the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. A copy of this document may be found at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/
420f07041a.pdf.
To assist more families and provide addional energy conservation improvements, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce established the Energy Conservation Assistance Fund (ECAF).
Besides energy savings for low-income families, the weatherization of 1,400 homes each year across the state creates local jobs and annually funnels millions of dollars into Oklahoma's economy. The purchase of materials used in weatherization support local manufacturers and businesses in every county. For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns $1.53 in energy-related benefits.
With your donation to ECAF, you can help ensure this valuable service is available for eligible Oklahomans. Also, you and your company may receive a 50% tax credit against your Oklahoma tax liability.
Please send your check to: Energy Conservation Assistance Fund, Community Development Division, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, 900 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73126. For more information, call 800-879-6552. More on the Weatherization Assistance Program
Online State Energy Profiles
Visit http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/ to read comprehensive state energy profiles, featuring statistics on traditional and alternative energy production and consumption. The new site, launched by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), also provides a map of energy infrastructure and renewable energy potential.
Energy Star: Take the Lightbulb Challenge
Saving energy and money is as easy as changing out old lightbulbs with those sporting the Energy Star label. Visit the Energy Star website to take the challenge and find out more!
The Oklahoma State Energy Office strives to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources across the state by providing information, training, and technical assistance to energy users and developers. Most of the projects/programs administered by the State Energy Office are federally funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program (SEP). 
