Isn't the cliche, that time flies when you are having fun? I think it also applies to time flying by when one is challenged and passionately engaged in work, a situation that seems to apply to me. Just over a year ago, I was sworn into office and the issues that have come before me and my fellow Commissioners, Bob Anthony and Jeff Cloud, have been complex, challenging and as you might imagine, more than a little controversial. Moreover, these issues have come within the environment of one of the most challenging economic times for our State.

Certainly, the budget seems foremost on the minds of legislators, elected officials, agency heads and others across the State. As you might recall from an earlier Murphy Mail, the Commission is one of the agencies dealing with deeper budget cuts as our monthly budget cuts have increased from 5% to 10% for the last couple of months. While only 20% of our budget is appropriated, just over 74% of our total budget is made up of salary and benefits, so our biggest cuts necessarily impact personnel. Already, we have reduced our workforce by 25 through voluntary buyouts and reductions-in-force, and not filling most vacant positions. We have sharply reduced our travel budget and other operating expenses. I'm trying to do my personal part while also keeping my promise to travel to communities across Oklahoma to meet with groups and individuals. In addition to performing my regular duties as a Commissioner, I feel it's important for me to meet with oil-and-gas producers, mineral owners, utilities and ratepayers, trucking and railroad groups and others like you, so I've personally paid the cost of the 12,000 miles of in-state travel that I've logged for more than 300 meetings this past year.

Recently, the Commissioners made the decision in the 918 area code exhaust case (running out of telephone numbers in the 918 area code). In a 2:1 decision, the overlay option (customers keep their current telephone numbers with new telephone numbers receiving a new area code and all calling requiring 10 digit dialing.) was chosen over the geographic split option. (I voted for the geographic split option). As was obvious from the numerous public comments filed in the case, changing or modifying telephone numbers and dialing preferences is a very personal and significant issue for those affected. The new area code issued by the North American Numbering Plan Administration is 539. The same issue of area code exhaust is also projected to impact the 580 area code in 2015. And the 405 area code isn't far behind with a projected exhaust date of 2017.

I recently returned from a Commissioners' conference where Commissioners from various states met to discuss energy and utility issues in their respective states and gain input and knowledge from Commissioners in other states. Commissioner Anthony attended as well. Among the topics of discussion were challenges in dealing with transmission construction across regional areas, renewable portfolio standards, energy efficiency and demand side management. These topics were certainly timely for happenings in Oklahoma as transmission projects are being proposed by the Southwest Power Pool in Oklahoma and our legislature is considering a renewable portfolio standard or goal this session. Additionally, cases involving energy efficiency and demand side management in the utility sector continue to be considered by the Commission. Public Service Company of Oklahoma recently received approval for 16 energy efficiency programs including low income weatherization, lighting and load control plans.

Ongoing public meetings related to horizontal drilling continue with the next meeting scheduled for February 2. Specific rule proposals and changes have been proposed by several working sub-groups and those will be discussed at the upcoming meeting. Requests for town hall meetings on the issue of horizontal drilling also continue and the next town hall meeting is scheduled for Woodward on February 8 at the High Plains Area Vo-Tech Center from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Representatives from the Commission, including myself, as well as the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board and from Noble Energy, Inc. will make presentations and answer questions.

Filings for proposed rule-making are just beginning in various areas regulated by the Commission including oil and gas, utilities, motor carriers and our general rules of practice. Generally speaking, most rule-making proceedings begin in January and February with technical conferences and hearings occurring in February and March because all rule proposals must be submitted to the legislature for consideration by April 1 to be considered in the current legislative session. Proposed rule making proposals can be viewed on line at http://www.occ.state.ok.us/Divisions/GC/proprule.htm

My fourth opinion editorial column was published today in the Oklahoman and can be viewed on-line at http://www.newsok.com/taking-new-approaches/article/3433760?custom_click=headlines_widget As you can see, it has been a busy rookie season for me as your Corporation Commissioner. While many challenges lie ahead in 2010, I also see many opportunities to improve the transparency, the efficiency and the effectiveness of your Corporation Commission. I promise to keep giving it my all to make the most of those opportunities to improve how our agency serves you and all Oklahomans. As always, I appreciate your ongoing support and your suggestions!

God Bless,
Your Commissioner, Dana