OGE Oge Energy Corp. - 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In the discussion of risk factors set forth below, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "we," "our" and "us" refer to the Registrants. In addition to the other information in this Form 10-K and other documents filed by us and/or our subsidiaries with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, the following factors should be carefully considered in evaluating OGE Energy and its subsidiaries. Such factors could affect actual results and cause results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us or our subsidiaries. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently view as immaterial may also impair our business operations.

The Registrants are subject to a variety of risks which can be classified as regulatory, operational, financial and general. Risk factors of OG&E are also risk factors of OGE Energy.

REGULATORY RISKS

The Registrants' profitability depends to a large extent on the ability of OG&E to fully recover its costs, including its cost of capital, from its customers in a timely manner, and there may be changes in the regulatory environment that impair its ability to recover costs from its customers.

OG&E is subject to comprehensive regulation by several federal and state regulatory agencies, which significantly influences its operating environment and its ability to fully recover its costs, including its cost of capital, from customers. Recoverability of any under recovered amounts from OG&E's customers due to a rise in fuel costs is a significant risk. The utility commissions in the states where OG&E operates regulate many aspects of its electric operations including siting and construction of facilities, customer service and the rates that OG&E can charge customers. The profitability of the electric operations is dependent on OG&E's ability to fully recover costs related to providing electricity and power services to its customers in a timely manner. Any failure to obtain commission approval to increase rates to fully recover costs, or a delay in the receipt of such approval, could have an adverse impact on OG&E's results of operations. In addition, OG&E's jurisdictions have fuel adjustment clauses that permit OG&E to recover fuel and purchased power costs through rates without a general rate review, subject to a later determination that such costs were prudently incurred. If the state regulatory commissions determine that such costs were not prudently incurred, recovery could be disallowed.

In recent years, the regulatory environments in which OG&E operates have received an increased amount of attention. It is possible that there could be changes in the regulatory environment that would impair OG&E's ability to fully recover costs historically paid by OG&E's customers. State regulatory commissions generally possess broad powers to ensure that the needs of the utility customers are being met. OG&E cannot assure that the OCC, APSC and the FERC will grant rate increases in the future or in the amounts requested, and they could instead lower OG&E's rates.

The Registrants are unable to predict the impact on their operating results from future regulatory activities of any of the agencies that regulate OG&E. Changes in regulations, legislation or the imposition of additional regulations or legislation could have an adverse impact on the Registrants' results of operations.

OG&E's rates are subject to rate regulation by the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas, as well as by a federal agency, whose regulatory paradigms and goals may not be consistent.

OG&E is a vertically integrated electric company. Most of its revenue results from the sale of electricity to retail customers subject to bundled rates that are approved by the applicable state regulatory commission.

OG&E operates in Oklahoma and western Arkansas and is subject to rate regulation by the OCC and the APSC, in addition to FERC regulation of its transmission activities and any wholesale sales. Exposure to inconsistent state and federal regulatory standards may limit our ability to operate profitably. Further alteration of the regulatory landscape in which we operate, including a change in the authorized cost of capital, may harm our financial position and results of operations.

Costs of compliance with environmental and other laws and regulations are significant, and the cost of compliance with future environmental and other laws and regulations may adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, waste management, wildlife conservation, natural resources and health and safety that could, among other things, restrict or limit the output of certain facilities or the use of certain fuels required for the production of electricity and/or require additional pollution control equipment and otherwise increase costs. We are also subject to SPP-related capacity methodologies which are expected to continue to impact our future capacity needs. There are significant capital, operating and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental and other statutes, rules and regulations and those costs may be even more significant in the future.

In response to recent regulatory and judicial decisions and international accords, emissions of greenhouse gases including, most significantly, CO 2 , could be restricted in the future as a result of federal or state legal requirements or litigation relating to greenhouse gas emissions. Rules from the EPA to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units under the Clean Air Act Section 111 were finalized in 2024, but the rules still might change before implementation. For example, as detailed further below, power plant-specific rules are currently under judicial review and could ultimately be upheld, modified, or overturned. In addition, legislation reflecting a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions may potentially be introduced in Congress. Any such changes, as well as any enforcement actions or judicial decisions regarding those laws and regulations, could result in significant additional compliance costs that would affect our future financial position, results of operations and cash flows if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates. Such changes also could affect the manner in which we conduct our business and could require us to make substantial additional capital expenditures or abandon certain projects.

Recent environmental regulations may also impact our plan to comply with potential additional changes to the SPP’s planning reserve margin and, as further discussed in Note 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," changes to the resource capacity accreditation methodologies for both thermal and renewable resources. Both changes may increase OG&E's generation capacity needs. We may be constrained by the ability to procure resources or labor that is needed to construct projects on time and at a reasonable price, which could significantly impact the extent to which we can successfully comply with these proposed environmental regulations and SPP requirements.

There is inherent risk of the incurrence of environmental costs and liabilities in our operations and historical industry practices. These activities are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local laws and regulations that can restrict or impact OG&E's business activities in many ways, such as restricting the way OG&E can handle or dispose of its wastes or requiring remedial action to mitigate pollution conditions that may be caused by its operations or that are attributable to former operators. OG&E may be unable to recover these costs from insurance or other regulatory mechanisms, or certain insurance may be unavailable to us. If regulations are enacted regarding any of our generating units, as listed in "Item 2. Properties," it could potentially result in stranded assets.

In addition, we may be required to make significant expenditures in connection with the investigation and remediation of alleged or actual spills, personal injury or property damage claims, and the repair, upgrade or expansion of our facilities to meet future requirements and obligations under environmental laws.

For further discussion of environmental matters that may affect the Registrants, see "Environmental Laws and Regulations" within "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

We are subject to financial risks associated with climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy.

In addition to the potential for physical risks (discussed below), climate change, and the risks related to our transition to a lower carbon economy, creates financial risk. Transition risks represent those risks related to the social and economic changes needed to shift toward a lower carbon future. These risks are often interconnected, representing policy and regulatory changes, technology and market risks, and risks to our reputation and financial performance.

Potential regulation associated with climate change legislation could pose financial risks to OGE Energy and its affiliates. Potential legislation and regulation as discussed above, could result in enforceable greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements that could lead to increased compliance costs for OGE Energy and its affiliates. Although May 2024 EPA regulations reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units for both new units and existing units are currently under judicial review, they could ultimately be upheld, modified, or overturned. For further discussion, see "Environmental Laws and Regulations"

within "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." It is unknown what the outcome, or any potential material impacts, if any, will be from the litigation or any final action by the EPA.

As we expand our cleaner energy generation asset mix, the ability to integrate renewable technologies into our operations and maintain reliability and affordability is key. The intermittency of renewables remains a critical challenge particularly as long-duration energy storage is still in development. Other technology risks include the need for significant upfront financial investments, lengthy development timelines, and the uncertainty of integration and scalability across our entire service territory.

In addition, to the extent that any climate change adversely affects the national or regional economic health through physical impacts or increased rates caused by the inclusion of additional regulatory costs, CO 2 taxes or imposed costs, OGE Energy and its affiliates may be adversely impacted. To the extent financial markets view climate change and emissions of greenhouse gases as a financial risk, this could negatively affect our ability to access capital markets or cause us to receive less than ideal terms and conditions.

In addition, we may be subject to financial risks from private party litigation relating to greenhouse gas emissions. Defense costs associated with such litigation can be significant and an adverse outcome could require substantial capital expenditures and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties or damages. Such payments or expenditures could affect results of operations, financial condition or cash flows if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.

We may not be able to recover the costs of our substantial investments in capital improvements and additions.

Our business plan calls for extensive investments in capital improvements and additions in OG&E, including modernizing existing infrastructure as well as other initiatives. Significant portions of OG&E's facilities were constructed many years ago. Older generation equipment, even if maintained in accordance with good engineering practices, may require significant capital expenditures to maintain efficiency, to comply with environmental requirements or to provide reliable operations. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and "One Big Beautiful Bill" present opportunities for federal grants, loans and tax incentives aimed at electrical infrastructure development. We have been awarded grant funds for specific projects through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and we plan to pursue additional opportunities available to us under these Acts. For awarded grants where funding has not yet been received, there is no guarantee that funding will materialize. We expect to typically be responsible for any project costs not covered by federal funding on further investments related to these Acts although there is no guarantee we will be successful in obtaining any such grants. OG&E currently provides service at rates approved by one or more regulatory commissions. If these regulatory commissions do not approve adjustments to the rates OG&E charges, it would not be able to recover the costs associated with its planned extensive investment. This could adversely affect the Registrants' financial position and results of operations. While OG&E may seek to limit the impact of any denied recovery by attempting to reduce the scope of its capital investment, there can be no assurance as to the effectiveness of any such mitigation efforts, particularly with respect to previously incurred costs and commitments.

