Vote April 2 for the Oklahoma Natural Gas Franchise in Okarche
An upcoming election on April 2 in Okarche will give residents the opportunity to approve a franchise agreement between Oklahoma Natural Gas and the town.
“This franchise outlines how Oklahoma Natural Gas and the Town of Okarche will work together to continue our longstanding partnership,” says Martie Oyler, senior economic development partner at Oklahoma Natural Gas. “Residents will continue to benefit from safe, reliable natural gas service as they have for over 60 years. Because most of our infrastructure is underground, we have a 99.9% reliability rate, keeping customers warm in the coldest of temperatures.”
The Okarche Board of Trustees approved the Oklahoma Natural Gas franchise ordinance and resolution calling for the special election.
What is a Franchise Agreement?
A franchise agreement lays out detailed rights and responsibilities between the town and Oklahoma Natural Gas for the next 25 years. The franchise allows Oklahoma Natural Gas to work within the town's public ways to place, maintain and operate a natural gas system. This allows Oklahoma Natural Gas to work with the town on growth and economic development projects to help the town thrive well into the future.
How Does Okarche Benefit?
The revenue collected from the franchise goes 100% back to the town to help fund municipal projects. In addition, the agreement allows Oklahoma Natural Gas to use the public ways to operate a natural gas system safely and reliably, and it grants liability protections for the town.
How Will It Impact Customers?
Voting yes simply approves franchise rights and will not affect customer bills. Oklahoma Natural Gas does not keep any portion of the associated funds. Oklahoma Natural Gas collects the funds and passes them on to the city.
How is Oklahoma Natural Gas Supporting the Environment?
We are on track to achieve our goal of reducing emissions due to leaks from main and service pipelines by 55% from 2005 to 2035. We also offer a renewable natural gas program for customers to opt in to, which will further reduce emissions. The program gives residents a direct opportunity to participate and help create a cleaner future. And through our energy-efficiency programs, Okarche customers have taken advantage of rebates and water kits since 2016, which help reduce energy usage and costs.
Election Day
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2
Early Voting
You can vote early in your county at your designated early voting location from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, and Friday, March 29.
Voter Information
For additional election-related information, visit elections.ok.gov.