CLEVELAND — On Nov. 3 registered voters in Cleveland will have the opportunity to decide whether Indian Electric Cooperative Inc. (IEC) will be allowed to continue using city streets and other public access points to maintain electric infrastructure for the next 25 years.
The proposed agreement is outlined in Ordinance 2026-667 which reads, “An ordinance granting a nonexclusive franchise to Indian Electric Cooperative, Inc., its successors and assigns, for a period of twenty‑five (25) years based on results of a general election held November 3, 2026, granting the right, privilege and authority to construct, install, maintain, and operate in, upon, across and under the streets, alleys or other public grounds or rights-of-way within the City of Cleveland, Oklahoma (the ‘City’), a system of lines, wires, poles, equipment, and all other physical facilities necessary for the purpose of transmitting, furnishing, distributing and selling eclectic energy in and to said city.”
The proposition on the ballot for Cleveland would grant IEC a non-exclusive franchise to construct, install, maintain, and operate the lines, wires, poles, equipment, and other facilities needed to transmit and distribute electricity within city limits for 25-years.
The franchise agreement would establish IEC's legal authority to use public rights-of-way, like streets and alleys, to place and maintain equipment that provides electricity to customers. As a “non-exclusive” agreement it would allow other companies to provide electric service within the city if needed.
If the Nov. 3 proposition is approved then the nonexclusive franchise agreement would be in effect for the next 25-years.
The ordinance was discussed during a July 9 meeting by the City of Cleveland council. Accompanying the ordinance, was an agenda item calling for a Nov. 3 election and an election proclamation to let voters decide whether to approve the proposed agreement in the ordinance.
Cleveland voters’ decisions will determine the results of the Nov. 3 election and whether or not IEC will be able to continue operating and maintaining poles, power lines, and other equipment needed to deliver electricity throughout Cleveland for the next 25 years, the same way it has for the past several years.