The regional power market in which OG&E operates has changing transmission regulatory structures, which may affect the transmission assets and related revenues and expenses.

OG&E currently owns and operates transmission and generation facilities as part of a vertically integrated electric company. 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 regional day ahead and real-time markets for energy and operating reserves, 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. Our revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities may be adversely affected by changes in the organization, operation and regulation of the SPP Integrated Marketplace by the FERC or the SPP.

As a member of the SPP, OG&E is subject to risks associated with planning decisions that the SPP makes in the exercise of control over the planning of OG&E's transmission assets that are under the SPP's operational control. These risks include upward pressure on OG&E's rates arising from the potential additional cost allocation to OG&E from transmission projects of others or changes in FERC policies or regulation related to cost responsibility for transmission projects. This potential upward pressure could decrease the capacity available in OG&E's rates for other projects.

Increased competition resulting from efforts to restructure utility and energy markets or deregulation could have a significant financial and load growth impact on us and consequently impact our revenue and affordability of services.

We have been and will continue to be affected by competitive changes to the utility and energy industries. Significant changes have occurred and additional changes have been proposed to the wholesale electric market. Retail competition and the unbundling of regulated energy service could have a significant financial impact on us due to possible impairments of assets, a loss of retail customers, impact profit margins and/or increased costs of capital. Further, we regularly engage in negotiations on renewals of franchise agreements with municipal governments within our service territories. Any such restructuring could have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Further, our load growth could be impacted, which could result in an impact on the affordability of our services. We cannot predict when we will be subject to changes in legislation or regulation, nor can we predict the impact of these changes on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We are subject to substantial regulation by governmental agencies. Compliance with current and future regulatory requirements and procurement of necessary approvals, permits and certifications may result in significant costs to us.

We are subject to substantial regulation from federal, state and local regulatory agencies. We are required to comply with numerous laws and regulations and to obtain permits, approvals and certifications from the governmental agencies that regulate various aspects of our businesses, including customer rates, service regulations, retail service territories, sales of securities, asset acquisitions and sales, accounting policies and practices and the operation of generating facilities. We believe the necessary permits, approvals and certificates have been obtained for our existing operations and that our business is conducted in accordance with applicable laws; however, we are unable to predict the impact on our operating results from future regulatory activities of these agencies.

The NERC is responsible for the development and enforcement of mandatory reliability and cyber security standards for the wholesale electric power system. OG&E's plan is to comply with all applicable standards and to expediently correct a violation should it occur. As one of OG&E's regulators, the NERC has comprehensive regulations and standards related to the reliability and security of our operating systems and is continuously developing additional mandatory compliance requirements for the electric power industry. The increasing development of NERC rules and standards will increase compliance costs and our exposure for potential violations of these standards.

OPERATIONAL RISKS

Our results of operations may be impacted by disruptions to fuel supply or the electric grid that are beyond our control.

We are exposed to risks related to performance of contractual obligations by our suppliers and transporters. We are dependent on coal and natural gas for much of our electric generating capacity. We rely on suppliers to deliver coal and natural gas in accordance with short- and long-term contracts. We have certain supply and transportation contracts in place; however, there can be no assurance that the counterparties to these agreements will fulfill their obligations to supply and transport coal and natural gas to us. The suppliers and transporters under these agreements may experience financial or technical problems that inhibit their ability to fulfill their obligations to us. In addition, the suppliers and transporters under these agreements may not be required to provide the commodity or service under certain circumstances, such as in the event of a natural disaster. Deliveries may be subject to short-term interruptions or reductions due to various factors, including transportation problems, weather, availability of equipment and labor shortages. Failure or delay by our suppliers and transporters of coal and natural gas could disrupt our ability to deliver electricity and require us to incur additional expenses to meet the needs of our customers.

Additionally, due to our generation and transmission systems being part of an interconnected regional grid, we face the risk of possible loss of business due to a disruption or black-out caused by an event such as a severe storm, generator or transmission facility outage on a neighboring system or the actions of a neighboring utility. Any such disruption could result in a significant decrease in revenues and significant additional costs to repair assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

OG&E's electric generation, transmission and distribution assets are subject to operational risks that could result in unscheduled plant outages, unanticipated operation and maintenance expenses, increased purchased power costs, accidents and third-party liability.

OG&E owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered and solar-powered generating assets. Operation of electric generation, transmission and distribution assets involves risks that can adversely affect energy output and efficiency levels or that could result in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution and impairment of OG&E's operations. Included among these risks are:

increased prices for fuel, fuel transportation, purchased power and purchased capacity as existing contracts expire;

facility shutdowns due to a breakdown or failure of equipment or processes or interruptions in fuel supply;

operator or contractor error or safety related stoppages;

disruptions in the delivery of electricity;

intentional destruction of electric grid equipment; and

catastrophic events such as fires, explosions, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes or other similar occurrences.

The occurrence of any of these events, if not fully covered by insurance or if insurance is not available to us, could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. Further, when unplanned maintenance work is required on power plants or other equipment, OG&E will not only incur unexpected maintenance expenses, but it may also have to make spot market purchases of replacement electricity that could exceed OG&E's costs of generation or be forced to retire a generation unit if the cost or timing of the maintenance is not reasonable and prudent. If OG&E is unable to recover any of these increased costs in rates, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Changes in technology, regulatory policies and customer electricity consumption may cause our assets to be less competitive and impact our results of operations.

OG&E is a vertically integrated electric company and primarily generates electricity at large central facilities. We believe this method is the most efficient and cost-effective method for power delivery, as it typically results in economies of scale and lower costs than newer technologies such as fuel cells, microturbines, wind turbines and photovoltaic solar cells. It is possible that advances in technologies or changes in regulatory policies will reduce costs of new technology to levels that are equal to or below that of most central station electricity production, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. OG&E's widespread use of Smart Grid technology allowing for two-way communications between the electric company and its customers could enable the entry of technology companies into the interface between OG&E and its customers, resulting in unpredictable effects on our current business.

Reductions in customer electricity consumption, thereby reducing electric sales, could result from increased deployment of renewable energy technologies as well as increased efficiency of household appliances, among other general efficiency gains in technology. However, this potential reduction in load would not reduce our need for ongoing investments in our infrastructure to reliably serve our customers. Continued electric infrastructure investment without increased electricity sales could cause increased rates for customers, potentially resulting in further reductions in electricity sales and reduced profitability.

Weather conditions such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, ice storms, windstorms, flooding, earthquakes, prolonged droughts and the occurrence of wildfires, as well as seasonal temperature variations may adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electric power. In OG&E's service area, demand for power peaks during the hot summer months, with market prices also typically peaking at that time. As a result, overall operating results may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis. In addition, we have historically sold less power, and consequently received less revenue, when weather conditions are milder. Unusually mild weather in the future could reduce our revenues, net income, available cash and borrowing ability. Severe weather, such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, ice storms, windstorms, flooding, earthquakes, prolonged droughts and the occurrence of wildfires, may cause outages and property damage which may require us to incur additional costs that may not be adequately insured and that may not be recoverable from customers. The effect of the failure of our facilities to operate as planned, as described above, would be particularly burdensome during a peak demand period. In addition, prolonged droughts could cause a lack of sufficient water for use in cooling during the electricity generating process.

Physical risks from climate change can be considered in both acute (event-driven) and chronic (longer-term shifts in climate patterns) terms. The effects of climate change could exacerbate physical changes in weather and the extreme weather events discussed above, including prolonged droughts, rise in temperatures and more extreme weather events like wildfires and ice storms, among other weather impacts. We have observed some of these events in recent years, and the trend could continue. OG&E is committed to strengthening and securing our energy grid and infrastructure against extreme weather by upgrading physical infrastructure, deploying advanced monitoring technologies and devices, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response plans. These measures aim to ensure reliable service and rapid recovery during severe weather events. OG&E can incur significant restoration costs as a result of these weather events. If OG&E is unable to recover any of these increased costs in rates, either due to increased investments or restoration costs, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

FINANCIAL RISKS

Market performance, increased retirements, changes in retirement plan regulations and increasing costs associated with our Pension Plan, health care plans and other employee-related benefits may adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We have a Pension Plan that covers certain employees hired before December 1, 2009. We also have defined benefit postretirement plans that cover certain employees hired prior to February 1, 2000. Assumptions related to future costs, returns on investments, interest rates and other actuarial assumptions with respect to the defined benefit retirement and postretirement plans have a significant impact on our results of operations and funding requirements. We expect to make future contributions to maintain required funding levels as necessary, and it has been our practice to also make voluntary contributions to maintain more prudent funding levels than minimally required. We may continue to make voluntary contributions in the future. These amounts are estimates and may change based on actual stock market performance, changes in interest rates and any changes in governmental regulations.

