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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Organization

The Company is an energy and energy services provider offering physical delivery and related services for both electricity and natural gas primarily in the south central United States. The Company conducts these activities through two business segments: (i) electric utility and (ii) natural gas midstream operations. For a discussion of the change in the Company’s business segments due to the formation of Enable, see Note 14. For periods prior to May 1, 2013, the Company consolidated Enogex Holdings in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Effective May 1, 2013, OGE Energy, the ArcLight group and CenterPoint Energy, Inc., formed Enable Midstream Partners, LP to own and operate the midstream businesses of OGE Energy and CenterPoint. In the formation transaction, OGE Energy and ArcLight group contributed Enogex LLC to Enable and the Company deconsolidated its previously held investment in Enogex Holdings and acquired an equity interest in Enable. The Company determined that its contribution of Enogex LLC to Enable met the requirements of being in substance real estate and was recorded at historical cost. The general partner of Enable is equally controlled by CenterPoint and OGE Energy, who each have 50 percent of the management rights. Based on the 50/50 management ownership, with neither company having control, effective May 1, 2013, OGE Energy began accounting for its interest in Enable using the equity method of accounting. At December 31, 2013, OGE Energy, through its wholly owned subsidiary OGE Holdings, holds 28.5 percent of the limited partner interests in Enable. OGE Energy also owns a 60 percent interest in any incentive distribution rights in Enable. Incentive distribution rights are expected to entitle the holder to increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 50 percent, of the cash distributed by Enable in excess of the target quarterly distributions to be set in connection with Enable’s initial public offering. On November 26, 2013, Enable filed a registration statement on Form S-1 related to the proposed initial public offering of limited partnership interests that will have the effect of making Enable a publicly traded master limited partnership.

The electric utility segment generates, transmits, distributes and sells electric energy in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Its operations are conducted through OG&E and are subject to regulation by the OCC, the APSC and the FERC. OG&E was incorporated in 1902 under the laws of the Oklahoma Territory. OG&E is the largest electric utility in Oklahoma and its franchised service territory includes the Fort Smith, Arkansas area. OG&E sold its retail natural gas business in 1928 and is no longer engaged in the natural gas distribution business.

The natural gas midstream operations segment consists of the Company's investment in Enable. Enable is engaged in the business of gathering, processing, transporting and storing natural gas. Enable's natural gas gathering and processing assets are strategically located in four states and serve natural gas production from shale developments in the Anadarko, Arkoma and Ark-La-Tex basins. Enable also owns an emerging crude oil gathering business in the Bakken shale formation that commenced initial operations in November 2013. Enable is continuing to construct additional crude oil gathering capacity in this area. Enable's natural gas transportation and storage assets extend from western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle to Alabama and from Louisiana to Illinois.

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to fairly present the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, have been included and are of a normal recurring nature except as otherwise disclosed.

Public Utilities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounting Records

The accounting records of OG&E are maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the OCC and the APSC. Additionally, OG&E, as a regulated utility, is subject to accounting principles for certain types of rate-regulated activities, which provide that certain actual or anticipated costs that would otherwise be charged to expense can be deferred as regulatory assets, based on the expected recovery from customers in future rates. Likewise, certain actual or anticipated credits that would otherwise reduce expense can be deferred as regulatory liabilities, based on the expected flowback to customers in future rates. Management's expected recovery of deferred costs and flowback of deferred credits generally results from specific decisions by regulators granting such ratemaking treatment.

OG&E records certain actual or anticipated costs and obligations as regulatory assets or liabilities if it is probable, based on regulatory orders or other available evidence, that the cost or obligation will be included in amounts allowable for recovery or refund in future rates.

Management continuously monitors the future recoverability of regulatory assets. When in management's judgment future recovery becomes impaired, the amount of the regulatory asset is adjusted, as appropriate. If OG&E were required to discontinue the application of accounting principles for certain types of rate-regulated activities for some or all of its operations, it could result in writing off the related regulatory assets, which could have significant financial effects.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Changes to these assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the Company believes it has taken reasonable positions where assumptions and estimates are used in order to minimize the negative financial impact to the Company that could result if actual results vary from the assumptions and estimates. In management's opinion, the areas of the Company where the most significant judgment is exercised for all Company segments includes the determination of Pension Plan assumptions, impairment estimates of long-lived assets (including intangible assets), income taxes, contingency reserves, asset retirement obligations and assets and depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment. For the electric utility segment, the most significant judgment is also exercised in the existence of regulatory assets and liabilities and unbilled revenues.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable, Policy

