More Wind Power, Less Coal Pollution, and Billions in Savings Possible for SWEPCO Customers

LITTLE ROCK, AR  -- Yesterday, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) approved Southwest Electric Power Company’s (SWEPCO) request to provide renewable wind energy to its customers. The approval could provide up to 464 MW of power for SWEPCO customers in Louisiana and up to 268 MW for customers in Arkansas. Arkansas and Oklahoma already approved the project. The wind energy will be distributed to Arkansas and Louisiana from wind farms in Oklahoma. SWEPCO expects the wind project will save customers an estimated $2 billion over the 30-year life of the new facilities while adding hundreds of construction jobs. 

Meanwhile, SWEPCO, part owner of the Dolet Hills coal plant, expects the facility and the lignite mine that provides its fuel to close by September 2021, pending regulatory approval. On January 8, 2020, Sierra Club reached an agreement with SWEPCO and the Arkansas PSC to close the coal plant no later than 2026. Sierra Club’s analysis shows that permanently retiring Dolet Hills will save more than $85 million a year in energy savings. Dolet Hills marks the 300th coal plant retired during Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. 

Sierra Club statements: 

Glen Hooks, Director of the Sierra Club’s Arkansas Chapter: “Arkansans are celebrating the clean energy transition happening before us with the closure of Dolet Hills and expansion of renewable energy investments throughout the Natural State. Sierra Club encourages the cost savings to be used for a just transition for workers and to reduce utility bills for customers. It is already shaping up to be a record breaking year for solar installations. The addition of the SWEPCO wind project means people throughout the state will benefit from lower utility bills while enjoying cleaner air and water.”