If the employees who participate in the Pension Plan retire when they become eligible for retirement over the next several years, or if our plan experiences adverse market returns on its investments, or if interest rates materially fall, our pension expense and contributions to the plans could rise substantially over historical levels. The timing and number of employees retiring and selecting the lump-sum payment option could result in pension settlement charges that could materially affect our results of operations if we are unable to recover these costs through our electric rates. In addition, assumptions related to future costs, returns on investments, interest rates and other actuarial assumptions, including projected retirements, have a significant impact on our financial position and results of operations. Those factors are outside of our control.

In addition to the costs of our Pension Plan, the costs of providing health care benefits to our employees and retirees have increased in recent years. We believe that our employee benefit costs, including costs related to health care plans for our employees, will continue to rise. The increasing costs and funding requirements with our Pension Plan, health care plans and other employee benefits may adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

OGE Energy is a holding company with its primary asset being its subsidiary, OG&E.

OGE Energy is a holding company and thus its primary asset is its subsidiary, OG&E. Substantially all of OGE Energy's operations are conducted by this subsidiary. Consequently, OGE Energy's operating cash flow and its ability to pay dividends and service its indebtedness are dependent upon the operating cash flow of OG&E and the payment of funds by OG&E to OGE Energy in the form of dividends. At December 31, 2025, OGE Energy and OG&E had outstanding indebtedness and other liabilities of $9.4 billion. OG&E is a separate legal entity that has no obligation to pay any amounts due on OGE Energy's indebtedness or to make any funds available for that purpose. In addition, OG&E's ability to pay dividends to OGE Energy depends on any statutory and contractual restrictions that may be applicable to the entity, which may include requirements to maintain minimum levels of working capital and other assets. Claims of creditors, including general creditors, of OG&E on its assets will generally have priority over OGE Energy claims (except to the extent that OGE Energy may be a creditor and its claims are recognized) and claims by OGE Energy shareholders.

In addition, as discussed above, OG&E is regulated by state utility commissions in Oklahoma and Arkansas as well as a federal regulatory agency which generally possess broad powers to ensure that the needs of customers are being met. To the extent that the state commissions or federal regulatory agency attempt to impose restrictions on the ability of OG&E to pay dividends to OGE Energy, it could adversely affect its ability to continue to pay dividends.

GENERAL RISKS

Governmental and market reactions to events involving other public companies or other energy companies that are beyond our control may have negative impacts on our business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and access to capital.

Accounting irregularities at public companies in general, and energy companies in particular, and investigations by governmental authorities into energy trading activities and political contributions, could lead to public and regulatory scrutiny and suspicion for public companies, including those in the regulated and unregulated utility business. Accounting irregularities could cause regulators and legislators to review current accounting practices, financial disclosures and relationships between companies and their independent auditors. The capital markets and rating agencies also could increase their level of scrutiny. We believe that we are complying with all applicable laws and accounting standards, but it is difficult or impossible to predict or control what effect any of these types of events may have on our business, financial position, cash flows or access to the capital markets. It is unclear what additional laws or regulations may develop, and we cannot predict the ultimate impact of any future changes in accounting regulations or practices in general with respect to public companies, the energy industry or our operations specifically. Any new accounting standards could affect the way we are required to record revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity. These changes in accounting standards could lead to negative impacts on reported earnings or decreases in assets or increases in liabilities that could, in turn, affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, could negatively impact our business and our results of operations.

Our operations have been and are affected by local, national and worldwide economic conditions. National and global events could adversely affect and/or exacerbate macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures, interest rate fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, potential tariffs and economic recessions, which in turn affect our operations and our customers. OG&E has experienced rising costs to produce electricity through increased fuel prices, raw material inflation, logistical challenges and certain component shortages. We are dependent upon others, such as fuel suppliers and transporters and suppliers for our capital projects, to help execute our operations. Supply chain disruption has resulted, and may continue to result, in delays in construction activities and equipment deliveries related to our capital projects.

The consequences of a recession could include a lower level of economic activity and uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets. A lower level of economic activity and general inflation could result in a decline in energy consumption, which could adversely affect our revenues and future growth. Instability in the financial markets, as a result of recession or otherwise, also could affect the cost of capital and our ability to raise capital. Economic conditions may also impact the valuation of certain long-lived assets that are subject to impairment testing, potentially resulting in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Economic conditions may be impacted by insufficient financial sector liquidity or inflationary pressures, leading to potential increased unemployment, which could impact the ability of our customers to pay timely, increase customer bankruptcies, and could lead to increased bad debt. If such circumstances occur, we expect that commercial and industrial customers would be impacted first, with residential customers following.

In addition, economic conditions, particularly budget shortfalls, could increase the pressure on federal, state and local governments to raise additional funds by increasing corporate tax rates and/or delaying, reducing or eliminating tax credits, grants or other incentives that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks and increased reliance on processes dependent on technology.

In the regular course of our business, we handle a range of sensitive security and customer information. We are subject to numerous laws and rules concerning safeguarding and maintaining the confidentiality of this information. A significant security breach of our information systems due to theft, ransomware, viruses, increased use of artificial intelligence technologies, denial of service, hacking, acts of war or terrorism, or inappropriate release of certain types of information, including confidential customer information or system operating information, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

OG&E operates in a highly regulated industry that requires the continued operation of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure. Despite implementation of security measures, the technology systems are vulnerable to disability,

failures or unauthorized access. Such failures or breaches of the systems could impact the reliability of OG&E's generation, transmission and distribution systems which may result in a loss of service to customers and also subject OG&E to financial harm due to the significant expense to respond to security breaches or repair system damage. Our generation and transmission systems are part of an interconnected system. Therefore, a disruption caused by the impact of a cybersecurity incident of the regional electric transmission grid, natural gas pipeline infrastructure or other fuel sources of our third-party service providers' operations could also negatively impact our business. If the technology systems were to fail or be breached and not recovered in a timely manner, critical business functions could be impaired and sensitive confidential data could be compromised, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Security threats continue to evolve and adapt, notably with artificial intelligence which may be used to enhance malicious cyber-attacks. We and our third-party vendors, many of whom leverage artificial intelligence capabilities, have been subject to, and will likely continue to be subject to, attempts to gain unauthorized access to systems and/or confidential data, or to disrupt operations. None of these attempts has individually or in aggregate resulted in a security incident with a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Despite implementation of security and control measures, there can be no assurance that we will be able to prevent the unauthorized access of our systems and data, or the disruption of our operations, either of which could have a material impact. Our security procedures, which include among others, virus protection software, cybersecurity controls and monitoring and our business continuity planning, including disaster recovery policies and back-up systems, may not be adequate or implemented properly to fully address the adverse effect of cybersecurity attacks on our systems, which could adversely impact our operations.

We maintain property, casualty and cybersecurity insurance that may cover certain resultant cyber and physical damage or third-party injuries caused by potential cyber events. However, damage and claims arising from such incidents may exceed the amount of any insurance available, certain insurance may be unavailable to us, and other damage and claims arising from such incidents may not be covered at all. For these reasons, a significant cyber incident could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

The failure of our technology infrastructure, or the failure to enhance existing technology infrastructure and implement new technology, including artificial intelligence, could adversely affect our business.

Our operations are dependent upon the proper functioning of our internal systems, including the technology and network infrastructure that support our underlying business processes. Any significant failure or malfunction of such technology infrastructure may result in disruptions of our operations. In the ordinary course of business, we rely on technology infrastructure, including the internet and third-party hosted services, to support a variety of business processes and activities and to store sensitive data. Our technology infrastructure is dependent upon global communications and cloud service providers, as well as their respective vendors, many of whom have at some point experienced significant system failures and outages in the past and may experience such failures and outages in the future. These providers' systems are susceptible to cybersecurity and data breaches, outages from fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, physical attack and similar events. Failure to prevent or mitigate data loss from system failures or outages could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

In addition to maintaining our current technology infrastructure, we believe the digital transformation of our business, including the implementation of artificial intelligence, is key to driving internal efficiencies as well as providing additional capabilities to customers. Leveraging artificial intelligence capabilities to potentially improve internal functions and operations presents further risks and challenges. While we aim to use artificial intelligence ethically and attempt to identify and mitigate ethical or legal issues presented by its use, we may nevertheless be unsuccessful in identifying or resolving issues before they arise. The use of artificial intelligence to support business operations carries inherent risks related to data privacy and security, such as intended, unintended, or inadvertent transmission of proprietary or sensitive information, as well as challenges related to implementing and maintaining artificial intelligence tools, such as developing and maintaining appropriate datasets for such support. Further, dependence on artificial intelligence without adequate safeguards to make certain business decisions may introduce additional operational vulnerabilities by impacting our relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers, by producing inaccurate outcomes based on flaws in the underlying data, or other unintended results.

