City approves energy-generating ordinance

Ponca City’s Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance Monday night to established conditions under which customer-owned generation equipment may be permanently connected to the city’s electric distribution system.

The new ordinance states only renewable forms of energy can be added to the system, and only with a city permit.

Such energy systems must be inspected by the city and must comply with rules and codes.

Mayor Homer Nicholson emphasized that under no conditions will there be provisions for a customer’s electric meter to run backward and the city will not be buying excess energy manufactured by the devices.

City Commissioner Lanita Chapman was the lone vote against the ordinance and the accompanying emergency clause.