For OG&E, customer balances are generally written off if not collected within six months after the final billing date. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable for OG&E is calculated by multiplying the last six months of electric revenue by the provision rate. The provision rate is based on a 12-month historical average of actual balances written off. To the extent the historical collection rates are not representative of future collections, there could be an effect on the amount of uncollectible expense recognized. Also, a portion of the uncollectible provision related to fuel within the Oklahoma jurisdiction is being recovered through the fuel adjustment clause. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable was $1.9 million and $2.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

For OG&E, new business customers are required to provide a security deposit in the form of cash, bond or irrevocable letter of credit that is refunded when the account is closed. New residential customers, whose outside credit scores indicate an elevated risk, are required to provide a security deposit that is refunded based on customer protection rules defined by the OCC and the APSC. The payment behavior of all existing customers is continuously monitored and, if the payment behavior indicates sufficient risk within the meaning of the applicable utility regulation, customers will be required to provide a security deposit.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fuel Inventories

Fuel inventories for the generation of electricity consist of coal, natural gas and oil. OG&E uses the weighted-average cost method of accounting for inventory that is physically added to or withdrawn from storage or stockpiles. The amount of fuel inventory was $74.4 million and $76.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Gas Imbalances, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Gas Imbalances

Gas imbalances occur when the actual amounts of natural gas delivered from or received by OG&E differ from the amounts scheduled to be delivered or received. OG&E values all imbalances at an average of current market indices applicable to OG&E's operations, not to exceed net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Plant and Equipment

All property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Newly constructed plant is added to plant balances at cost which includes contracted services, direct labor, materials, overhead, transportation costs and the allowance for funds used during construction. Replacements of units of property are capitalized as plant. For assets that belong to a common plant account, the replaced plant is removed from plant balances and the cost of such property is charged to Accumulated Depreciation. For assets that do not belong to a common plant account, the replaced plant is removed from plant balances with the related accumulated depreciation and the remaining balance net of any salvage proceeds is recorded as a loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income as Other Expense. Repair and replacement of minor items of property are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as Other Operation and Maintenance Expense.

Depreciation and Amortization, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Depreciation and Amortization

The provision for depreciation, which was 2.8 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively, of the average depreciable utility plant for 2013 and 2012, is provided on a straight-line method over the estimated service life of the utility assets. Depreciation is provided at the unit level for production plant and at the account or sub-account level for all other plant, and is based on the average life group method. In 2014, the provision for depreciation is projected to be 2.8 percent of the average depreciable utility plant. Amortization of intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method. Of the remaining amortizable intangible plant balance at December 31, 2013, 93.5 percent will be amortized over 9 years with 6.5 percent of the remaining amortizable intangible plant balance at December 31, 2013 being amortized over 26 years.. Amortization of plant acquisition adjustments is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining service life of the acquired asset. Plant acquisition adjustments include $148.3 million for the Redbud Plant, which are being amortized over a 27-year life and $3.3 million for certain substation facilities in OG&E's service territory, which are being amortized over a 26 to 59-year period.

Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

OGE Energy's investment in Enable is considered to be a variable interest entity because the owners of the equity at risk in this entity have disproportionate voting rights in relation to their obligations to absorb the entity's expected losses or to receive its expected residual returns. However, OGE Energy is not considered the primary beneficiary of Enable since it does not have the power to direct the activities of Enable that are considered most significant to the economic performance of Enable. As discussed above, OGE Energy accounts for the investment in Enable using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment will be adjusted each period for contributions made, distributions received and the Company's share of the investee's comprehensive income. OGE Energy's maximum exposure to loss related to Enable is limited to OGE Energy's equity investment in Enable as presented on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate there is a loss in value of the investment that is other than a temporary decline.

The Company considers distributions received from its unconsolidated affiliates which do not exceed cumulative equity in earnings subsequent to the date of investment to be a return on investment which are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company considers distributions received from its unconsolidated affiliates in excess of cumulative equity in earnings subsequent to the date of investment to be a return of investment which are classified as investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company has previously recorded asset retirement obligations that are being amortized over their respective lives ranging from 20 to 74 years.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Assessing Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Including Intangible Assets) and Goodwill

As a result of the formation of Enable Midstream Partners on May 1, 2013 and the Company's deconsolidation of Enogex Holdings, the Company no longer has intangible assets or goodwill.

