While PSO’s been hit with opposition in two counties for its massive “Wind Catcher” wind farm and electrical transmission line across northern Oklahoma, the Arkansas Public Service Commission voted this week to determine the project is in the public interest.
The $4.5 billion project is designed to carry electricity 350 miles from the Oklahoma Panhandle to northeast Oklahoma and eventually provide power for customers in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.
The Commission in Arkansas approved provisions of a settlement agreement submitted in February by the Commission’s staff, the Arkansas Attorney General, Southwestern Electric Power Co., Walmart Stores, Inc. and Sam’s West, Inc.
AEP based in Columbus, Ohio owns PSo and Southwestern Electric Power Co. Southwestern Electric Power will hold 70 percent of the project while the remaining 30 percent will be owned by its sister company, Public Service Company of Oklahoma.
“Wind Catcher is a part of our strategy to invest in the energy resources of the future,” said Nicholas K. Akins, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The Arkansas Commission’s decision recognizes the long-term savings and clean energy that Wind Catcher will deliver to our customers.”
The settlement agreement approved by the Arkansas Commissoin includes a cap on construction costs, qualification for 100 percent of the federal Production Tax Credits, minimum annual production from the project and other commitments.
Southwestern Power anticipates Wind Catcher will save its customers more than $4 billion over the 25-year life of the wind farm. The company said most of its 117,000 customers will start seeing a reduction in their bills beginning in 2021.
The construction of the farm will also benefit other Arkansas companies. GE Renewable Energy will provide 800 of the 2.5 megawatt wind turbines and a large number of those turbine blades will be manufactured in Arkansas.