An Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner is requesting Attorney General Gentner Drummond launch a probe into possible market manipulation by natural gas companies.
Commissioner Kim David would like the A-G to look at a possible violation of the federal Commodity Exchange Act by marketers of natural gas during a massive winter storm two years ago.
David, in her letter to Drummond, said “The Corporation Commission lacks the legal authority to conduct this type of investigation into these companies; however, as the chief law enforcement officer for the State of Oklahoma, your office can do so.”
Commission Vice Chairman Bob Anthony repeatedly has called for the commission to investigate utilities’ practices.
Corporation Commission Chairman Todd Heitt said, “I am pleased that Attorney General Drummond is carefully looking into the matter. I have always said that any examination into the largely unregulated gas markets must come from the Federal level and/or the state’s Attorney General.”