The Company assesses its long-lived assets (inclusive of definite-lived intangible assets prior to the deconsolidation of Enogex Holdings) for impairment when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances require an analysis of the recoverability of an asset's carrying amount. Estimates of future cash flows used to test the recoverability of long-lived assets and intangible assets shall include only the future cash flows (cash inflows less associated cash outflows) that are directly associated with and that are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset. The fair value of these assets is based on third-party evaluations, prices for similar assets, historical data and projected cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized when the sum of the expected future net cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of any recognized impairment is based on the estimated fair value of the asset subject to impairment compared to the carrying amount of such asset. In 2011, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $5.0 million, of which $2.5 million was the noncontrolling interest portion (see Note 4), related to the Atoka processing plant. The Company recorded no other material impairments in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

For OG&E, allowance for funds used during construction is calculated according to the FERC pronouncements for the imputed cost of equity and borrowed funds. Allowance for funds used during construction, a non-cash item, is reflected as an increase to net other income and a reduction to interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income and as an increase to Construction Work in Progress in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Allowance for funds used during construction rates, compounded semi-annually, were 8.33 percent, 8.93 percent and 8.71 percent for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Collection of Sales Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Collection of Sales Tax

In the normal course of its operations, OG&E collects sales tax from its customers. OG&E records a current liability for sales taxes when it bills its customers and eliminates this liability when the taxes are remitted to the appropriate governmental authorities. OG&E excludes the sales tax collected from its operating revenues.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

General

OG&E reads its customers' meters and sends bills to its customers throughout each month. As a result, there is a significant amount of customers' electricity consumption that has not been billed at the end of each month. Unbilled revenue is presented in Accrued Unbilled Revenues on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Operating Revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income based on estimates of usage and prices during the period. The estimates that management uses in this calculation could vary from the actual amounts to be paid by customers.

SPP Purchases and Sales

OG&E participates in the SPP energy imbalance service market in a dual role as a load serving entity and as a generation owner. The energy imbalance service market requires cash settlements for over or under schedules of generation and load. Market participants, including OG&E, are required to submit resource plans and can submit offer curves for each resource available for dispatch. A function of interchange accounting is to match participants' MWH entitlements (generation plus scheduled bilateral purchases) against their MWH obligations (load plus scheduled bilateral sales) during every hour of every day. If the net result during any given hour is an entitlement, the participant is credited with a spot-market sale to the SPP at the respective market price for that hour; if the net result is an obligation, the participant is charged with a spot-market purchase from the SPP at the respective market price for that hour. The SPP purchases and sales are not allocated to individual customers. OG&E records the hourly sales to the SPP at market rates in Operating Revenues and the hourly purchases from the SPP at market rates in Cost of Sales in its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fuel Adjustment Clauses, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fuel Adjustment Clauses

Variances in the actual cost of fuel used in electric generation and certain purchased power costs, as compared to the fuel component included in the cost-of-service for ratemaking, are passed through to OG&E's customers through fuel adjustment clauses. The fuel adjustment clauses are subject to periodic review by the OCC, the APSC and the FERC. The OCC, the APSC and the FERC have authority to review the appropriateness of gas transportation charges or other fees OG&E pays to its affiliate, Enable.

Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company files consolidated income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. Income taxes are generally allocated to each company in the affiliated group based on its stand-alone taxable income or loss. Federal investment tax credits previously claimed on electric utility property have been deferred and are being amortized to income over the life of the related property. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carry forwards and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change. The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and recognizes penalties in other expense.

Accrued Vacation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accrued Vacation

The Company accrues vacation pay monthly by establishing a liability for vacation earned. Vacation may be taken as earned and is charged against the liability. At the end of each year, the liability represents the amount of vacation earned, but not taken. OGE employees can carryover no more than 80 hours to be used in future years.

Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Environmental Costs

Accruals for environmental costs are recognized when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs are charged to expense or deferred as a regulatory asset based on expected recovery from customers in future rates, if they relate to the remediation of conditions caused by past operations or if they are not expected to mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Where environmental expenditures relate to facilities currently in use, such as pollution control equipment, the costs may be capitalized and depreciated over the future service periods. Estimated remediation costs are recorded at undiscounted amounts, independent of any insurance or rate recovery, based on prior experience, assessments and current technology. Accrued obligations are regularly adjusted as environmental assessments and estimates are revised, and remediation efforts proceed. For sites where OG&E has been designated as one of several potentially responsible parties, the amount accrued represents OG&E's estimated share of the cost. The Company had $6.2 million and $5.8 million in accrued environmental liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are included in the summary of asset retirement obligations above.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

The classification of the Company's fair value measurements requires judgment regarding the degree to which market data are observable or corroborated by observable market data. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value based on observable and unobservable data. The hierarchy categorizes the inputs into three levels, with the highest priority given to quoted prices in active markets for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority given to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels defined in the fair value hierarchy and examples of each are as follows:

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date. Instruments classified as Level 1 include natural gas futures, swaps and options transactions for contracts traded on the NYMEX and settled through a NYMEX clearing broker.

