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Yukon council approves 25‑year OG&E franchise, places question on Aug. 25 ballot
Summary
The Yukon City Council approved an ordinance granting OG&E a 25‑year franchise and unanimously voted to place the franchise question on a special election ballot Aug. 25, 2026; OG&E said the agreement maintains access to rights‑of‑way, provides a 3% franchise fee and will cover election costs.
The Yukon City Council voted unanimously March 3 to approve an ordinance granting Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company a 25‑year franchise to produce, transmit and distribute electricity within Yukon and to construct and maintain the utility infrastructure within public rights‑of‑way.
The council immediately voted to place a companion measure, Resolution 2026‑06, on a special election ballot for Aug. 25, 2026. The resolution authorizes the mayor to call the election and requests that the Canadian County Election Board conduct it.
Why it matters: The franchise preserves OG&E’s ability to operate in Yukon’s rights‑of‑way and continues municipal revenue streams tied to the agreement. Council members said franchise fees are an important source of local revenue and that a failed vote would complicate utility operations in city streets and could trigger litigation.
Crystal Garcia, community affairs manager for OG&E, told the council the ordinance is a routine continuation of an agreement that typically is renewed every 25 years. “It essentially allows us access to public roadways to be able to service and maintain our infrastructure,” Garcia said, adding that municipalities receive a flat 3% franchise fee and roughly 0.5% worth of free service that the company applies to street lights and public buildings. Garcia said the city’s most recent data (2023–24) showed about $108,000 in franchise payments and a little more than $18,000 in free service to Yukon.
Garcia also said the franchise question does not change customer rates, which are regulated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and that OG&E will cover the full cost of the special election. She warned that a “no” vote would not immediately let another provider in and would instead require permits for work in rights‑of‑way and could lead to litigation.
Council response and next steps: Council members emphasized outreach to voters so residents understand the ballot question. The council took no further legislative action at the meeting; the next step is placement on the Aug. 25 ballot and any informational outreach the city or OG&E choose to conduct prior to that election.
