En español | AARP’s Oklahoma State Office, in response to its commitment to ensure affordable electric rates and consumer protections for all residents, commissioned this survey to explore the views of 50+ residents regarding new ways to purchase electricity and the establishment of consumer protections. Those ages 50+ represent 32 percent of all adults in Oklahoma.  

Key findings include:

• Oklahoma residents age 50+ are concerned about the rising costs of electricity in their homes and many think they are currently paying too much for electricity. Many also feel that not enough is being done to lower costs of their electricity bills. Fifty-two percent say they are extremely or very concerned about the costs of their electricity going up; and another 24 percent say they are somewhat concerned. Forty-three percent say the amount they are paying for electricity is too much and the same percent say their electric bill has gone up in the past 12 months.
  
• Oklahoma residents oppose legislation that could potentially raise their rates to comply with environmental laws that are anticipated, but not yet passed. They also are less likely to vote for a candidate that supports this legislation.
  
• Oklahoma residents oppose legislation that would allow electric companies to charge customers a monthly fee upfront for all planning, pre-construction, and construction costs of new power plants.

• Most residents are not familiar with smart meter technology.
  
  

These results are based on a telephone survey of 801 Oklahoma residents age 50+ between March 21 and March 28, 2011.   For more information, please contact Cassandra Burton at 202-434-3547 or e-mail mccantave@aarp.org.