SHREVEPORT, La. – December 18, 2024
Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is making significant strides to bolster its energy generation capacity with a series of transformative projects. These initiatives aim to enhance SWEPCO’s diverse energy portfolio by incorporating natural gas facilities and expanding renewable energy resources, ensuring reliable and cost-effective power for customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
Key Projects: Natural Gas and Renewables
Natural Gas Initiatives
- 450-Megawatt Hallsville Natural Gas Plant
SWEPCO is developing a new 450-MW natural gas plant at the retired H.W. Pirkey Power Plant site in Hallsville, Texas. Expected to be operational by 2027, the plant will feature two General Electric combustion turbines and leverage existing site infrastructure to reduce costs. Regulatory approval from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas is pending for this $650 million project. - 1,053-Megawatt Welsh Natural Gas Conversion
SWEPCO plans to convert its Welsh Power Plant in Cason, Texas, from coal to natural gas. Unit 1 is scheduled for conversion in 2028, with Unit 3 following in 2027. This project underscores SWEPCO’s commitment to cleaner, more efficient energy production.
Renewable Energy Projects
- 200-Megawatt Diversion Wind Farm
Located in Baylor County, Texas, this wind farm is set to begin operations later this month, contributing clean energy to SWEPCO’s portfolio. - 598-Megawatt Wagon Wheel Wind Facility
Spanning multiple counties in Oklahoma, the Wagon Wheel Wind Facility is on track for completion in December 2025, providing sustainable energy for thousands of customers. - 72.5-Megawatt Rocking R Solar Facility
SWEPCO’s first large-scale solar energy project in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, will supply energy to approximately 12,000 homes annually. SWEPCO will purchase power from this facility under a long-term agreement.
Strategic Investment in Energy Security
These projects come as SWEPCO anticipates increased capacity needs due to evolving reserve requirements set by the Southwest Power Pool. The initiatives reflect SWEPCO’s commitment to balancing reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
“The future growth of new technologies and continued service to our customers are priorities that will require a diverse generation portfolio,” said SWEPCO President and COO Brett Mattison. “Our customers deserve an energy system capable of delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable power whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
Short-Term Capacity Solutions
In addition to these long-term projects, SWEPCO has entered into a short-term capacity agreement with a Texas-based natural gas facility. This agreement will act as a bridge, ensuring energy reliability until the new facilities are operational.
About SWEPCO
SWEPCO serves more than 500,000 customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas with a commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Recognized for its innovative approaches to energy delivery, SWEPCO continues to lead the way in providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power solutions.
For more details, visit SWEPCO.com. Connect with SWEPCO on social media for updates on projects and initiatives.