Comparing Electricity Costs in Beckham County
If your electric bill has felt a little hotter than usual lately — you’re not imagining it. Electricity rates in Beckham County, like much of the state, have crept up over the past few years. And while recent credits from PSO helped cool things down temporarily, most households are still paying more now than they were three years ago.
Let’s break it down — red dirt style.
BECKHAM COUNTY VS. THE STATE VS. THE NATION
As of early 2025, the average residential rate in Beckham County (served by PSO) is around 11.5 to 13 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depending on usage tier and season. That puts us right in line with the Oklahoma state average, which hovers around 12.09 cents per kWh, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Compare that to the national average, currently sitting at about 16.2 cents per kWh, and it turns out we’re actually getting a bargain — or at least a smaller shock when the bill arrives.
THREE-YEAR TREND
Back in 2022, PSO’s average residential rate was around 10.1 cents per kWh. By 2023, that crept to 11.2 cents, and today we’re hovering between 11.5 and 13 cents depending on usage. That’s roughly a 15–25% increase in just three years — even with occasional credits and seasonal dips.
THE HIGHS, THE LOWS, AND THE “AT LEAST WE’RE NOT CALIFORNIA” • Highest average in the U.S.: Hawaii, at a scorching 45.2 cents per kWh
• Lowest average: North Dakota, at a much cooler 10.1 cents per kWh So while Oklahoma isn’t winning gold for cheapest power, we’re far from the sky-high grid misery category.
WHY ARE RATES RISING?
A few key reasons:
• Fuel cost adjustments (PSO adjusts rates twice a year based on fuel markets)
• Infrastructure upgrades (like grid modernization and storm resilience)
• Regulatory fees and recovery costs after weather events In late 2024, PSO tacked on an interim $12/month rate increase — but followed it with a fuel credit that temporarily lowered most bills by $17/month. That relief, however, won’t last forever. Fuel prices fluctuate, and when they swing up, so does your bill.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR Don’t be surprised if summer bills climb again, especially as usage spikes with air conditioners running full blast. PSO evaluates rates every six months, so if fuel prices surge or drought impacts supply, we could see more adjustments.
Translation: just because your bill looks good this month doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way. (Kind of like Oklahoma weather.)
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
• Track your usage at psoklahoma. com
• Check for assistance programs if you’re struggling — LIHEAP and local churches often help
• Switch to LED lighting, adjust thermostats, unplug unused devices — simple swaps can save
• Pray for mild weather and low gas prices — it’s worked before If you’re interested in the LIHEAP program (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), it helps eligible low-income households with their home energy bills, including emergency assistance. For more information about when applications open and who qualifies, call your local health department or DHS office.
FINAL THOUGHT
We may not have the cheapest electricity in the country, but we’ve got decent rates, strong service, and a local power grid that’s weathered more than a few Oklahoma tantrums.
So next time you open that PSO bill, take a deep breath — then remind yourself: “At least we’re not in Hawaii.”
