Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Organization

OGE Energy is a holding company with investments in energy and energy services providers offering physical delivery and related services for electricity in Oklahoma and western Arkansas and natural gas, crude oil and NGLs across the U.S. OGE Energy conducts these activities through two business segments: (i) electric utility and (ii) natural gas midstream operations. The accounts of OGE Energy and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including OG&E, are included in OGE Energy's consolidated financial statements. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in such consolidation. OGE Energy generally uses the equity method of accounting for investments where its ownership interest is between 20 percent and 50 percent and it lacks the power to direct activities that most significantly impact economic performance.

Electric Utility Operations. OGE Energy's electric utility operations are conducted through OG&E, which generates, transmits, distributes and sells electric energy in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. OG&E's rates 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 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OGE Energy. OG&E is the largest electric utility in Oklahoma, and its franchised service territory includes Fort Smith, Arkansas and the surrounding communities. OG&E sold its retail natural gas business in 1928 and is no longer engaged in the natural gas distribution business.

Natural Gas Midstream Operations. In February 2021, Enable entered into a definitive merger agreement with Energy Transfer, pursuant to which all outstanding common units of Enable were to be acquired by Energy Transfer in an all-equity transaction. The transaction closed on December 2, 2021, and under the terms of the merger agreement, OGE Energy received 95,389,721 common units of Energy Transfer for OGE Energy’s 110,982,805 common units of Enable. As part of the transaction, Energy Transfer also acquired the general partner interests of Enable from OGE Energy and CenterPoint for cash consideration. Upon the transaction closing, OGE Energy owned approximately three percent of Energy Transfer's outstanding limited partner units in lieu of the 25.5 percent interest in Enable that it previously owned. For periods prior to December 2, 2021, OGE Energy's natural gas midstream operations segment represented OGE Energy's investment in Enable, which OGE Energy accounted for as an equity method investment. Formed in 2013, Enable was primarily engaged in the business of gathering, processing, transporting and storing natural gas primarily in the south central U.S. For further discussion regarding

Enable's business, see OGE Energy's 2020 Form 10-K. Upon the closing of the Energy Transfer and Enable merger, OGE Energy's natural gas midstream operations segment represents OGE Energy's investment in Energy Transfer's equity securities and legacy Enable seconded employee pension and postretirement costs. The investment in Energy Transfer's equity securities is held through wholly-owned subsidiaries and ultimately OGE Holdings. At December 31, 2021, OGE energy owned 95.4 million, or approximately three percent, of Energy Transfer's limited partner units. OGE Energy does not have significant influence over Energy Transfer, as OGE Energy does not own general partner units in or have board representation at Energy Transfer. As such, OGE Energy accounts for its investment in Energy Transfer as an investment in equity securities, as further discussed under "Investment in Equity Securities of Energy Transfer" below. OGE Energy intends to exit the midstream segment in a prudent manner.

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 incurred 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 incurred costs and obligations as regulatory assets or liabilities if, based on regulatory orders or other available evidence, it is probable that the costs or obligations 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 or liabilities, which could have significant financial effects.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

In preparing the 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes to these assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on the Registrants' financial statements. However, the Registrants believe they have taken reasonable positions where assumptions and estimates are used in order to minimize the negative financial impact to the Registrants that could result if actual results vary from the assumptions and estimates. In management's opinion, the areas where the most significant judgment is exercised include the determination of Pension Plan assumptions, income taxes, contingency reserves, asset retirement obligations, regulatory assets and liabilities, unbilled revenues and the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the financial statements, the Registrants consider all highly liquid investments 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

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 generally calculated by multiplying the last six months of electric revenue by the provision rate, which is based on a 12-month historical average of actual balances written off and is adjusted for current conditions and supportable forecasts as necessary. To the extent the historical collection rates, when incorporating forecasted conditions, are not representative of future collections, there could be an effect on the amount of uncollectible expense recognized, such as in response to COVID-19 impacts. 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 is a reduction to Accounts Receivable in the balance sheets and is included in Other Operation and Maintenance Expense in the statements of income. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable was $2.4 million and $2.6 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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 $40.6 million and $36.5 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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 net of any salvage proceeds 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 statements of income as Other Expense. Repair and replacement of minor items of property are included in the 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 2.6 percent of the average depreciable utility plant for both 2021 and 2020, is calculated using the 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 2022, the provision for depreciation is projected to be 2.6 percent of the average depreciable utility plant.

Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method. Of the remaining amortizable intangible plant balance at December 31, 2021, 99.1 percent will be amortized over 10.4 years with the remaining 0.9 percent of the intangible plant balance at December 31, 2021 being amortized over 23.7 years.  

Amortization of plant acquisition adjustments is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining service life of the acquired assets. Plant acquisition adjustments include $148.3 million for the Redbud Plant, which is being amortized over a 27 year life, and $3.3 million for certain transmission substation facilities in OG&E's service territory, which is being amortized over a 37 to 59 year period.

Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block]

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Prior to December 2, 2021, OGE Energy's investment in Enable was considered to be a variable interest entity because the owners of the equity at risk in the entity had 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 was not considered the primary beneficiary of Enable since it did not have the power to direct the activities of Enable that are considered most significant to the economic performance of Enable; therefore, OGE Energy accounted for its investment in Enable using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment was adjusted each period for contributions made, distributions received and OGE Energy's share of the investee's comprehensive income as adjusted for basis differences.

OGE Energy considered distributions received from Enable which did not exceed cumulative equity in earnings subsequent to the date of investment to be a return on investment and are classified as operating activities in the statements of cash flows. OGE Energy considered distributions received from Enable in excess of cumulative equity in earnings subsequent to the date of investment to be a return of investment and are classified as investing activities in the statements of cash flows.

Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block]

Asset Retirement ObligationsOG&E has asset retirement obligations primarily associated with the removal of company-owned wind turbines on leased land, as well as the removal of asbestos from certain power generating stations. OG&E has recorded asset retirement obligations that are being accreted over their respective lives ranging from five to 68 years. Asset retirement obligations are included in Other Deferred Credits in the Registrants' balance sheets.

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

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

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 statements of income and as an increase to Construction Work in Progress in the balance sheets. Allowance for funds used during construction is calculated according to the FERC requirements for the imputed cost of equity and borrowed funds. Allowance for funds used during construction rates, compounded semi-annually, were 7.4 percent, 7.3 percent and 7.6 percent for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, 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 recognizes revenue from electric sales when power is delivered to customers. The performance obligation to deliver electricity is generally created and satisfied simultaneously, and the provisions of the regulatory-approved tariff determine the charges OG&E may bill the customer, payment due date and other pertinent rights and obligations of both parties. OG&E measures its customers' metered usage 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. OG&E accrues an estimate of the revenues for electric sales delivered since the latest billings. Unbilled revenue is presented in Accrued Unbilled Revenues in the balance sheets and in Revenues from Contracts with Customers in the 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.

Integrated Market and Transmission

OG&E currently owns and operates transmission and generation facilities as part of a vertically integrated utility. OG&E is a member of the SPP regional transmission organization and has transferred operational authority, but not ownership, of OG&E's transmission facilities to the SPP. The SPP has implemented FERC-approved regional day-ahead and real-time markets for energy and operating services, as well as associated transmission congestion rights. Collectively, the three markets operate together under the global name, SPP Integrated Marketplace. OG&E represents owned and contracted generation assets and customer load in the SPP Integrated Marketplace for the sole benefit of its customers. OG&E has not participated in the SPP Integrated Marketplace for any speculative trading activities.

OG&E records the SPP Integrated Marketplace transactions as sales or purchases per FERC Order 668, which requires that purchases and sales be recorded on a net basis for each settlement period of the SPP Integrated Marketplace. Purchases and sales are based on the fixed transaction price determined by the market at the time of the purchase or sale and the MWh quantity purchased or sold. These results are reported as Revenues from Contracts with Customers or Fuel, Purchased Power and Direct Transmission Expense in the statements of income. OG&E revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities may be adversely affected by changes in the organization, operating and regulation by the FERC or the SPP.

OG&E's transmission revenues are generated by the use of OG&E's transmission network by the SPP, which operates the network, on behalf of other transmission owners. OG&E recognizes revenue on the sale of transmission service to its customers over time as the service is provided in the amount OG&E has a right to invoice. Transmission service to the SPP is billed monthly based on a fixed transaction price determined by OG&E's FERC-approved formula transmission rates along with other SPP-specific charges and the megawatt quantity reserved.