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable at the reporting date for the asset or liability for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Instruments classified as Level 2 include over-the-counter NYMEX natural gas swaps, natural gas basis swaps and natural gas purchase and sales transactions in markets such that the pricing is closely related to the NYMEX pricing.

Level 3 inputs are prices or valuation techniques for the asset or liability that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).

The Company utilizes the market approach in determining the fair value of its derivative positions by using either NYMEX published market prices, independent broker pricing data or broker/dealer valuations. The valuations of derivatives with pricing based on NYMEX published market prices may be considered Level 1 if they are settled through a NYMEX clearing broker account with daily margining. Over-the-counter derivatives with NYMEX based prices are considered Level 2 due to the impact of counterparty credit risk. Valuations based on independent broker pricing or broker/dealer valuations may be classified as Level 2 only to the extent they may be validated by an additional source of independent market data for an identical or closely related active market. In certain less liquid markets or for longer-term contracts, forward prices are not as readily available. In these circumstances, contracts are valued using internally developed methodologies that consider historical relationships among various quoted prices in active markets that result in management's best estimate of fair value. These contracts are classified as Level 3.

The impact to the fair value of derivatives due to credit risk is calculated using the probability of default based on Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and/or internally generated ratings. The fair value of derivative assets is adjusted for credit risk. The fair value of derivative liabilities is adjusted for credit risk only if the impact is deemed material.

The carrying value of the financial instruments included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value except for long-term debt which is valued at the carrying amount. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is based on quoted market prices and estimates of current rates available for similar issues with similar maturities and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair value amounts recognized for forward, interest rate swap, option and other conditional or exchange contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement may be offset. The reporting entity's choice to offset or not must be applied consistently. A master netting arrangement exists if the reporting entity has multiple contracts, whether for the same type of conditional or exchange contract or for different types of contracts, with a single counterparty that are subject to a contractual agreement that provides for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. Offsetting the fair values recognized for forward, interest rate swap, option and other conditional or exchange contracts outstanding with a single counterparty results in the net fair value of the transactions being reported as an asset or a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has presented the fair values of its derivative contracts under master netting agreements using a net fair value presentation.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Hedges

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedge risk are recognized currently in earnings. The Company includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in Operating Revenues as the offsetting loss or gain on the related hedging derivative.

Cash Flow Hedges

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and recognized into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness is recognized currently in earnings. The Company measures the ineffectiveness of commodity cash flow hedges using the change in fair value method whereby the change in the expected future cash flows designated as the hedge transaction are compared to the change in fair value of the hedging instrument. Forecasted transactions, which are designated as the hedged transaction in a cash flow hedge, are regularly evaluated to assess whether they continue to be probable of occurring. If the forecasted transactions are no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting will cease on a prospective basis and all future changes in the fair value of the derivative will be recognized directly in earnings.

The Company previously designated as cash flow hedges derivatives used to manage commodity price risk exposure for OGE Holdings's NGLs volumes and corresponding keep-whole natural gas resulting from its natural gas processing contracts (processing hedges) and natural gas positions resulting from its natural gas gathering and processing operations and natural gas transportation and storage operations (operational gas hedges). The Company also previously designated as cash flow hedges certain derivatives used to manage natural gas commodity exposure for certain natural gas storage inventory positions.

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments were utilized in OGE Holdings' asset management activities and were reflected in consolidated results prior to the deconsolidation of Enogex on May 1, 2013. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in the period in which it occurred.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Performance Units – Earnings Per Share

The fair value of the performance units based on earnings per share is based on grant date fair value which is equivalent to the price of one share of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of performance units based on earnings per share varies as the number of performance units that will vest is based on the grant date fair value of the units and the probable outcome of the performance condition. The Company reassesses at each reporting date whether achievement of the performance condition is probable and accrues compensation expense if and when achievement of the performance condition is probable. As a result, the compensation expense recognized for these performance units can vary from period to period. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to the Company's performance units based on earnings per share.

Stock Options

The Company last issued stock options in 2004 and as of December 31, 2006, all stock options were fully vested and expensed. All stock options have a contractual life of 10 years.

Performance Units

Under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company has issued performance units which represent the value of one share of the Company's common stock. The performance units provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan). Each performance unit is subject to forfeiture if the recipient terminates employment with the Company or a subsidiary prior to the end of the three-year award cycle for any reason other than death, disability or retirement. In the event of death, disability or retirement, a participant will receive a prorated payment based on such participant's number of full months of service during the award cycle, further adjusted based on the achievement of the performance goals during the award cycle.