Our technology infrastructure is critical to cost-effective, reliable daily operations and our ability to effectively serve our customers. We expect our customers to continue to demand more sophisticated technology-driven solutions, and we must enhance or replace our technology infrastructure in response. This involves significant development and implementation costs to keep pace with changing technologies and customer demand. If we fail to successfully implement critical technology infrastructure, or if it does

not provide the anticipated benefits or meet customer demands, such failure could materially adversely affect our business strategy as well as impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Terrorist attacks, and the threat of terrorist attacks, have resulted in increased costs to our business and could impact our ability to operate critical infrastructure. Continued hostilities or sustained military campaigns may adversely impact our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In recent years, physical attacks on electric equipment owned by other electric companies in the U.S. resulted in the loss of power for a period of time. Authorities have indicated they believe these attacks may have been carried out by domestic extremists, as the U.S. electric grid is noted as being highly vulnerable to domestic terrorism. While OG&E has experienced physical attacks on its electric equipment, these incidents have not been material to its operations. The long-term impact of terrorist attacks and the magnitude of the threat of future terrorist attacks on the electric utility in general, and on us in particular, cannot be known. Increased security measures taken by us as a precaution against possible terrorist attacks have resulted in increased costs to our business. Uncertainty surrounding continued hostilities or sustained military campaigns may affect our operations in unpredictable ways, including disruptions of supplies and markets for our products, and the possibility that our infrastructure facilities could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror. Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks may make certain types of insurance more difficult for us to obtain. Moreover, the insurance that may be available to us may be significantly more expensive than existing insurance coverage.

Health epidemics and other outbreaks could adversely impact economic activity and conditions worldwide, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Health epidemics and other outbreaks could adversely impact economic activity and conditions worldwide, by, among other things, leading to shutdowns, disrupting supply chains, increasing unemployment, resulting in customer slow payment or non-payment and decreasing commercial and industrial load. In response to health epidemics and other outbreaks, an extended slowdown of the United States' economic growth, demand for commodities and/or material changes in governmental policy could result in lower economic growth and lower demand for electricity in our key markets as well as the ability of various customers, contractors, suppliers and other business partners to fulfill their obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

We face certain human resource risks associated with the availability of trained and qualified labor to meet our future staffing requirements.

Workforce demographic issues challenge employers nationwide and are of particular concern to the electric utility industry. The median age of utility workers is higher than the national average. Over the next three years, 27.8 percent of our current employees will meet the eligibility requirements to retire. Failure to hire and adequately train replacement employees, including the transfer of significant internal historical knowledge and expertise to the new employees, may adversely affect our ability to manage and operate our business.

We may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, which may increase the risks created by our indebtedness.

The terms of the indentures governing our debt securities do not fully prohibit OGE Energy or OG&E from incurring additional indebtedness. If we are in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in our revolving credit agreements and the indentures governing our debt securities, we may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness. If we incur additional indebtedness, the related risks that we now face may intensify.

Any reductions in our credit ratings or changes in benchmark interest rates could increase our financing costs and the cost of maintaining certain contractual relationships or limit our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms.

We cannot assure you that any of the current credit ratings of the Registrants will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in its judgment, circumstances so warrant. Our ability to access the commercial paper market could be adversely impacted by a credit ratings downgrade or major market disruptions. Pricing grids associated with our credit facilities could cause annual fees and borrowing rates to increase if an adverse rating impact occurs. The impact of any future downgrade could include an increase in the costs of our short-term borrowings, but a reduction in our credit

ratings would not result in any defaults or accelerations. Any future downgrade could also lead to higher long-term borrowing costs and, if below investment grade, would require us to post collateral or letters of credit.

Our debt levels may limit our flexibility in obtaining additional financing and in pursuing other business opportunities.

We have revolving credit agreements for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate purposes. The credit facilities for OGE Energy and OG&E have a financial covenant requiring them to maintain a maximum debt to capitalization ratio of 70 percent and 65 percent, respectively. The levels of our debt could have important consequences, including the following:

the ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes may be impaired or the financing may not be available on favorable terms;

a portion of cash flows will be required to make interest payments on the debt, reducing the funds that would otherwise be available for operations and future business opportunities; and

our debt levels may limit our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions.

We are exposed to the credit risk of our key customers and counterparties, and any material nonpayment or nonperformance by our key customers and counterparties could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

We are exposed to credit risks in our generation and retail distribution operations. Credit risk includes the risk that counterparties who owe us money or energy will breach their obligations. If the counterparties to these arrangements fail to perform, we may be forced to enter into alternative arrangements. In that event, our financial results could be adversely affected, and we could incur losses.

We have seen increased interest for electric service from industries such as crypto mining and data mining, to support artificial intelligence, which are both large consumers of electricity. If this continues, these types of customers could represent a significant portion of our revenues.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following combined discussion is separately filed by OGE Energy and OG&E. However, OG&E does not make any representations as to information related solely to OGE Energy or the subsidiaries of OGE Energy other than itself.

Overview

OGE Energy is a holding company whose primary investment provides electricity in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. OGE Energy's electric company operations are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary, OG&E, which generates, transmits, distributes and sells electric energy in Oklahoma and western Arkansas and are reported through OGE Energy's electric company business segment. 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 the largest electric company in Oklahoma, with a franchised service territory that 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.

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.

Recent Developments

OG&E's Regulatory Matters

On March 27, 2025, the OCC issued a final order approving the settlement agreement relating to OG&E's 2023 general rate review and approved the ALJ report on the remaining one MW issue with one exception. OG&E also issued its 2025 IRP to the OCC and APSC and has filed for and/or received preapproval, in both Oklahoma and Arkansas, of certain generation and capacity investments identified by OG&E's IRP and related request for proposals process. These matters, as well as other regulatory matters, are discussed in Note 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Legislative Matters

Federal

On July 4, 2025, the legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” was signed into law, which includes significant changes to federal tax law and other regulatory provisions that may impact the Registrants. The Registrants will consider the legislation’s provisions, such as changes to tax credits for renewables, and the potential impact on future investment decisions.

Oklahoma

In May 2025, SB 998 was passed into law and became effective August 29, 2025. This legislation allows rate-regulated retail electric service providers, such as OG&E, to receive CWIP recovery of new natural gas generation capacity, if those proposed generation sources are approved by the OCC under existing statutory review procedures, and sets specific timelines for the OCC to review proposed projects. SB 998 also allows utilities to establish a regulatory asset to defer 90 percent of depreciation expense and return associated with qualified plant investments, that are not classified as transmission or new generation, for recovery over an allowed 20-year period in a future rate review filing. OG&E began deferring such costs to a regulatory asset in September 2025, as further discussed in Note 1 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Arkansas

In March 2025, Act 373 was signed into law by the Governor of Arkansas. Act 373 enables rate-regulated retail electric providers, such as OG&E, to receive CWIP recovery of "strategic investments," including (i) new electric generating facilities, including transportation and storage facilities for associated fuel, (ii) upgrades, expansions, or fuel conversions of electric generating facilities, including transportation and storage facilities for associated fuel, and (iii) new or upgraded electric transmission facilities, including substations. All projects are subject to review and approval by the APSC. Act 373 further authorizes use of a rider to recover approved strategic investments that are not being recovered through previously approved rates, upon approval of the project by the APSC.

Summary of OGE Energy 2025 Operating Results Compared to 2024

OGE Energy's net income was $470.7 million, or $2.32 per diluted share, in 2025 as compared to $441.5 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, in 2024. The increase in net income of $29.2 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in 2025 as compared to 2024 is further discussed below.

An increase in net income at OG&E of $29.9 million, or $0.14 per diluted share of OGE Energy's common stock, was primarily due to higher operating revenues (excluding the impact of recoverable fuel, purchased power and direct transmission expense not impacting earnings) driven by the recovery of capital investments, which offset the impact of milder weather, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense driven by additional assets being placed into service, operation and maintenance expense, income tax expense, and interest expense driven by OG&E's senior notes issuances in August 2024 and April 2025.

An increase in net loss of other operations of $0.7 million, or $0.01 per diluted share of OGE Energy's common stock, was primarily due to higher interest expense, partially offset by higher net other income driven by a one-time benefit related to activity at OGE Energy's legacy midstream operations and a higher income tax benefit.

A more detailed discussion regarding the financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024 can be found under "Results of Operations" below. A discussion of the financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 for OGE Energy and OG&E can be found within "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of the Registrants' 2024 Form 10-K .

202 6 Outlook

Key assumptions for the 2026 outlook are discussed below.

OGE Energy is projected to earn approximately $494 million to $514 million, or $2.38 to $2.48 per average diluted share, with a midpoint of approximately $504 million, or $2.43 per average diluted share in 2026 and is based off the following assumptions:

OGE Energy forecasts earnings for OG&E of approximately $533 million, or $2.57 per average diluted share;

OGE Energy forecasts a loss of approximately $30 million for other operations (primarily the holding company), or a loss of $0.14 per average diluted share;

OG&E experiences normal weather patterns for the year; OG&E has significant seasonality in its earnings; OG&E typically shows minimal earnings in the first and fourth quarters with a majority of its earnings in the third quarter due to the seasonal nature of air conditioning demand;

total retail load growth of approximately 4 to 6 percent;

operating expenses of approximately $1.228 billion to $1.238 billion, with operation and maintenance expenses comprising approximately 45 percent of the total;

net interest expense of approximately $256 million to $261 million which assumes a $14 million allowance for borrowed funds used during construction reduction to interest expense, and assumes a debt issuance at OG&E of approximately $300 million;

other income of approximately $24 million including $26 million of allowance for equity funds used during construction;

an effective consolidated tax rate of approximately 16.8 percent; and

approximately 207.3 million average diluted shares outstanding.

Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis presents factors that affected the Registrants' results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 and the Registrants' financial positions at December 31, 2025 and 2024. The following information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto. Known trends and contingencies of a material nature are discussed to the extent considered relevant.

OGE Energy

Year Ended December 31,

(In millions except per share data)

Net income

Basic average common shares outstanding

Diluted average common shares outstanding

Basic earnings per average common share

Diluted earnings per average common share

Dividends declared per common share

Results by Business Segment

Year Ended December 31,

(In millions)

Net income:

OG&E (Electric Company)

Other operations

OGE Energy net income

The following discussion of results of operations for OG&E includes intercompany transactions that are eliminated in OGE Energy's consolidated financial statements.

OG&E (Electric Company)

Year Ended December 31 (Dollars in millions)

Operating revenues

Fuel, purchased power and direct transmission expense

Other operation and maintenance

Depreciation and amortization

Taxes other than income

Operating income

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

Other net periodic benefit expense

Other income

Other expense

Interest expense

Income tax expense

Net income

Operating revenues by classification:

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Oilfield

Public authorities and street light

System sales revenues

Provision for rate refund

Integrated market

Transmission

Other

Total operating revenues

MWh sales by classification (In millions)

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Oilfield

Public authorities and street light

System sales

Integrated market

Total sales

Number of customers

Weighted-average cost of energy per kilowatt-hour (In cents)

Natural gas

Coal

Total fuel

Total fuel and purchased power

Degree days (A)

Heating - Actual

Heating - Normal

Cooling - Actual

Cooling - Normal

Degree days are calculated as follows: The high and low degrees of a particular day are added together and then averaged. If the calculated average is above 65 degrees, then the difference between the calculated average and 65 is expressed as cooling degree days, with each degree of difference equaling one cooling degree day. If the calculated average is below 65 degrees, then the difference between the calculated average and 65 is expressed as heating degree days, with each degree of difference equaling one heating degree day. The daily calculations are then totaled for the particular reporting period. The calculation of heating and cooling degree normal days is based on a 30-year average and weighted on a jurisdictional split.

OG&E's net income increased $29.9 million, or 6.4 percent, in 2025 as compared to 2024. The following section discusses the primary drivers for the increase in net income in 2025 as compared to 2024.

Operating revenues increased $274.8 million, or 9.2 percent, primarily driven by the below factors.

(In millions)

$ Change

Fuel, purchased power and direct transmission expense (A)

Price variance (B)

Non-residential demand and related revenues

New customer growth

Guaranteed Flat Bill program (C)

Wholesale transmission revenue

Other

Industrial and oilfield sales

Quantity impacts (primarily weather) (D)

Change in operating revenues

These expenses are generally recoverable from customers through regulatory mechanisms and are offset in Fuel, Purchased Power and Direct Transmission Expense in the statements of income. The primary drivers of the changes in fuel, purchased power and direct transmission expense during the period are further detailed in the table below.

Increased primarily due to new rates effective July 1, 2024 resulting from the Oklahoma general rate review interim order received in November 2024 and finalized in March 2025.

The Guaranteed Flat Bill program allows qualifying customers the opportunity to purchase their electricity needs at a set monthly price for an entire year which can result in variances when actual fuel and purchased power prices differ from what is included in Guaranteed Flat Bill rates.

Decreased primarily due to a decrease of 11 percent in cooling degree days.

Fuel, purchased power and direct transmission expense for OG&E consists of fuel used in electric generation, purchased power and transmission related charges. As described above, 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. OG&E's fuel, purchased power and direct transmission expense increased $183.5 million, or 17.0 percent, primarily driven by the below factors.

(In millions)

$ Change

Fuel expense (A)

Purchased power costs:

Purchases from SPP (B)

Other

Capacity

Wind

Transmission expense

Change in fuel, purchased power and direct transmission expense

Increased primarily due to higher fuel costs related to the generating assets utilized during 2025.

Increased primarily due to higher market prices and increased MWhs purchased during 2025.

Other operation and maintenance expense increased $16.9 million, or 3.3 percent, primarily due to an increase in vegetation management activities, resulting from approvals in OG&E's most recent Oklahoma rate review, energy efficiency program activities and uncollectible accounts, partially offset by lower contract technical and construction services driven by the timing of certain projects.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $20.3 million, or 3.8 percent, primarily due to additional assets being placed into service and increased amortization of certain regulatory assets, partially offset by deferrals of allowable depreciation and amortization expense of $12.7 million to a regulatory asset in accordance with SB 998 as further discussed in Note 1 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Net other income decreased $1.5 million, or 4.7 percent, primarily due to higher other net periodic benefit cost driven by changes to the level of pension expense included in base rates as a result of OG&E's most recent Oklahoma rate review, partially offset by increased interest income related to the carrying charge for the higher fuel under recovery balance in early 2025.

Interest expense increased $11.1 million, or 5.2 percent, primarily due to the $350.0 million in senior notes issuance in April 2025 and the full year effect of the issuance of $350.0 million in senior notes in August 2024, partially offset by a decrease in other interest expense related to borrowings under OG&E's revolving credit agreement during the second and third quarters of 2024, as well as the deferral of certain interest expense to a regulatory asset in accordance with SB 998.

Income tax expense increased $11.9 million, or 12.8 percent, primarily due to higher pretax income combined with an increase in other nondeductible items.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

OGE Energy

Year Ended December 31 (In millions)

Change

Change

Net cash provided from operating activities (A)

Net cash used in investing activities (B)

Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities (C)

* Change is greater than 100 percent.

Changed primarily due to increased cash received from customers, including cash related to fuel recoveries, partially offset by increased payments for fuel and purchased power.

Changed primarily due to timing of power delivery, power supply and enterprise services projects.

Changed primarily due to a decrease in senior notes issuances in 2025 compared to 2024 and a decrease in commercial paper borrowings, partially offset by the equity issuance in November 2025.

Working Capital

Working capital is defined as the difference in current assets and current liabilities. OGE Energy's working capital requirements are driven generally by changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, commodity prices, credit extended to and the timing of collections from OG&E's customers, the level and timing of spending for maintenance and expansion activity, inventory levels and fuel recoveries. The following discussion addresses changes in OGE Energy's working capital balances at December 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024.

Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues increased $108.8 million, or 34.5 percent, primarily due to an increase in billings to OG&E's retail customers reflecting higher usage in 2025 compared to 2024 and receivables related to customer connections.

Fuel Inventories decreased $36.3 million, or 24.5 percent, primarily due to net withdrawals of coal and natural gas, as well as a decrease in coal prices.

Fuel Clause Recoveries changed $130.5 million from an under recovery to an over recovery, primarily due to higher recoveries from OG&E retail customers as compared to the actual cost of fuel and purchased power.

Other Current Assets decreased $17.2 million, or 19.3 percent, primarily due to SPP security deposit refunds received during 2025, as well as a decrease in the SPP transmission formula rate true-up.

Short-term debt decreased $177.3 million, or 37.8 percent, primarily due to proceeds from OG&E's $350.0 million senior notes issuance in April 2025 and OGE Energy's equity issuance in November 2025, which proceeds were used to pay down short-term debt, partially offset by increased borrowings for general operating needs. The Registrants borrow on a short-term basis, as necessary, through the issuance of commercial paper.

Accounts Payable increased $44.9 million, or 14.7 percent, primarily due to timing of vendor payments, partially offset by a decrease in purchased power payables.

Customer Deposits increased $16.1 million, or 14.5 percent, primarily due to an increase in large commercial customers.

Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year decreased $32.4 million, or 100.0 percent, due to the repayment of the Muskogee industrial authority bonds that matured in January 2025.

2025 Capital Requirements, Sources of Financing and Financing Activities

In 2025, OGE Energy's primary sources of capital were cash generated from operations, the proceeds from the issuance of long- and short-term debt and proceeds from the issuance of common stock. Changes in working capital reflect the seasonal nature of OGE Energy's business, the revenue lag between billing and collection from customers and fuel inventories. See "Working Capital" for a discussion of significant changes in net working capital requirements as it pertains to operating cash flow and liquidity.

