AEP Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) says it is now seeking wind energy asset proposals for up to 100 MW, with a minimum nameplate rating of 80 MW, through a new request for proposals (RFP) in order to add more renewable energy to its diverse resource mix.
SWEPCO states that proposals are due Sept. 15, and as part of the RFP, the company is only seeking bids for projects that can be placed in commercial operation by Dec. 31, 2018.
“With the potential purchase of newly completed wind energy facilities, we are continuing SWEPCO’s strategy of diversifying our resource mix to provide reliable and affordable electricity for our customers in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas,” says Venita McCellon-Allen, SWEPCO’s president and chief operating officer.
“Our plans include significant increases in renewable energy, including wind and solar, and energy efficiency over the next 20 years. SWEPCO already has 469 MW of wind energy through purchase power agreements. With this RFP, we are seeking additional low-cost wind energy resources to serve our customers.”
According to the company, projects must be interconnected to the Southwest Power Pool and located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas or Missouri.
Any projects selected through the RFP process will be reviewed for regulatory approval by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, Louisiana Public Service Commission and Public Utility Commission of Texas.
