Southwest Power Pool expansion to add nearly 200 jobs as grid moves west
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is accelerating its expansion into western U.S. energy markets — a move that will bring nearly 200 new jobs to the regional transmission organization over the next two years while reshaping how electricity is managed across much of the country.
Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, the grid operator announced the western expansion is part of a $150 million investment designed to improve grid efficiency, reliability, and coordination across a much broader footprint that will soon stretch well beyond SPP’s current 14-state region, which includes Oklahoma.
Expansion tied to Markets+ energy platform
By the end of 2027, SPP expects to add approximately 190 new positions, including engineering, information technology, market administration, and operational support roles. About 165 of those jobs will be based in Little Rock, supporting SPP’s growing corporate and market operations.
The expansion is backed by secured financing and centers on the continued development of Markets+, an advanced wholesale electricity market designed to serve the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and Desert Southwest. The platform is intended to improve coordination between regions, reduce costs, and strengthen grid reliability as power demand grows.
“SPP is proud that our employee base, as well as the reach and value of our services, are all growing as a result of our expansion into the western part of the country,” said Lanny Nickell, president and CEO of Southwest Power Pool. “We’re already well respected for keeping the lights on affordably from Texas to North Dakota. Soon, consumers across the West will also rely on SPP for dependable, cost-effective wholesale energy.”
Impact for Oklahoma and the broader region
SPP currently manages the high-voltage transmission grid across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, and portions of the Midwest, making the western expansion a significant development for Oklahoma’s role in national energy infrastructure. As electricity demand rises from manufacturing, data centers, and population growth, expanded regional coordination is expected to improve resilience and cost control.
Arkansas officials emphasized the economic and infrastructure benefits tied to the expansion.
“Southwest Power Pool’s continued investment reflects the role Arkansas plays in supporting critical infrastructure,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Their investment in Little Rock strengthens the operational backbone that keeps communities powered and businesses moving.”
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. echoed that sentiment, calling the expansion an investment in long-term resiliency and job creation.
“Southwest Power Pool is critical to our national infrastructure,” Scott said. “Their commitment to Little Rock supports economic development not only for our city, but for the region and the country.”
Long-term growth for a national grid operator
Founded in 1941, Southwest Power Pool is a nonprofit regional transmission organization (RTO) responsible for maintaining reliable electricity supplies, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale power prices on behalf of its member utilities.
Local and state economic leaders said the expansion highlights Little Rock’s role as a hub for energy technology and corporate operations.
“SPP’s growth will create well over 100 high-quality jobs and make a lasting impact in Central Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde added that the investment will strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline and deliver long-term benefits for working families.
SPP said hiring will continue across multiple disciplines as the western expansion progresses. Open positions and application details are available at www.spp.org/careers.