by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)
Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), a utility of Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power, looks to add up to 3,550 megawatts of electricity generating capacity to its energy portfolio by 2026. On Wednesday (April 28), SWEPCO submitted an informational filing that includes draft requests for proposals to add the capacity, largely comprising wind and solar resources.
SWEPCO’s filing with the Louisiana Public Service Commission follows the fall announcement to cease operations at two coal-fired plants and to upgrade another. The filing shows three draft requests for proposals “for renewable and economic generating capacity” for its customers. SWEPCO serves more than 543,000 customers in three states, including Arkansas.
Asked about the megawatt breakdown per state, SWEPCO spokesman Peter Main said that won’t be known until the resources are selected and the company files for regulatory approvals.