Rogers County Board Rejects PSO Battery Storage Facility After Heated Public Meeting

Staff Report- Cherokee 411

OOL0GAH, Okla. — The Rogers County Board of Adjustments has denied Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s request to build a lithium-ion battery storage facility at its Northeastern Station, following a packed and often contentious meeting where residents raised concerns over fire risks, toxic emissions and limited public notice.

Photo: Claremoreprogress.com

The decision marks the second time in 2025 that Oologah residents have successfully opposed a proposed battery storage project.

PSO had sought a special exception to install a battery energy storage system and two new natural gas units on agricultural-zoned land the utility has used since 1961. The board concluded the company failed to meet its burden of proof.

For more than an hour, residents lined up to oppose the proposal, citing potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, including uncontrollable fires and the release of toxic gases and heavy metals. Several speakers referenced the 2020 Moss Landing battery facility incident in California as an example of worst-case failures. Others criticized the utility’s public notice, saying the description in the Claremore Progress was vague and insufficient.

Residents argued the board did not have enough information to make an informed decision — a point board members ultimately agreed with.

When the vote was called, much of the room broke into applause.

Final vote:

• Kevin Abbott — yes to deny

• Elmer Neil — yes to deny

• Julie Hays — yes to deny

PSO spokesperson Michael Gordon said the company was disappointed in the outcome but noted no residents objected to the proposed natural gas units. He said PSO will explore “other solutions” and continue working with Rogers County on future zoning options.

PSO has 10 days to file an appeal. Without approval, the battery portion of the utility’s statewide rate case plan cannot move forward in Oologah. The company has warned it expects regional power demand to exceed generation capacity by 2027.