Transmission expansion supports Beaver Creek Solar development
As AEP Oklahoma advances construction of a $260 million transmission project across southern Oklahoma, the utility has asked state regulators for approval to build a new electrical substation in Stephens County to support a major solar development.
AEP recently filed an application with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) seeking authority to construct the Vision Substation, a facility designed to connect with the Beaver Creek Solar Energy Resource Center now under development in Stephens County.
345-kV transmission line spans three counties
The transmission project includes approximately 70 miles of new 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines crossing Comanche, Stephens, and Carter counties. The lines are part of AEP’s broader effort to strengthen grid reliability while accommodating new large-scale renewable energy generation in the region.
According to regulatory filings, the Vision Substation will interconnect with AEP’s existing Lawton Eastside–Terry Road 345-kV transmission line, allowing power generated by the Beaver Creek Solar Project to move efficiently onto the regional grid.
Details of the Vision Substation site
In testimony filed with the OCC, AEP Oklahoma Transmission Company Inc. outlined the scope and location of the proposed substation.
“The purpose of the Project is to evaluate suitable property for a substation to accommodate a Generator Interconnection Agreement (GIA) request in Stephens County,” the company stated.
The proposed substation would occupy approximately 9.5 acres of land and include a 500-by-300-foot gravel and fenced facility designed to house a three-breaker ring bus station. The site is located southwest of the intersection of 122nd Street and Bois D’Arc Road in Stephens County.
Beaver Creek Solar project adds 200 MW with storage
The Vision Substation is intended to support the Beaver Creek Solar Project, a 200-megawatt solar facility with integrated battery storage being developed by NextEra Energy Resources through its subsidiary, Rush Springs Solar, LLC.
The solar project will cover approximately 800 acres of private land in Stephens County. Developers expect the facility to become operational by late 2026, adding significant renewable capacity to Oklahoma’s energy mix.
Public meeting and construction timeline
AEP’s filings indicate the company plans to hold a public meeting in Stephens County on January 20 to explain the project, gather feedback, and answer questions from local residents and landowners.
If approved by regulators, construction of the Vision Substation is expected to be completed by September 30, 2027, aligning with the broader transmission expansion schedule.
Company representatives told regulators the project is necessary to ensure reliable interconnection and long-term grid performance as renewable generation continues to expand across southern Oklahoma.