Oklahoma Ranks Low for Energy Efficiency — But Here’s Why That’s Misleading

So every month, I get this newsletter about power and energy across Oklahoma. I'm not sure why I get it, but I don't mark it as spam because I'm one of those homeowners who is obsessed with energy efficiency... in the form of the lowest electric bill possible, so when I saw Oklahoma ranked among the least efficient states, I had to see why

I'd wager most Oklahomans pay close attention to their electric usage too. We're a hot state, our homes aren't really built for the heat, but we'll do anything to keep that cost down.

Even though Oklahoma is solidly an oil and gas state - the valuable oil wells are the main reason we received statehood - we ended up among the lowest-ranked states for energy efficiency.

Reading the headline, I was taken aback. I don't know a single Okie who doesn't aim to be as energy efficient as possible in their own home... so what gives?

Oil & Gas

While Oklahoma will never rank among the most efficient states due to the fact that we keep building 2x4 stick-frame homes in our climate, we actually rank mid-tier for home efficiency. We're even improving as smart-inverter HVAC systems come into popularity.

So if it's not our homes, what is it?

Electric vehicles. More specifically, the fact that a majority of Oklahomans don't drive EVs. That single metric puts the Sooner State near the bottom of the efficiency list.

Talk About A Hit Piece

There has been an argument over EVs for a long time, and I think we're all at least familiar with the common complaints.

The rather short range of travel is number one. Oklahoma isn't a small state, so if you want to enjoy getting out and doing stuff, you have to be able to get there and back easily. Even though charging stations have found an increasingly convenient grid in OK, gas stations are literally everywhere.

The upfront cost of EVs is probably the second biggest reason. Praised for their low cost of ownership over time, it probably evens out when you consider the MSRP. Add in the cost owners fork out when the battery pack needs to be replaced, combustion engines are still king if you're not the type of person to buy a new vehicle every few years.

The third reason is politics. Electric vehicles have become a hot topic that people discuss from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Fans have been convinced they've been invented to save the planet. And opponents are convinced grid-dependent, programmer-connected EVs will be the way the government gets total control of America's free travel privileges.

All the same, I'm open to having an EV myself. Given my travel habits, it would make sense for me. I rarely have the need to travel more than 200 miles to see family, so the range isn’t a make-or-break issue for me. The only thing stopping me is the upfront cost, but when compared to everything else being sold on lots today, it's not as noticeable a difference as it was before the inflation crisis of the last administration.

Also, I'm growing into a typical Sooner State man. I'm still in love with my current vehicle, and I'll likely drive it until the wheels fall off. It's just perfect.

I don't buy into the politics of EVs either. Personally, I think the only "green" part of the EV revolution seems to be the money. No CEO in America is looking to save the planet when there's profits to be made by convincing people otherwise...

You can read it yourself if you like, but I'm pretty sure most Oklahomans would roll their eyes.