The performance units granted based on total shareholder return are contingently awarded and will be payable in shares of the Company's common stock subject to the condition that the number of performance units, if any, earned by the employees upon the expiration of a three-year award cycle (i.e., three-year cliff vesting period) is dependent on the Company's total shareholder return ranking relative to a peer group of companies. The performance units granted based on earnings per share are contingently awarded and will be payable in shares of the Company's common stock based on the Company's earnings per share growth over a three-year award cycle (i.e., three-year cliff vesting period) compared to a target set at the time of the grant by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. All of these performance units are classified as equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If there is no or only a partial payout for the performance units at the end of the award cycle, the unearned performance units are cancelled. Payout requires approval of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. Payouts, if any, are all made in common stock and are considered made when the payout is approved by the Compensation Committee.

Performance Units – Total Shareholder Return

The fair value of the performance units based on total shareholder return was estimated on the grant date using a lattice-based valuation model that factors in information, including the expected dividend yield, expected price volatility, risk-free interest rate and the probable outcome of the market condition, over the expected life of the performance units. Compensation expense for the performance units is a fixed amount determined at the grant date fair value and is recognized over the three-year award cycle regardless of whether performance units are awarded at the end of the award cycle. Dividends are not accrued or paid during the performance period and, therefore, are not included in the fair value calculation. Expected price volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock for the past three years and was simulated using the Geometric Brownian Motion process. The risk-free interest rate for the performance unit grants is based on the three-year U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life of the units is based on the non-vested period since inception of the award cycle. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to the Company's performance units based on total shareholder return.

Restricted Stock

Under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and beginning in 2008, the Company issued restricted stock to certain existing non-officer employees as well as other executives upon hire to attract and retain individuals to be competitive in the marketplace. The restricted stock vests in one-third annual increments. Prior to vesting, each share of restricted stock is subject to forfeiture if the recipient ceases to render substantial services to the Company or a subsidiary for any reason other than death, disability or retirement. These shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred or pledged and are subject to a risk of forfeiture.

The fair value of the restricted stock was based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense for the restricted stock is a fixed amount determined at the grant date fair value and is recognized as services are rendered by employees over a three-year vesting period. Also, the Company treats its restricted stock as multiple separate awards by recording compensation expense separately for each tranche whereby a substantial portion of the expense is recognized in the earlier years in the requisite service period. Dividends are accrued and paid during the vesting period and, therefore, are included in the fair value calculation. The expected life of the restricted stock is based on the non-vested period since inception of the three-year award cycle. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to the Company's restricted stock.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to OGE Energy by the weighted average number of the Company's common shares outstanding during the period. In the calculation of diluted earnings per share, weighted average shares outstanding are increased for additional shares that would be outstanding if potentially dilutive securities were converted to common stock. Potentially dilutive securities for the Company consist of performance units.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Postretirement Benefit Plans

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain medical and life insurance benefits for eligible retired members. Regular, full-time, active employees hired prior to February 1, 2000 whose age and years of credited service total or exceed 80 or have attained at least age 55 with 10 or more years of service at the time of retirement are entitled to postretirement medical benefits while employees hired on or after February 1, 2000 are not entitled to postretirement medical benefits. Eligible retirees must contribute such amount as the Company specifies from time to time toward the cost of coverage for postretirement benefits. The benefits are subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. OG&E charges to expense the postretirement benefit costs and includes an annual amount as a component of the cost-of-service in future ratemaking proceedings.

The three levels defined in the fair value hierarchy and examples of each are as follows:

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities that are accessible by the Pension Plan at the measurement date. Instruments classified as Level 1 include investments in common and preferred stocks, U.S. treasury notes and bonds, mutual funds and interest-bearing cash.

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable at the reporting date for the asset or liability for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Instruments classified as Level 2 include corporate fixed income and other securities, mortgage-backed securities, other U.S. Government obligations, commingled fund, a common/collective trust, U.S. municipal bonds, foreign government bonds, a repurchase agreement, money market fund and forward contracts.

Level 3 inputs are prices or valuation techniques for the asset or liability that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). Unobservable inputs reflect the Plan's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).

Rate Assumptions



	Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan						Postretirement Benefit Plans
Year ended December 31	2013		2012		2011		2013		2012		2011
Discount rate	4.60	%	3.70	%	4.50	%	4.60	%	3.60	%	4.50	%
Rate of return on plans' assets	8.00	%	8.00	%	8.00	%	4.00	%	4.00	%	6.50	%
Compensation increases	4.20	%	4.20	%	4.40	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Assumed health care cost trend:
Initial trend	N/A		N/A		N/A		8.35	%	8.55	%	8.75	%
Ultimate trend rate	N/A		N/A		N/A		4.48	%	4.48	%	4.48	%
Ultimate trend year	N/A		N/A		N/A		2028		2028		2028

N/A - not applicable

The overall expected rate of return on plan assets assumption remained at 8.00 percent in 2012 and 2013 in determining net periodic benefit cost due to recent returns on the Company's long-term investment portfolio. The rate of return on plan assets assumption is the average long-term rate of earnings expected on the funds currently invested and to be invested for the purpose of providing benefits specified by the Pension Plan or postretirement benefit plans. This assumption is reexamined at least annually and updated as necessary. The rate of return on plan assets assumption reflects a combination of historical return analysis, forward-looking return expectations and the plans' current and expected asset allocation.

