Guymon utilities partner projects roughly $900,000 in customer savings; officials say delivery costs remain

Representatives from Clearwater, an Oklahoma City–based gas services company, told the Guymon Utilities Authority that improved purchasing and account management had produced substantial savings for city gas customers in 2024–25, projecting savings in the neighborhood of $900,000 to $1,000,000 relative to prior arrangements.

Jason Turk of Clearwater said the company and city staff had worked to improve communications and contracts after previous supplier issues and that the projected savings would flow back to local gas ratepayers. Turk cautioned the authority that the price of gas commodity and the cost to deliver gas are distinct: “gas prices the price of the gas itself is gonna be cheaper than what we've been given. So and that's a positive. What a lot of people don't understand... is the cost of delivery that the city of Guymon has to that will never come down,” he said.

Why it matters: tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual commodity savings can lower customer bills or improve utility reserves; however, delivery and fixed operational costs continue to affect total customer bills.

Details and context

- Savings: Clearwater representatives said the city appears likely to see roughly $900,000 in savings for the 2024–25 period, but cautioned that variables remain for 2026, including regional demand from new data centers and LNG export markets.

- Contracting and term: Clearwater described its relationship as longer term and said it will continue to monitor markets and seek opportunities to lower commodity cost for the city; representatives said they will evaluate positions as market conditions change.

- Delivery costs and audits: Clearwater emphasized that distribution and delivery expenses borne by the city are separate and largely fixed; these costs will continue to factor into customer rates. Officials also said a recent Corporation Commission audit of the city’s gas operations found minimal gas loss.

Speakers

Jason Turk (Clearwater) — presented the savings projection and described operational work with city staff.

Ending

Clearwater and city staff will continue market monitoring and report back; the authority accepted the update and will address rate-setting and budget planning in upcoming sessions.