Purposes

The purposes of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of OGE Energy Corp. (the "Company") are to assist the Board of Directors in monitoring: (i) the integrity of the Company's financial statements, (ii) the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence, and (iv) the performance of the independent auditors and the Company's internal audit function. The Committee also shall prepare the Committee's report, made pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), to be included in the Company's annual proxy statement (the "Audit Committee Report").

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Composition

Size. The size of the Committee shall be determined by the Board of Directors, but it always must have at least three members.

Qualifications. Each Committee member shall have all of the following qualifications:

1. Each Committee member shall meet the independence criteria of (a) the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”), as such requirements are interpreted by the Board of Directors in its business judgment, and (b) Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and listing requirements promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, and the NYSE.


2. Each Committee member shall be financially literate or shall become financially literate within a reasonable period of time after his or her appointment to the Committee. Additionally, at least one member of the Committee shall have accounting or related financial management expertise sufficient to meet the criteria of a financial expert within the meaning of Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC. The Board of Directors shall determine, in its business judgment, whether a member is financially literate and whether at least one member has the requisite accounting or financial management expertise and meets the financial expert criteria of Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert shall not (a) impose on such person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee and Board of Directors in the absence of such designation or identification, or (b) affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee or Board of Directors.


3. Each Committee member shall receive as compensation from the Company only those forms of compensation as are not prohibited by Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and listing requirements promulgated thereunder by the SEC and the NYSE. Permitted compensation includes (a) director's fees (which includes all forms of compensation paid to directors of the Company for service as a director or member of a Board Committee) and/or (b) fixed amounts of compensation under a retirement plan (including deferred compensation) for prior service with the Company provided that such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service. Additional directors’ fees may be paid to Audit Committee members to compensate them for the significant time and effort they expend in performing their duties as Audit Committee members.


4. If a Committee member simultaneously serves on the audit committee of more than three public companies (including the Company), the Board of Directors must determine that such simultaneous service would not impair the ability of such member to effectively serve on the Committee. The Company shall disclose any such determination in its annual proxy statement.

Selection. The Board of Directors will appoint the members and the Chair of the Committee. Each Committee member will serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term as the Board may decide or until such Committee member is no longer a Board member. Committee members may be replaced by the Board at any time.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The Committee is responsible for overseeing the Company's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors and preparing the Audit Committee Report. While the Audit Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company's financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations. These are the responsibilities of management and the independent auditors.

The Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, termination, compensation, retention, evaluation and oversight of the work of the Company's independent auditors (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company.

In performing its responsibilities, the Committee shall:

1. Retain the Independent Auditors: The Committee has the sole authority to (a) directly appoint, retain, compensate, evaluate and terminate the Company's independent auditors, (b) approve all audit services (including the fees and terms thereof), (c) approval all internal-control related services, and (d) approve any permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof). The Committee is to exercise this authority in a manner consistent with Sections 201, 202 and 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and listing standards promulgated thereunder by the SEC and NYSE. The Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when appropriate, including the authority to grant any pre-approvals of all audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that decisions of such subcommittee to grant pre-approvals shall be presented to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Prior to retaining the independent auditors, the Committee shall evaluate the auditors' qualifications, performance and independence, which evaluation shall include, among other things, a review of the auditors' prior work for the Company, consideration of the opinions of management and the internal auditors, and a review of the reports and other information described in paragraphs (2) and (3) below. The Committee shall report its conclusions with respect to the independent auditors to the Board. The Committee shall review and discuss with the independent auditors any documentation supplied by the auditors as to the nature and scope of any tax services to be approved, as well as the potential effects of the provision of such services on the auditors’ independence.


2. Review and Discuss the Auditors' Quality Control: The Committee is to, at least annually, obtain and review a report by the independent auditors describing (a) the audit firm's internal quality control procedures, (b) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review, of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and (c) any steps taken to deal with any such issues.


3. Review and Discuss the Independence of the Auditors: In connection with the retention of the Company's independent auditors, the Committee is to, at least annually, review and discuss the information and reports provided by management or the auditors relating to the independence of the audit firm, including, among other things, information related to the non-audit services provided and expected to be provided by the auditors and other relationships between the independent auditors and the Company. The Committee is responsible for (a) ensuring that the independent auditors submit at least annually to the Committee a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditors and the Company consistent with applicable independence standards, (b) engaging in a dialogue with the auditors with respect to any disclosed relationship or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the auditors, and (c) taking appropriate action in response to the auditors’ report to satisfy itself of the auditors' independence. In connection with the Committee's evaluation of the independent auditors, the Committee shall review and evaluate the lead partner of the independent auditors and shall cause the regular rotation, to the extent required by Section 10(A)(j) of the Exchange Act, of the audit partners who serve on the Company's audit engagement team. The Committee also will consider whether, in order to assure continuing auditors' independence, it is appropriate to adopt a policy of rotating the independent auditing firm on a regular basis.