Post-Employment Benefit Plan

Disabled employees receiving benefits from the Company's Group Long-Term Disability Plan are entitled to continue participating in the Company's Medical Plan along with their dependents. The post-employment benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of estimated future medical benefits that are attributed to employee service rendered prior to the date as of which such information is presented. The obligation also includes future medical benefits expected to be paid to current employees participating in the Company's Group Long-Term Disability Plan and their dependents, as defined in the Company's Medical Plan.

The post-employment benefit obligation is determined by an actuary on a basis similar to the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. The estimated future medical benefits are projected to grow with expected future medical cost trend rates and are discounted for interest at the discount rate and for the probability that the participant will discontinue receiving benefits from the Company's Group Long-Term Disability Plan due to death, recovery from disability, or eligibility for retiree medical benefits. The Company's post-employment benefit obligation was $1.6 million and $2.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan

Employees hired or rehired on or after December 1, 2009 do not participate in the Pension Plan but are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan where, for each pay period, the Company contributes to the 401(k) Plan, on behalf of each participant, 200 percent of the participant's contributions up to five percent of compensation.

It is the Company's policy to fund the Pension Plan on a current basis based on the net periodic pension expense as determined by the Company's actuarial consultants. During both 2013 and 2012, OGE Energy made contributions to its Pension Plan of $35 million to help ensure that the Pension Plan maintains an adequate funded status. Such contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. During 2014, OGE Energy expects to contribute up to $26 million to its Pension Plan. The expected contribution to the Pension Plan during 2014 would be a discretionary contribution, anticipated to be in the form of cash, and is not required to satisfy the minimum regulatory funding requirement specified by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. OGE Energy could be required to make additional contributions if the value of its pension trust and postretirement benefit plan trust assets are adversely impacted by a major market disruption in the future.

In accordance with ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits," a one-time settlement charge is required to be recorded by an organization when lump sum payments or other settlements that relieve the organization from the responsibility for the pension benefit obligation during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the organization’s net periodic pension cost. During 2013, the Company experienced an increase in both the number of employees electing to retire and the amount of lump sum payments to be paid to such employees upon retirement. As a result, and based in part on the Company’s historical experience regarding eligible employees who elect to retire in the last quarter of a particular year, the Company recorded pension settlement charges of $22.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2013, of which $17.0 million related to OG&E’s Oklahoma jurisdiction and has been included in the pension tracker. The pension settlement charge did not require a cash outlay by the Company and did not increase the Company’s total pension expense over time, as the charges were an acceleration of costs that otherwise would be recognized as pension expense in future periods.

The postretirement benefit plans Level 3 investment includes an investment in a group retiree medical insurance contract. The unobservable input included in the valuation of the contract includes the approach for determining the allocation of the postretirement benefit plans pro-rata share of the total assets in the contract.

The Company provides a Restoration of Retirement Income Plan to those participants in the Company's Pension Plan whose benefits are subject to certain limitations of the Code. Participants in the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan receive the same benefits that they would have received under the Company's Pension Plan in the absence of limitations imposed by the Federal tax laws. The Restoration of Retirement Income Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan.

Plan Investments, Policies and Strategies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Plan Investments, Policies and Strategies

The Pension Plan assets are held in a trust which follows an investment policy and strategy designed to reduce the funded status volatility of the Plan by utilizing liability driven investing. The purpose of liability driven investing is to structure the asset portfolio to more closely resemble the pension liability and thereby more effectively hedge against changes in the liability. The investment policy follows a glide path approach that shifts a higher portfolio weighting to fixed income as the Plan's funded status increases. The table below sets forth the targeted fixed income and equity allocations at different funded status levels.



Projected Benefit Obligation Funded Status Thresholds	<90%	95%	100%	105%	110%	115%	120%
Fixed income	50%	58%	65%	73%	80%	85%	90%
Equity	50%	42%	35%	27%	20%	15%	10%
Total	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%

Within the portfolio's overall allocation to equities, the funds are allocated according to the guidelines in the table below.