In addition, OGE Energy's liquidity was further enhanced in 2025 by FSAs, entered into in conjunction with OGE Energy's November 2025 public equity offering, which as of December 31, 2025 could have been physically settled with common shares in exchange for cash of $193.0 million. For more information concerning the FSAs, see Note 8 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Future Material Cash Requirements

OGE Energy's primary material cash requirements are related to acquiring or constructing new facilities and replacing or expanding existing facilities at OG&E. Other working capital requirements include items such as maturing debt, operating lease obligations, fuel clause under recoveries and other general corporate purposes. Further, working capital requirements can be seasonal. OGE Energy generally meets its cash needs through a combination of cash generated from operations, short-term borrowings (through a combination of bank borrowings and commercial paper) and permanent financings. OGE Energy believes its cash flows from operations, existing borrowing capacity, and access to debt and equity capital markets as needed, should be sufficient to satisfy our material cash requirements over the short-term and long-term.

Capital Expenditures

OGE Energy's estimates of capital expenditures, which represent base maintenance capital expenditures plus capital expenditures for known and committed projects, for the years 2026 through 2030 are presented in the following table. The capital investments are customer-focused and targeted to maintain and improve the safety, resiliency and reliability of OG&E's distribution and transmission grid and generation fleet, enhance the ability of OG&E's system to perform during extreme weather events and to serve OG&E's growing customer base.

(In millions)

Total

Transmission (A)(B)

Oklahoma distribution

Arkansas distribution

Generation reliability

Generation capacity projects (C)

Technology, fleet & facilities

Total

Transmission includes the Fort Smith to Muskogee transmission project discussed in Note 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," with projected capital expenditures of approximately $70 million in 2026, $80 million in 2027, $65 million in 2028, and $35 million in 2029.

Capital expenditures associated with the SPP's 2025 Integrated Transmission Plan, including the Seminole to Shreveport Transmission Line that is discussed in Note 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," will be included in OG&E's capital plan upon final notice to construct acceptances.

Generation capacity projects include the Tinker Air Force Base, Horseshoe Lake Units 11 and 12, and Horseshoe Lake Units 13 and 14 generation projects. Additional generation capacity projects will be included in OG&E's capital plan when final preapproval orders are received.

Additional capital expenditures beyond those identified in the table above, including additional incremental growth opportunities, will be evaluated based upon the requirements of OG&E's power supply, transmission and distribution operational teams and the expected resultant customer benefits. The annual level of investments in the transmission and distribution system could vary depending on the amount and timing of incremental generation capacity investments.

Contractual Obligations

The following table presents OGE Energy's total contractual obligations for the next five years at December 31, 2025. For further detail of OGE Energy's contractual obligations, which include operating leases, long-term debt and purchase obligations and commitments (including information for maturities beyond the next five years), see Notes 4, 9 and 13, respectively, within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

(In millions)

Total

Total contractual obligations

Amounts recoverable through fuel adjustment clause and other regulatory mechanisms (A)

Total contractual obligations, net

Includes expected recoveries of costs incurred for OG&E's railcar operating lease obligations, OG&E's minimum fuel purchase commitments, OG&E's expected wind purchase commitments and OG&E's capacity agreements.

The actual cost of fuel used in electric generation (which includes the operating lease obligations for OG&E's railcar leases shown in Note 4 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data") and certain purchased power costs are passed on to OG&E's customers through fuel adjustment clauses and other regulatory mechanisms. Accordingly, while the cost of fuel related to operating leases and the vast majority of minimum fuel purchase commitments of OG&E noted in Notes 4 and 13, respectively, within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" may increase capital requirements, such costs are generally recoverable through fuel adjustment clauses and have little, if any, impact on net capital requirements and future contractual obligations. OG&E's fuel adjustment clauses are subject to periodic review by the OCC and the APSC. Otherwise, as discussed above, OGE Energy expects to meet these cash requirement needs through cash generated from operations, short-term borrowings and permanent financings.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

At December 31, 2025, 14.5 percent of the Pension Plan investments were in listed common stocks with the balance primarily invested in corporate fixed income and other securities, U.S. Treasury notes and bonds and mutual funds, as presented in Note 11 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." During 2025, the actual return on the Pension Plan was $23.3 million, compared to an expected return on plan assets of $16.5 million. During the same time, corporate bond yields, which are used in determining the discount rate for future pension obligations, decreased. Funding levels are dependent on returns on plan assets and future discount rates. OGE Energy made contributions to its Pension Plan of $13.5 million in 2025 and $10.0 million in 2024. OGE Energy expects to contribute $15.0 million to the Pension Plan in 2026. 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.

The following table presents the status of OGE Energy's Pension Plan, the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan and the postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2025 and 2024. These amounts have been recorded in Accrued Benefit Obligations with the offset in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (except OG&E's portion, which is recorded as a regulatory asset as discussed in Note 1 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data") in the balance sheets. The amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and those recorded as a regulatory asset represent a net periodic benefit cost to be recognized in the statements of income in future periods.

Pension Plan

Restoration of Retirement

Income Plan

Postretirement

Benefit Plans

December 31  (In millions)

Benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Funded status at end of year

Common Stock Dividends

OGE Energy's dividend policy is reviewed by the Board of Directors at least annually and is based on numerous factors, including management's estimation of the long-term earnings power of its businesses. In 2025, the Board of Directors reviewed a recommendation from management of an increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.425 per share from $0.42125 per share and subsequently approved the recommendation to become effective with the dividend payment in October 2025.

Financing Activities and Future Sources of Financing

Management expects that cash generated from operations, proceeds from the issuance of long- and short-term debt, proceeds from the settlement of the FSAs, sales of common stock to the public through public offerings and OGE Energy's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, or other offerings will be adequate over the next three years to meet anticipated cash needs and to fund future growth opportunities. OGE Energy utilizes short-term borrowings (through a combination of bank borrowings and commercial paper) to satisfy temporary working capital needs and as an interim source of financing capital expenditures until permanent financing is arranged.

Short-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

OGE Energy borrows on a short-term basis, as necessary, by issuance of commercial paper and borrowings under its revolving credit agreements.

OGE Energy has unsecured five-year revolving credit facilities totaling $1.1 billion ($550.0 million for OGE Energy and $550.0 million for OG&E), which can also be used as letter of credit facilities. OGE Energy also has a $120.0 million floating rate unsecured three-year credit agreement, of which $60.0 million is considered a revolving loan. The following table presents information about OGE Energy's revolving credit agreements as of December 31, 2025.

(Dollars in millions)

December 31, 2025

Balance of outstanding supporting letters of credit

Weighted-average interest rate of outstanding supporting letters of credit

Net available liquidity under revolving credit agreements, commercial paper borrowings and letters of credit

Balance of cash and cash equivalents

The following table presents information about OGE Energy's total short-term debt activity for the year ended December 31, 2025.

(Dollars in millions)

Year Ended December 31, 2025

Average balance of short-term debt

Weighted-average interest rate of average balance of short-term debt

Maximum month-end balance of short-term debt

OG&E must obtain regulatory approval from the FERC in order to borrow on a short-term basis. OG&E has the necessary regulatory approvals to incur up to $1.0 billion in short-term borrowings at any one time for a two-year period beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2026.

Long-Term Debt

On April 1, 2025, OG&E issued $350.0 million of 5.80 percent senior notes due April 1, 2055. The proceeds from this issuance were added to OG&E's general funds and used for the repayment of short-term debt and borrowings under its revolving credit facility, and to fund OG&E's capital investment program and working capital needs.

In 2026, OG&E expects to issue approximately $300 million in long-term debt to help fund general operating needs.

Security Ratings

Moody's Investors Service

S&P's Global Ratings

Fitch Ratings

Rating

Outlook

Rating

Outlook

Rating

Outlook

OG&E Senior Notes

Negative

Negative

Stable

OG&E Commercial Paper

Negative

Negative

Stable

OGE Energy Senior Notes

Baa1

Negative

BBB

Stable

BBB+

Stable

OGE Energy Commercial Paper

Negative

Stable

Stable

Access to reasonably priced capital is dependent in part on credit and security ratings. Generally, lower ratings lead to higher financing costs. Pricing grids associated with OGE Energy's credit facilities could cause annual fees and borrowing rates to increase if an adverse rating impact occurs. The impact of any future downgrade could include an increase in the costs of OGE Energy's short-term borrowings, but a reduction in OGE Energy's credit ratings would not result in any defaults or accelerations. Any future downgrade could also lead to higher long-term borrowing costs and, if below investment grade, would require OGE Energy to post collateral or letters of credit.

