As part of the Louisiana approval, Southwestern Electric Power (Swepco) will prepare and submit a study identifying the potential for implementing energy efficiency and load management programs for its Louisiana customers.
Swepco will work with an independent monitor to track the construction of the proposed plant. Swepco is also awaiting an air permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality before construction of the power generation facilities can begin.
The estimated cost of the plant is approximately $1.34 billion, with Swepco investing 73% of the total. It will own 440MW of the plant’s capacity. Construction of the facility will take approximately 48 months, with an expected commercial operation date set for late summer 2012.
Venita McCellon-Allen, Swepco’s president and COO, said: We are very pleased that the Louisiana Commission has recognized the importance of this plant for meeting the future needs of our Louisiana customers.