Other Revenues

Other Revenues in the statements of income is comprised of certain rider revenue that includes alternative revenue measures as defined in ASC 980, "Regulated Operations," which details two types of alternative revenue programs. The first type adjusts billings for the effects of weather abnormalities or broad external factors or to compensate OG&E for demand-side

management initiatives (i.e., no-growth plans and similar conservation efforts). The second type provides for additional billings (i.e., incentive awards) for the achievement of certain objectives, such as reducing costs, reaching specified milestones or demonstratively improving customer service. Once the specific events permitting billing of the additional revenues under either program type have been completed, OG&E recognizes the additional revenues if (i) the program is established by an order from OG&E's regulatory commission that allows for automatic adjustment of future rates; (ii) the amount of additional revenues for the period is objectively determinable and is probable of recovery; and (iii) the additional revenues will be collected within 24 months following the end of the annual period in which they are recognized.

Fuel Adjustment Clauses, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fuel Adjustment Clauses

The actual cost of fuel used in electric generation and certain purchased power costs are generally recoverable from OG&E's customers through fuel adjustment clauses. The fuel adjustment clauses are subject to periodic review by the OCC and the APSC.

Actual fuel costs from Winter Storm Uri are recoverable from OG&E's customers through securitization of regulatory assets. Both the OCC and the APSC allowed OG&E to create a regulatory asset for each jurisdictional portion of all deferred costs, as further discussed above within "Accounting Records." For additional information on Oklahoma securitization, see Note 16.

Lessee, Leases

LeasesThe Registrants evaluate all contracts under ASC 842 to determine if the contract is or contains a lease and to determine classification as an operating or finance lease. If a lease is identified, the Registrants recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability in their balance sheets. The Registrants recognize and measure a lease liability when they conclude the contract contains an identified asset that the Registrants control through having the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits and the right to direct the use of the identified asset. The liability is equal to the present value of lease payments, and the asset is based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. Further, the Registrants utilize an incremental borrowing rate for purposes of measuring lease liabilities, if the discount rate is not implicit in the lease. To calculate the incremental borrowing rate, the Registrants start with a current pricing report for their senior unsecured notes, which indicates rates for periods reflective of the lease term, and adjust for the effects of collateral to arrive at the secured incremental borrowing rate. As permitted by ASC 842, the Registrants made an accounting policy election to not apply the balance sheet recognition requirements to short-term leases and to not separate lease components from non-lease components when recognizing and measuring lease liabilities. For income statement purposes, the Registrants record operating lease expense on a straight-line basis.

Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

OGE Energy files consolidated income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. OG&E is a part of the consolidated tax return of OGE Energy. Income taxes are generally allocated to each company in the affiliated group, including OG&E, based on its stand-alone taxable income or loss. Federal investment tax credits previously claimed on electric utility property have been deferred and will be amortized to income over the life of the related property. The Registrants use 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 Registrants recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in Interest Expense and recognize penalties in Other Expense in the statements of income.

Accrued Vacation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accrued Vacation

The Registrants accrue 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.

Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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. OG&E had $25.8 million and $25.0 million in accrued environmental liabilities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are included in OG&E's asset retirement obligations.

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

Fair Value Measurements

The classification of the Registrants' fair value measurements requires judgment regarding the degree to which market data is 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 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.

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.  

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).

OG&E had no financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2021 and 2020.

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

Performance Units

Under the Stock Incentive Plan, OGE Energy has issued performance units which represent the value of one share of OGE Energy's common stock. The performance units provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan). Each performance unit is subject to forfeiture if the recipient terminates employment with OGE Energy or a subsidiary prior to the end of the primarily 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 Registrants estimate expected forfeitures in accounting for performance unit compensation expense.