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Such rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the credit rating agency, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

On April 14, 2025, Moody's Investors Service revised their ratings outlook on both OGE Energy and OG&E from stable to negative. Moody's Investors Service indicated that the revised outlook reflects pressure related to OG&E's capital expenditure plan and higher debt levels at the holding company.

On November 18, 2025, S&P's Global Ratings revised their ratings outlook on OG&E from stable to negative and affirmed their stable ratings outlook on OGE Energy. S&P's Global Ratings indicated the revised outlook for OG&E reflects the elevated wildfire exposure and the mitigation efforts needed to reduce such risks.

Future financing requirements may be dependent, to varying degrees, upon numerous factors such as general economic conditions, abnormal weather, load growth, commodity prices, acquisitions of other businesses and/or development of projects, actions by rating agencies, inflation, changes in environmental laws or regulations, rate increases or decreases allowed by regulatory agencies, new legislation, and market entry of competing electric power generators.

Common Stock

OGE Energy expects to issue between $15 million to $25 million of common stock from its Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan in 2026.

In November 2025, OGE Energy entered into a public offering of approximately $397 million (9,226,744 shares) of its common stock, which included 4,613,372 common shares that were issued and sold by OGE Energy to the underwriters and 4,613,372 common shares that are subject to FSAs. Total cash proceeds received in November 2025 related to the public offering was $192.4 million. Settlement of the FSAs, which is at OGE Energy's discretion, is expected to occur no later than 18 months following the completion of the offering.

See Note 8 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for a discussion of OGE Energy's common stock activity.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The financial statements and notes thereto contain information that is pertinent to management's discussion and analysis. 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 and postretirement plan assumptions, income taxes, contingency reserves, and regulatory assets and liabilities. The selection, application and disclosure of the following critical accounting estimates have been discussed with the Audit Committee of OGE Energy's Board of Directors. The Registrants discuss their significant accounting policies, including those that do not require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates, in Note 1 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Pension and Postretirement Plan Assumptions

OGE Energy has a Pension Plan that covers certain employees, including OG&E's employees, hired before December 1, 2009. Effective December 1, 2009, OGE Energy's Pension Plan is no longer being offered to employees hired on or after December 1, 2009. OGE Energy also has defined benefit postretirement plans that cover certain employees, including OG&E's employees hired prior to February 1, 2000. Pension and other postretirement plan expenses and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets, assumed discount rates, and the level of funding. Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected return on plan assets could have a material effect on the amount of pension expense ultimately recognized. The Pension Plan rate assumptions are shown in Note 11 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." The assumed return on plan assets is based on management's expectation of the long-term return on the plan assets portfolio. The discount rate used to compute the present value of plan liabilities is based generally on rates of high-grade corporate bonds with maturities similar to the average period over which benefits will be paid. Funding levels are dependent on returns on plan assets and future discount rates. Higher returns on plan assets and an increase in discount rates will reduce funding requirements to the Pension Plan.

The following table presents the sensitivity of the Pension Plan funded status to these variables.

Change

Impact on Funded Status

Actual plan asset returns

+/- 1 percent

+/- $2.6 million

Discount rate

+/- 0.25 percent

+/- $4.7 million

Contributions

+/- $10 million

+/- $10.0 million

Income Taxes

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 application of income tax law is complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. Accordingly, it is necessary to make judgments regarding income tax exposure. As a result, changes in these judgments can materially affect amounts the Registrants recognized in their financial statements. Tax positions taken by the Registrants on their income tax returns that are recognized in the financial statements must satisfy a more likely than not recognition threshold, assuming that the position will be examined by taxing authorities with full knowledge of all relevant information.

Contingency Reserves

In the normal course of business, the Registrants are confronted with issues or events that may result in a contingent liability. These generally relate to lawsuits or claims made by third parties, including governmental agencies. When appropriate, management consults with legal counsel and other experts to assess the claim. If, in management's opinion, the Registrants have incurred a probable loss as set forth by GAAP, an estimate is made of the loss, and the appropriate accounting entries are reflected in the financial statements.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

OG&E, as a regulated electric company, 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.

Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further discussion of recently adopted accounting standards and recently issued accounting standards that are not yet effective that could have a material impact on the Registrants' financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption.

Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Registrants are confronted with issues or events that may result in a contingent liability. These generally relate to lawsuits or claims made by third parties, including governmental agencies. When appropriate, management consults with legal counsel and other experts to assess the claim. If, in management's opinion, the Registrants have incurred a probable loss as set forth by GAAP, an estimate is made of the loss, and the appropriate accounting entries are reflected in the financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potential loss is not probable but reasonably possible, the nature of the contingent matter, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss, if determinable and material, would be disclosed. At the present time, based on currently available information, except as disclosed in Note 13 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," the Registrants believe that any reasonably possible losses in excess of accrued amounts arising out of pending or threatened lawsuits or claims would not be quantitatively material to their financial statements and would not have a material adverse effect on their financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Notes 13 and 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" for further discussion of the Registrants' commitments and contingencies.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

The activities of OG&E are subject to numerous stringent and complex federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection. These laws and regulations can change, restrict or otherwise impact the Registrants' business activities in many ways, including the handling or disposal of waste material, planning for future construction activities to avoid or mitigate harm to threatened or endangered species and requiring the installation and operation of emissions or pollution control equipment. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Management believes that all of the Registrants' operations are in substantial compliance with current federal, state and local environmental standards.

Changes in presidential administrations can result in uncertainty regarding policy or initiatives relating to activities that may affect the environment. In March 2025, the EPA announced that it would begin reconsideration of numerous regulations, including several that apply to OG&E. The EPA has begun this process for certain regulations as described below and must adhere to the legal requirements for enacting, revising, repealing, or replacing agency regulations. Future developments, such as changes in existing laws, introduction of new laws or regulations, or the emergence of new facts or conditions, may result in significant costs for the Registrants.

Environmental regulation can increase the cost of planning, design, initial installation and operation of OG&E's facilities. Management continues to evaluate its compliance with existing and proposed environmental legislation and regulations and implement appropriate environmental programs in a competitive market.

Air

OG&E's operations are subject to the Federal Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, and comparable state laws and regulations. These laws regulate air pollutant emissions from industrial sources, including electric generating units, and require monitoring and reporting. These laws and regulations may require OG&E to secure pre-approval for constructing or modifying projects or facilities that are anticipated to generate air emissions or increase current emission levels. Additionally, OG&E may need to obtain and comply with air permits outlining specific emission and operational requirements or implement emission control equipment. OG&E likely will be required to incur certain capital expenditures in the future for air pollution control equipment and technology in connection with obtaining and maintaining operating permits and approvals for air emissions.

Cross State Air Pollution Rule

In 2015, the EPA updated the ambient air standards for ozone. Although Oklahoma meets these standards, the Clean Air Act requires states to submit implementation plans to the EPA to ensure their emissions do not affect other states. Oklahoma submitted its SIP in 2018. However, in January 2023, the EPA disapproved the SIPs of 19 states, including Oklahoma. In response, the Oklahoma Attorney General, the ODEQ and OG&E filed petitions for review in March 2023. A stay on the EPA's disapproval was granted in July 2023. The timing of further action is currently unknown.

In a related matter, in April 2022, the EPA published a proposed FIP related to the "Good Neighbor" requirements intended to reduce interstate NO x emissions. OG&E commented on this proposed FIP in June 2022. By June 2023, the EPA finalized this plan for 23 states, including Oklahoma. This final Good Neighbor FIP would revise Oklahoma's NO x emissions budget for electric generating units, including OG&E's, starting in 2023. The emissions budget would decrease over time based on achievable reductions. OG&E estimated a 34.5 percent reduction by 2026 from 2023 levels and a 50 percent reduction by 2027 from 2021 levels. Following the FIP issuance, OG&E has been considering options to cut emissions at its generating units, including buying emission allowances, installing selective catalytic reduction systems, switching coal units to gas, or retiring and replacing capacity. OG&E submitted its final 2024 IRP to the OCC and APSC on March 29, 2024, which evaluates various compliance options related to the EPA's Good Neighbor FIP. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the SIP disapproval and FIP implementation, OG&E cannot determine the exact cost of compliance. The costs depend on the litigation outcome, chosen control strategies, regulatory approvals, and project timelines. However, OG&E estimated in mid-2023 that compliance costs could range from $2.4 billion to $2.8 billion, including $100 million to $300 million over the first 12 to 18 months following the FIP's effectiveness. OG&E plans to seek recovery of necessary environmental expenditures but cannot guarantee approval or timely recovery of all such expenditures. In October 2023, several petitioners sought a stay of the final FIP from the U.S. Supreme Court, pending review of the challenges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Supreme Court granted the stay in June 2024. The EPA requested a delay in the case in February 2025, which was denied. In March 2025, the EPA sought to reconsider the rule without vacating it. The D.C. Circuit Court agreed to hold the case in abeyance in April 2025, requiring status reports every 90 days. The timing of further action is unknown.

