Project targets rising electricity demand and grid reliability
ONE Gas, Inc. has announced plans to build a $160 million, 43-mile large-diameter natural gas pipeline in southeast Oklahoma, a major infrastructure investment aimed at supporting growing electricity demand across the state.
According to the company, the pipeline is expected to become operational in 2028 and will play a key role in supplying natural gas to power generation facilities as Oklahoma utilities work to meet increasing load requirements.
Pipeline to supply Western Farmers Electric Cooperative
The project will deliver more than 100 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually to Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, supporting natural gas-fueled generation at the cooperative’s Hugo Plant near Fort Towson.
In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, ONE Gas said the pipeline will support approximately 400 megawatts of natural gas-fueled generation by 2029. The company described the project as Phase One of a broader, long-term WFEC resource plan focused on reliable generation capacity.
Investment details and construction timeline
The overall project includes an estimated $150–$160 million investment to construct a pipeline connecting the Bennington Natural Gas Hub to WFEC’s Hugo Plant. ONE Gas plans to invest approximately $120 million of that total.
Construction and operation of the pipeline will be handled by ONE Gas’ local distribution company, Oklahoma Natural Gas, which will install, operate, and maintain the system once it enters service.
The company expects construction to take more than two years, with completion targeted for the third quarter of 2028.
Supporting long-term power generation in the region
ONE Gas said the pipeline will help ensure the long-term future of the Hugo Plant while strengthening energy infrastructure in southeast Oklahoma. The timeline aligns with WFEC’s plans to bring additional generation capacity online by 2029, providing a stable fuel supply for natural gas-fired electricity production.
By supplying fuel directly to a major generation facility, the pipeline is designed to support grid reliability, help utilities manage rising demand, and provide a consistent energy source as Oklahoma continues to see growth across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.