Asset Class	Target Allocation	Minimum	Maximum
Domestic All-Cap/Large Cap Equity	50%	50%	60%
Domestic Mid-Cap Equity	15%	5%	25%
Domestic Small-Cap Equity	15%	5%	25%
International Equity	20%	10%	30%

The Company has retained an investment consultant responsible for the general investment oversight, analysis, monitoring investment guideline compliance and providing quarterly reports to certain of the Company's members and the Company's Investment Committee. The various investment managers used by the trust operate within the general operating objectives as established in the investment policy and within the specific guidelines established for each investment manager's respective portfolio.

The portfolio is rebalanced on an annual basis to bring the asset allocations of various managers in line with the target asset allocation listed above. More frequent rebalancing may occur if there are dramatic price movements in the financial markets which may cause the trust's exposure to any asset class to exceed or fall below the established allowable guidelines.

To evaluate the progress of the portfolio, investment performance is reviewed quarterly. It is, however, expected that performance goals will be met over a full market cycle, normally defined as a three to five year period. Analysis of performance is within the context of the prevailing investment environment and the advisors' investment style. The goal of the trust is to provide a rate of return consistently from three percent to five percent over the rate of inflation (as measured by the national Consumer Price Index) on a fee adjusted basis over a typical market cycle of no less than three years and no more than five years. Each investment manager is expected to outperform its respective benchmark. Below is a list of each asset class utilized with appropriate comparative benchmark(s) each manager is evaluated against:



Asset Class	Comparative Benchmark(s)
Core Fixed Income	Barclays Capital Aggregate Index
Interest Rate Sensitive Fixed Income	Barclays Capital Aggregate Index
Long Duration Fixed Income	Barclays Long Government/Credit
Equity Index	Standard & Poor's 500 Index
All-Cap Equity	Russell 3000 Index
	Russell 3000 Value Index
Mid-Cap Equity	Russell Midcap Index
	Russell Midcap Value Index
Small-Cap Equity	Russell 2000 Index
	Russell 2000 Value Index
International Equity	Morgan Stanley Capital Investment ACWI ex-US

The fixed income manager is expected to use discretion over the asset mix of the trust assets in its efforts to maximize risk-adjusted performance. Exposure to any single issuer, other than the U.S. government, its agencies, or its instrumentalities (which have no limits) is limited to five percent of the fixed income portfolio as measured by market value. At least 75 percent of the invested assets must possess an investment grade rating at or above Baa3 or BBB- by Moody's Investors Services, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or Fitch Ratings. The portfolio may invest up to 10 percent of the portfolio's market value in convertible bonds as long as the securities purchased meet the quality guidelines. The purchase of any of the Company's equity, debt or other securities is prohibited.

The domestic value equity managers focus on stocks that the manager believes are undervalued in price and earn an average or less than average return on assets, and often pays out higher than average dividend payments. The domestic growth equity manager will invest primarily in growth companies which consistently experience above average growth in earnings and sales, earn a high return on assets, and reinvest cash flow into existing business. The domestic mid-cap equity portfolio manager focuses on companies with market capitalizations lower than the average company traded on the public exchanges with the following characteristics: price/earnings ratio at or near the Russell Midcap Index, small dividend yield, return on equity at or near the Russell Midcap Index and an earnings per share growth rate at or near the Russell Midcap Index. The domestic small-cap equity manager will purchase shares of companies with market capitalizations lower than the average company traded on the public exchanges with the following characteristics: price/earnings ratio at or near the Russell 2000, small dividend yield, return on equity at or near the Russell 2000 and an earnings per share growth rate at or near the Russell 2000. The international global equity manager invests primarily in non-dollar denominated equity securities. Investing internationally diversifies the overall trust across the global equity markets. The manager is required to operate under certain restrictions including: regional constraints, diversification requirements and percentage of U.S. securities. The Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World ex-US Index is the benchmark for comparative performance purposes. The Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World ex-US Index is a market value weighted index designed to measure the combined equity market performance of developed and emerging markets countries, excluding the United States. All of the equities which are purchased for the international portfolio are thoroughly researched. Only companies with a market capitalization in excess of $100 million are allowable. No more than five percent of the portfolio can be invested in any one stock at the time of purchase. All securities are freely traded on a recognized stock exchange and there are no 144-A securities and no over-the-counter derivatives. The following investment categories are excluded: options (other than traded currency options), commodities, futures (other than currency futures or currency hedging), short sales/margin purchases, private placements, unlisted securities and real estate (but not real estate shares).