The EPA has indicated that it intends to reconsider both the SIP disapprovals and the final FIP in a two-phase reconsideration rulemaking. In January 2026, the EPA proposed its "Phase 1" reconsideration of SIP disapprovals for several states. The EPA did not include the disapproved Oklahoma SIP in "Phase 1" but indicated that it intends to address the remaining states, including Oklahoma, in a separate action. The timing of further action is unknown.

New Source Performance Standards

In December 2024, the EPA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would revise the new source performance standards regulating NO x and SO 2 emissions from new, modified, and reconstructed stationary combustion turbines. OG&E participated with trade associations to submit comments on the proposed rule on April 15, 2025. On January 15, 2026, the EPA published in the Federal Register its final rule establishing NO x emissions standards for several subcategories of stationary combustion turbines based on the size, rates of utilization, design efficiency, and fuel type of these turbines. The rule applies to affected sources constructed, modified, or reconstructed after the December 2024 publication date. As only future, currently unknown activities are affected by this regulation, it is unknown what potential material impacts, if any, there will be from this final action by EPA.

Particulate Matter NAAQS

In February 2024, the EPA issued a final rule resulting from its reconsideration of the primary (health-based) and secondary (welfare-based) NAAQS for PM, which were set in 2013 and which the EPA declined to revise in 2020. The final rule lowers the primary annual PM 2.5 NAAQS from 12.0 µg/m 3 to 9.0 µg/m 3 and retains the other PM standards at their current levels, including the 24-hour PM 2.5 NAAQS. The EPA will determine which areas of the country meet the standards, such as making initial attainment and nonattainment designations, no later than two years after new standards are issued. States must develop and submit attainment plans no later than 18 months after the EPA finalizes nonattainment designations.

Litigation on the final rule is proceeding in the D.C. Circuit. A coalition of 24 states, including Oklahoma, filed challenges to the final rule, and a separate coalition of states and other stakeholders filed to intervene in these challenges on behalf of the EPA. A coalition of 22 state governors separately requested the EPA to pause implementation of the final rule.

The revised NAAQS could impact regional air quality goals and emission limits for emission sources; however, it is unknown at this time what, if any, potential material impacts to OG&E individual operating permit emission limits will result from the EPA actions.

Regional Haze

In July 2020, the ODEQ notified OG&E that the Horseshoe Lake generating units that were in-service at the time would be included in Oklahoma's second Regional Haze implementation period evaluation of visibility impairment impacts to the Wichita Mountains. OG&E submitted an analysis of all potential control measures for NO x on these units to the ODEQ. The ODEQ submitted a revised SIP to the EPA in August 2022. In February 2026, the EPA proposed to approve the Oklahoma SIP revision, and a 2024 consent decree requires the EPA to take final action no later than December 31, 2026. It is unknown at this time what the outcome, or any potential material impacts, if any, will be from the evaluations by OG&E, the ODEQ and the EPA.

Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

In April 2024, the EPA released the final revised Mercury and Air Toxics Standards regulation with a compliance date in July 2027. A coalition of states, including Oklahoma, challenged this rule in the D.C. Circuit Court and sought a stay, which was denied. This coalition of states then filed an emergency stay application with the U.S. Supreme Court, which was also denied. In April 2025, the EPA extended the compliance deadline to July 8, 2029. In June 2025, the EPA proposed to repeal the revised Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which would remove the revised emission limit and monitoring requirements. In December 2025, the EPA sent to the OMB for review a rule finalizing the proposed repeal. The potential material impacts, if any, of further actions by the EPA or final action by the D.C. Circuit Court are currently unknown.

Greenhouse Gas

OG&E monitors developments in federal greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions regulations applicable to fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. Changes in legal standards, including the implementation of rules for the power sector finalized by the EPA in 2024 or the adoption of new regulations, could require significant capital investment and compliance expenditures. If such costs are not recoverable through regulated rates, OG&E’s financial position, results of operations, and cashflows could be materially affected.

In May 2024, the EPA issued final rules establishing (i) emission guidelines under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act for existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating units and (ii) revised standards of performance under Section 111(b) for new natural gas-fired combustion turbines. Under these rules, existing coal-fired units that intend to operate beyond 2039 must achieve 90 percent carbon capture by 2032. Units that plan to operate until 2039 must co-fire with natural gas at 40 percent by 2030. Units that retire by 2032 are exempt from these requirements. State compliance plans reflecting affected unit owners’ compliance decisions are required to be submitted to the EPA by May 2026.

OG&E’s existing natural gas-fired boilers satisfy the new standards and therefore require no additional compliance measures other than reporting. For new natural gas-fired combustion turbines commencing construction after May 23, 2023, the 2024 GHG rules establish three subcategories—baseload, intermediate-load, and low-load—based on capacity factor thresholds, all of which are subject to efficiency requirements. Baseload units, defined as units with capacity factors greater than 40 percent, are also required to achieve 90 percent CO₂ capture by January 1, 2032.

Significant litigation related to these 2024 GHG rules is ongoing. In February 2025, the D.C. Circuit placed the litigation in abeyance at the EPA’s request while the agency reconsiders the 2024 GHG rules.

In June 2025, the EPA proposed to repeal the 2024 GHG rules for both existing and new units or, alternatively, to repeal the 2024 GHG rules for existing units and rescind the carbon capture requirements applicable to new combustion turbines. OG&E submitted comments on the 2025 proposed rules individually and through trade associations. Although the EPA has initiated reconsideration and proposed repeal, the 2024 power sector GHG rules have not been stayed, and future compliance timelines remain in effect. If the new emission standards and guidelines are implemented, compliance costs could be significant. OG&E continues to monitor these developments and plan for compliance with 2024 GHG rules standards currently in effect.

Separately, in February 2026, the EPA released a final rule that rescinds the agency’s 2009 Endangerment Finding, which determined that GHG emissions endanger public health and welfare. While rescinding the Endangerment Finding would not directly alter the 2024 GHG regulations, it may result in increased regulatory uncertainty for the power sector as future generation needs are considered.

OG&E cannot predict the outcome of the EPA’s reconsideration process, the proposed repeal, or the pending litigation. However, the 2024 GHG rules remain in effect and could result in material compliance obligations and associated costs. OG&E continues to monitor these regulatory developments and evaluate potential impacts on its operations.

Endangered Species

Certain federal laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act, provide special protection to certain designated species. These laws and any state equivalents provide for significant civil and criminal penalties for unpermitted activities that result in harm to or harassment of certain protected animals and plants, including damage to their habitats. If such species are in an area in which OG&E conducts operations, or if additional species in those areas become subject to protection, OG&E's operations and development projects, particularly transmission, wind or solar projects, could be restricted or delayed, or OG&E could be required to implement expensive mitigation measures.

Waste

OG&E's operations generate wastes that are subject to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 as well as comparable state laws which impose detailed requirements for the handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste.

Ash from OG&E's River Valley, Muskogee and Sooner facilities is recovered and reused off-site in various ways, including soil stabilization, landfill cover, road base construction and cement and concrete production. Reusing fly ash reduces the need to manufacture cement resulting in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from cement and concrete production.

OG&E has sought and will continue to seek pollution prevention opportunities and to evaluate the effectiveness of its waste reduction, reuse and recycling efforts. In 2025, OG&E obtained refunds of $2.2 million from the recycling of scrap metal, salvaged transformers and used transformer oil. This figure does not include the additional savings gained through the reduction and/or avoidance of disposal costs and the reduction in material purchases due to the reuse of existing materials. Similar savings are anticipated in future years.

Water

OG&E's operations are subject to the Federal Clean Water Act and comparable state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations impose detailed requirements and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into state and federal waters.

In 2015, the EPA issued a final rule addressing the effluent limitation guidelines for power plants under the Federal Clean Water Act. The final rule establishes technology- and performance-based standards that may apply to discharges of six waste streams including bottom ash transport water. In April 2024, the EPA released a supplemental effluent limitations guidelines rule. OG&E's installation of dry bottom ash handling technology at an affected facility complies with the 2024 rule requiring facilities to cease

discharging bottom ash transport water. OG&E is evaluating compliance options at another affected facility, and in December 2025, the EPA published a final rule revising the deadline to cease bottom ash transport water discharge to December 31, 2034.

OG&E has made investments in its infrastructure at Redbud and McClain that have led to OG&E's use of treated municipal effluent for cooling water at each plant, which offsets the need for fresh water as cooling water, making fresh water available for other beneficial uses like drinking water, irrigation and recreation.

Site Remediation

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons responsible for the release of hazardous substances into the environment. Because OG&E utilizes various products and generates wastes that are considered hazardous substances for purposes of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, OG&E could be subject to liability for the costs of cleaning up and restoring sites where those substances have been released to the environment. No associated liability is expected to significantly impact OG&E at this time.