The performance units granted based on total shareholder return are contingently awarded and will be payable in shares of OGE Energy's common stock subject to the condition that the number of performance units, if any, earned by the employees upon the expiration of a primarily three-year award cycle (i.e., three-year cliff vesting period) is dependent on OGE Energy's total shareholder return ranking relative to a peer group of companies. The performance units granted based on earnings per share were contingently awarded and will be payable in shares of OGE Energy's common stock based on OGE Energy's earnings per share growth over a primarily 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 OGE Energy's Board of Directors. All of these performance units are classified as equity in the balance sheets. 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 OGE Energy'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 primarily three-year award cycle regardless of whether performance units are awarded at the end of the award cycle. Dividends are accrued on a quarterly basis pending achievement of payout criteria and are included in the fair value calculations. Expected price volatility is based on the historical volatility of OGE Energy's common stock for the past three years and is 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 OGE Energy's performance units based on total shareholder return.Performance Units – Earnings Per ShareIn 2019, the Compensation Committee of OGE Energy's Board of Directors voted to grant restricted stock units in lieu of performance units based on earnings per share. The last outstanding grant of performance units based on earnings per share paid out during 2021. Prior to payout, OGE Energy reassessed at each reporting date whether achievement of the performance condition was probable and accrued compensation expense if and when achievement of the performance condition was probable. As a result, the compensation expense recognized for these performance units varied from period to period. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to OGE Energy's performance units based on earnings per share.

Restricted Stock Units

Under the Stock Incentive Plan, OGE Energy has issued restricted stock units to certain existing non-officer employees as well as other executives upon hire to attract and retain individuals to be competitive in the marketplace, and as of the 2019 grant cycle, restricted stock units are granted in lieu of performance units based on earnings per share. The restricted stock units vest primarily in a three-year award cycle (i.e., three-year cliff vesting period). Prior to vesting, each restricted stock unit is subject to forfeiture if the recipient ceases to render substantial services to OGE Energy or a subsidiary. These restricted stock units may not be sold, assigned, transferred or pledged and are subject to a risk of forfeiture.

The fair value of the restricted stock units was based on the closing market price of OGE Energy's common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense for the restricted stock units is a fixed amount determined at the grant date fair value and is recognized as services are rendered by employees over a primarily three-year vesting period. Also, for those restricted stock units that vest in one-third annual increments over a three-year cycle, OGE Energy treats its restricted stock units 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 will only be paid on restricted stock unit awards that vest; therefore, only the present value of dividends expected to vest are included in the fair value calculations. The expected life of the restricted stock units is based on the non-vested period since inception of the primarily three-year award cycle. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to OGE Energy's restricted stock units.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to OGE Energy by the weighted average number of OGE Energy's common shares outstanding during the period. In the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) 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 OGE Energy consist of performance units and restricted stock units.

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

Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan

It is OGE Energy's policy to fund the Pension Plan on a current basis based on the net periodic pension expense as determined by OGE Energy's actuarial consultants. 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. OGE Energy made a $40.0 million and $20.0 million contribution to its Pension Plan in 2021 and 2020, of which $30.0 million and $10.0 million was attributed to OG&E in 2021 and 2020, respectively. OGE Energy does not expect it will need to make any contributions to the Pension Plan in 2022. Any contribution to the Pension Plan during 2022 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.

OGE Energy provides a Restoration of Retirement Income Plan to those participants in OGE Energy'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 OGE Energy'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.

OG&E's employees participate in OGE Energy's Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan.

As defined in the fair value hierarchy, 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. 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. 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).

Postretirement Benefit Plans

In addition to providing pension benefits, OGE Energy 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 OGE Energy 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 postretirement benefit costs to expense and includes an annual amount as a component of the cost-of-service in future ratemaking proceedings.

The group retiree medical insurance contract invests in a pool of common stocks, bonds and money market accounts, of which a significant portion is comprised of mortgage-backed securities. 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.

Postemployment Benefit Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Post-Employment Benefit Plan

Disabled employees receiving benefits from OGE Energy's Group Long-Term Disability Plan are entitled to continue participating in OGE Energy'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 Group Long-Term Disability Plan and their dependents, as defined in OGE Energy'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 OGE Energy's Group Long-Term Disability Plan due to death, recovery from disability or eligibility for retiree medical benefits. OGE Energy's post-employment benefit obligation was $2.0 million and $2.2 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $1.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, was OG&E's portion of the obligation.

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

Pension 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 following table presents 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 following table.

Asset Class	Target Allocation	Minimum	Maximum
Domestic Large Cap Equity	40%	35%	60%
Domestic Mid-Cap Equity	15%	5%	25%
Domestic Small-Cap Equity	25%	5%	30%
International Equity	20%	10%	30%

OGE Energy has retained an investment consultant responsible for the general investment oversight, analysis, monitoring investment guideline compliance and providing quarterly reports to certain of the Registrants' members and OGE Energy'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 at least 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. 