For all domestic equity investment managers, no more than eight percent (five percent for mid-cap and small-cap equity managers) can be invested in any one stock at the time of purchase and no more than 16 percent (10 percent for mid-cap and small-cap equity managers) after accounting for price appreciation. Options or financial futures may not be purchased unless prior approval of the Company's Investment Committee is received. The purchase of securities on margin is prohibited as is securities lending. Private placement or venture capital may not be purchased. All interest and dividend payments must be swept on a daily basis into a short-term money market fund for re-deployment. The purchase of any of the Company's equity, debt or other securities is prohibited. The purchase of equity or debt issues of the portfolio manager's organization is also prohibited. The aggregate positions in any company may not exceed one percent of the fair market value of its outstanding stock.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Nonpension Benefits, Policy [Policy Text Block]

401(k) Plan

The Company provides a 401(k) Plan. Each regular full-time employee of the Company or a participating affiliate is eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan immediately. All other employees of the Company or a participating affiliate are eligible to become participants in the 401(k) Plan after completing one year of service as defined in the 401(k) Plan. Participants may contribute each pay period any whole percentage between two percent and 19 percent of their compensation, as defined in the 401(k) Plan, for that pay period. Participants who have attained age 50 before the close of a year are allowed to make additional contributions referred to as "Catch-Up Contributions," subject to certain limitations of the Code. Participants may designate, at their discretion, all or any portion of their contributions as: (i) a before-tax contribution under Section 401(k) of the Code subject to the limitations thereof; or (ii) a contribution made on an after-tax basis. The 401(k) Plan also includes an eligible automatic contribution arrangement and provides for a qualified default investment alternative consistent with the U.S. Department of Labor regulations. Participants may elect, in accordance with the 401(k) Plan procedures, to have his or her future salary deferral rate to be automatically increased annually on a date and in an amount as specified by the participant in such election.

No Company contributions are made with respect to a participant's Catch-Up Contributions, rollover contributions, or with respect to a participant's contributions based on overtime payments, pay-in-lieu of overtime for exempt personnel, special lump-sum recognition awards and lump-sum merit awards included in compensation for determining the amount of participant contributions. Once made, the Company's contribution may be directed to any available investment option in the 401(k) Plan. The Company match contributions vest over a three-year period. After two years of service, participants become 20 percent vested in their Company contribution account and become fully vested on completing three years of service. In addition, participants fully vest when they are eligible for normal or early retirement under the Pension Plan, in the event of their termination due to death or permanent disability or upon attainment of age 65 while employed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company contributed $14.2 million, $13.4 million and $12.3 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to the 401(k) Plan.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company provides a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which is intended to be an unfunded plan. The plan's primary purpose is to provide a tax-deferred capital accumulation vehicle for a select group of management, highly compensated employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors of the Company and to supplement such employees' 401(k) Plan contributions as well as offering this plan to be competitive in the marketplace.

Eligible employees who enroll in the plan have the following deferral options: (i) eligible employees may elect to defer up to a maximum of 70 percent of base salary and 100 percent of annual bonus awards or (ii) eligible employees may elect a deferral percentage of base salary and bonus awards based on the deferral percentage elected for a year under the 401(k) Plan with such deferrals to start when maximum deferrals to the qualified 401(k) Plan have been made because of limitations in that plan. Eligible directors who enroll in the plan may elect to defer up to a maximum of 100 percent of directors' meeting fees and annual retainers. The Company matches employee (but not non-employee director) deferrals to make up for any match lost in the 401(k) Plan because of deferrals to the deferred compensation plan, and to allow for a match that would have been made under the 401(k) Plan on that portion of either the first six percent of total compensation or the first five percent of total compensation, depending on the option the participant elected under the choice provided to eligible employees in the qualified 401(k) Plan discussed above, deferred that exceeds the limits allowed in the 401(k) Plan. Matching credits vest based on years of service, with full vesting after three years or, if earlier, on retirement, disability, death, a change in control of the Company or termination of the plan. Deferrals, plus any Company match, are credited to a recordkeeping account in the participant's name. Earnings on the deferrals are indexed to the assumed investment funds selected by the participant. In 2013, those investment options included a Company Common Stock fund, whose value was determined based on the stock price of the Company's Common Stock. The Company accounts for the contributions related to the Company's executive officers in this plan as Accrued Benefit Obligations and the Company accounts for the contributions related to the Company's directors in this plan as Other Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The investment associated with these contributions is accounted for as Other Property and Investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The appreciation of these investments is accounted for as Other Income and the increase in the liability under the plan is accounted for as Other Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

The Company provides a supplemental executive retirement plan in order to attract and retain lateral hires or other executives designated by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors who may not otherwise qualify for a sufficient level of benefits under the Company's Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan. The supplemental executive retirement plan is intended to be an unfunded plan and not subject to the benefit limitations of the Code.