4. Set Hiring Policies: The Committee is to set hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors, which include the restrictions set forth in Section 206 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC.


5. Review and Discuss the Audit Plan: The Committee is to review and discuss with the independent auditors the plans for, and the scope of, the annual audit and other examinations, including the adequacy of staffing and compensation.


6. Review and Discuss Conduct of the Audit: The Committee is to review and discuss with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC relating to the conduct of the audit, as well as any audit problems or difficulties the auditor encountered in the course of the audit work and management’s response, including (a) any restriction on audit scope or the auditors' activities or on access to requested information, (b) any disagreements with management, (c) significant issues discussed with the independent auditors’ national office and (d) whether the auditors have any reason to believe there has been conduct in violation of Rule 13b2-2 under the Exchange Act. The Committee is to decide all unresolved disagreements between management and the independent auditors regarding financial reporting.


7. Review and Discuss Financial Statements and Disclosures: The Committee is to review and discuss with appropriate officers of the Company and the independent auditors the annual audited and quarterly financial statements of the Company, including reviewing (a) the Company's specific disclosures under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and (b) the disclosures regarding internal controls and other matters required by Section 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC. The Committee shall recommend to the Board whether the audited financial statements of the Company should be included in the Company's Form 10-K.


8. Review and Discuss Earnings Press Releases: The Committee is to review and discuss earnings and other financial press releases (including any use of "pro forma" or "adjusted" non-GAAP information), as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies (which review may occur after issuance and may be done generally as a review of the types of information to be disclosed and the form of presentation to be made).


9. Review and Discuss Internal Audit Plans and Senior Internal Auditing Executive: The Committee is to review and discuss with the senior internal auditing executive and appropriate members of the staff of the internal auditing department the plans for and the scope of their ongoing audit activities, including adequacy of staffing and compensation. The Committee is to ensure there are no unjustified restrictions or limitations on the internal audit department in carrying out its duties. The Committee also is to review the appointment and replacement of the senior internal auditing executive.


10. Review and Discuss Internal Audit Reports: The Committee is to review and discuss with the senior internal auditing executive and appropriate members of the staff of the internal auditing department the annual report of the audit activities, examinations and results thereof of the internal auditing department.


11. Review and Discuss the Systems of Internal Accounting Controls: The Committee is to review and discuss with the independent auditors, the senior internal auditing executive, the General Counsel and, if and to the extent deemed appropriate by the Chair of the Committee, members of their respective staffs the adequacy of the Company's internal accounting controls, the Company's financial, auditing and accounting organizations and personnel, and the Company's policies and compliance procedures with respect to business practices, which shall include (a) the disclosures regarding internal controls and matters required to be reported to the Committee by Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any rules promulgated there under by the SEC, and (b) a review with the independent auditors of their report on the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.


12. Review and Discuss the Recommendations of Independent Auditors: The Committee is to review and discuss with the senior internal auditing executive and the appropriate members of the staff of the internal auditing department recommendations made by the independent auditors and the senior internal auditing executive, as well as such other matters, if an, as such persons or other officers of the Company may desire to bring to the attention of the Committee.


13. Review and Discuss the Audit Results: The Committee is to review and discuss with the independent auditors (A) the report of their annual audit, or proposed report of their annual audit, (B) the accompanying management letter, if any, (C) the reports of their reviews of the Company’s interim financial statements conducted in accordance with applicable accounting standards, and (D) the reports of the results of such other examinations outside of the course of the independent auditors’ normal audit procedures that the independent auditors may from time to time undertake. The foregoing shall include the reports required by Section 204 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC and, as appropriate, a review of (a) major issues regarding (i) accounting principles and financial statement presentations, including any significant changes in the Company’s selection or application of accounting principles and (ii) the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies, (b) analyses prepared by management and/or the independent auditors setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effects of alternative GAAP methods on the financial statements, and (c) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures, on the financial statements of the Company.


