Arkansas utililty rates could rise over construction of natural gas plants

The Flint Creek Power Plant, a coal-fired plant operated by Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), is seen from the boat dock area along Swepco Lake in Gentry in this March 1, 2025, file photo. (Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer)

 

A new law in Arkansas opens the door for higher electric rates as the state’s two largest utilities propose “strategic investments” including new gas-fired power plants.

Entergy Arkansas, the largest electric utility in Arkansas, has filed application to build a 754-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant, which it hopes to finance with a rate increase starting in 2026.

The Southwestern Electric Power Company also wants authority to construct to out-of-state natural gas power plants but pass along the construction costs to Arkansas ratepayers.

Click here for  Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette