Contract change enacted Sept. 1; change seamless to Team Tinker Published Sept. 7, 2012 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Don't be alarmed if there's a greater presence of OG&E utility vehicles on base. As of Sept. 1 OG&E has taken over the exterior electrical distribution system contract, previously held by Tinker Support Services. "This change should be seamless to Tinker personnel and they can report outages just as they always have," said David Holt, 72nd ABW/CE electrical engineer. "What we don't want is Tinker personnel calling OG&E with an issue." Mr. Holt said the contract change is the result of an Air Force effort to privatize utilities on the bases so the maintenance costs of base infrastructure can be modernized and handled using another funding source. The contract was awarded in September 2010. Before the contract could be enacted, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates OG&E, had to review and agree to the terms. Following the approval in September 2011, OG&E personnel began familiarizing themselves with Tinker's inventory and systems, and mapped locations of equipment including transformers, manholes and lines. "This change is a benefit," Mr. Holt said. "OG&E has lots of staff and equipment, more so than the government. If we were to have an ice storm or tornado, they can respond and get that fixed a lot quicker than we would be able to; we don't have the resources they have." To report an outage, call 734-3117.