The following table presents a list of each asset class utilized with appropriate comparative benchmark(s) each manager is evaluated against and the focus of the asset class.

Asset Class	Comparative Benchmark(s)	Focus of Asset Class
Active Duration Fixed Income (A)(B)	Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate	l Maximize risk-adjusted performance while     providing long bond exposure managed according     to the manager's forecast on interest rates. l All invested assets must reach at or above Baa3 or     BBB- investment grade. l Limited five percent exposure to any single issuer,     except the U.S. Government or affiliates.
Long Duration Fixed Income (A)(B)	Duration blended Barclays Long Government/Credit & Barclays Universal	l Maximize risk-adjusted performance. l At least 75 percent of invested assets much reach at     or above Baaa3 or BBB- investment grade. l Limited five percent exposure to any single issuer,     except the U.S. Government or affiliates. l May invest up to 10 percent of the market value in     convertible bonds as long as quality guidelines are     met. l May invest up to 15 percent of the market value in     private placement, including 144A securities with     or without registration rights and allow for futures     to be traded in the portfolio.
Equity Index (B)(C)	Standard & Poor's 500 Index	l Focus on replicating the performance of the S&P     500 Index.

Mid-Cap Equity (B)(C)	Russell Midcap Index Russell Midcap Value Index	l Focus on undervalued stocks expected to earn     average return and pay out higher than average     dividends. l Invest in companies with market capitalizations     lower than average company on public exchanges: l Price/earnings ratio at or near referenced     index; l Small dividend yield and return on equity     at or near referenced index; and l Earnings per share growth rate at or near     referenced index.
Small-Cap Equity (B)(C)	Russell 2000 Index Russell 2000 Value Index
International Equity (D)	Morgan Stanley Capital International ACWI ex-U.S.	l Invest in non-dollar denominated equity securities. l Diversify the overall trust investments.

(A)Investment grades are by Moody's Investors Service, S&P Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings.

(B)The purchase of any of OGE Energy's equity, debt or other securities is prohibited.

(C)No more than five percent can be invested in any one stock at the time of purchase and no more than 10 percent after accounting for price appreciation. Options or financial futures may not be purchased unless prior approval from OGE Energy's Investment Committee is received. The purchase of securities on margin, securities lending, private placement purchases and venture capital purchases are prohibited. The aggregate positions in any company may not exceed one percent of the fair market value of its outstanding stock.

(D)The manager of this asset class is required to operate under certain restrictions including regional constraints, diversification requirements and percentage of U.S. securities. All securities are freely traded on a recognized stock exchange, and there are 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).

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

401(k) Plan

OGE Energy provides a 401(k) Plan, and each regular full-time employee of OGE Energy or a participating affiliate is eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan immediately upon hire. All other employees of OGE Energy 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 reached 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, (ii) a contribution made on a non-Roth after-tax basis or (iii) a Roth contribution. 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 their future salary deferral rate to be automatically increased annually on a date and in an amount as specified by the participant in such election. For employees hired or rehired on or after December 1, 2009, OGE Energy contributes to the 401(k) Plan, on behalf of each participant, 200 percent of the participant's contributions up to five percent of compensation.

No OGE Energy 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, OGE Energy's contribution may be directed to any available investment option in the 401(k) Plan. OGE Energy match contributions vest over a three-year period. After two years of service, participants become 20 percent vested in their OGE Energy 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 requirements, in the event of their termination due to death or permanent disability or upon attainment of age 65 while employed by OGE Energy or its affiliates. OGE Energy contributed $15.4 million, $18.2 million and $14.4 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, to the 401(k) Plan, of which $12.0 million, $14.3 million and $11.0 million, respectively, related to OG&E.

Deferred Compensation Plan

OGE Energy 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 OGE Energy's Board of Directors 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. OGE Energy 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 prior participant elections, 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 OGE Energy or termination of the plan. Deferrals, plus any OGE Energy 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 2021, those investment options included an OGE Energy Common Stock fund, whose value was determined based on the stock price of OGE Energy's Common Stock. OGE Energy accounts for the contributions related to its executive officers in this plan as Accrued Benefit Obligations and accounts for the contributions related to OGE Energy's directors in this plan as Other Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities in the balance sheets. The investment associated with these contributions is accounted for as Other Property and Investments in the 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 statements of income.