Good for state

Wind project excellent opportunity

Renewable energy is good for Arkansas citizens and businesses, both current and future, and Arkansas has the opportunity to be a part of another major effort to lower electricity costs for many years in the future.

SWEPCO’s Wind Catcher project is an exceptional opportunity to lower SWEPCO customers’ electric bills, help develop a cleaner environment and add diversity to the viable renewable energy sources serving Arkansas. The lower costs for customers occur largely because wind energy has zero fuel costs.

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A settlement agreement has recently been reached by the general staff of the Arkansas Public Service Commission; the Arkansas attorney general’s office; Walmart, a major user of electric power and a major supporter of renewable energy; and SWEPCO for a wind energy project that is estimated to save customers over $4 billion over the 25-year life of the project. This agreement balances the interests of ratepayers, SWEPCO, and other parties. The agreement includes a cap of construction costs, a guarantee of minimum energy output, and that the project will receive the full value of the federal production tax credits.

Lower electricity prices help families, businesses and communities. When large companies are exploring new locations, affordable energy prices are a crucial factor. The same applies for local businesses that are considering expansion. For most Arkansans, the cost of electricity and other utilities is a factor they must consider with every paycheck. Lower electric bills mean more money for their families.

As I reviewed this project and its process through to the settlement agreement, I found that:

The Arkansas Public Service Commission general staff requested many requirements that protect the interests of ratepayers.

While we don’t have sufficient wind in Arkansas to develop a wind farm of this magnitude, 30 percent of the turbine blades to be produced by GE Renewal Energy are to be produced in Arkansas.

The city of Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville both provided meaningful public comments in favor of the project.

I appreciate Walmart’s interest in sustainability and renewal energy. I’m sure it would not have been a part of this agreement without believing that it was beneficial to the environment and would provide a lower electric cost for all customers, both business and private citizens.

Right here at the end of the process, some supporters of solar energy have questioned whether SWEPCO’s Wind Catcher project is right for SWEPCO’s customers. I’m not sure if these parties are solar energy providers, solar energy manufacturers, or just other interested parties. I’ve tried to find their websites, but I was only able to find one website and that has a “fill in the blank” form saying you like solar energy.

I suggest that the best path is the one taken in full public view since July of last year and now relies on the Arkansas Public Service Commission commissioners’ decision.

During my term as chairman of the commission, I have found the general staff and members of the commission to be thoughtful and deliberate in their approach. I look forward to their decision on this important project.