14. Obtain Assurances under Section 10A(b) of the Exchange Act: The Committee is to obtain assurance from the independent auditors that in the course of conducting the audit, there have been no acts detected or that have otherwise come to the attention of the audit firm that require disclosure to the Committee under Section 10A(b) of the Exchange Act.


15. Oversee Risk Management and Discuss Risk Management Policies: The Committee is to oversee the Company's risk management practices and discuss with management the Company's major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control the exposures, including the Company's risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines.


16. Obtain Reports Regarding Conformity With Legal Requirements and the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics: The Committee is to periodically obtain reports from management, the Company's senior internal auditing executive and the independent auditor that the Company and its affiliated entities are in conformity with applicable legal requirements and the Company's Code of Ethics (including the Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers). The Committee should advise the Board with respect to the Company's policies and procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations and with the Company's Code of Ethics (including the Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers).


17. Establish Procedures for Complaints Regarding Financial Statements or Accounting Policies: The Committee is to establish procedures for (A) the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the Company from employees regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and (B) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters as required by Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and listing requirements promulgated thereunder by the SEC and the NYSE. The Committee is to discuss with management and the independent auditors any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies and any complaints or concerns regarding the Company's financial statements or accounting policies.


18. Discuss With General Counsel Matters Regarding Financial Statements or Compliance Policies: The Committee should discuss with the Company's General Counsel legal matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements or the Company's compliance policies.


19. Review and Discuss Other Matters: The Committee should review and discuss such other matters that relate to the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices and procedures of the Company as the Committee may, in its own discretion, deem desirable in connection with the review functions described above.


20. Make Board Reports: The Committee should report its activities regularly to the Board of Directors in such manner and at such times as the Committee and the Board of Directors deem appropriate, but in no event less than once a year. Such report should include the Committee's conclusions with respect to its assessment of the performance and independence of the independent auditors.


21. Maintain Flexibility. The Committee, in carrying out its responsibilities, policies and procedures should remain flexible, in order to best react to changing conditions and circumstances.

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Meetings

The Committee shall meet in person or telephonically at least quarterly, or more frequently as it may determine necessary, to comply with its responsibilities as set forth herein. The Chair of the Committee will, in consultation with the other members of the Committee, the Company's independent auditors and the appropriate officers of the Company, establish the agenda for each Committee meeting. Any Committee member may submit items to be included on the agenda. Committee members may also raise subjects that are not on the agenda at any meeting. The Committee Chair or a majority of the Committee members may call a meeting of the Committee at any time. A majority of the number of Committee members selected by the Board will constitute a quorum for conducting business at a meeting of the Committee. The act of a majority of Committee members present at a Committee meeting at which quorum is in attendance will be the act of the Committee, unless a greater number is required by law, the Company's certificate of incorporation or its by-laws. Any Committee member may be excused from a meeting to permit the remaining members of the Committee to act on any matter in which such member's participation is not appropriate, and such member's absence shall not destroy the quorum for the meeting. The Committee also may take action by unanimous written consent. The Committee Chair will supervise the conduct of the meetings and will have other responsibilities as the Committee may specify from time to time.

The Committee may request any officer or employee of the Company or any representative of the Company's legal counsel or independent auditors or other advisors to attend a meeting of the Committee or to meet with any members, or representatives of the Committee. The Committee shall meet with the Company's management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors periodically in separate private sessions to discuss any matter that the Committee, management, the independent auditors or such other persons believe should be discussed privately.

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Resources and Authority

The Committee shall have appropriate resources and authority to discharge its responsibilities as required by law, including the authority to engage independent legal counsel and other advisors as the Committee deems necessary to carry out its responsibilities. The Committee may also, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, meet with the Company's investment bankers or financial analysts who follow the Company.

The Company will provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of compensation (i) to the Company's independent auditors engaged for the purpose of rendering or issuing an audit report or related work or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company, and (ii) to independent counsel or any other advisors employed by the Committee.

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Audit Committee Report

The Committee will prepare, with the assistance of management, the independent auditors and legal counsel, the Audit Committee Report.

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Annual Review

At least annually, the Committee shall (a) review this Charter with the Board and recommend any changes to the Board and (b) evaluate its performance against the requirements of this Charter and review this evaluation with the Board. The Committee shall conduct its review and evaluation in such manner as the Committee, in its business judgment, deems appropriate.

Consistent with New York Stock Exchange listing requirements, this Charter will be included on the Company's website. The Company's proxy statement or annual report to shareholders will state that this Charter is available on the Company's website.

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