Southwestern Electric Power Company, which serves many customers in Arkansas, issued a release today saying it was asking for proposals to provide 1,200 megawatts of additional wind-generated energy by the end of 2021.

Said the release:

Advertisement

“SWEPCO continues to see strong customer interest in more renewable energy to meet their sustainability and renewable energy goals,” said Malcolm Smoak, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer. “At the same time, SWEPCO is seeking proposals that will save customers money and further diversify our energy resource mix.” 

The projects must be in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas or Oklahoma.

SWEPCO is part of American Electric Power, once the biggest burner of coal in the country. Times are changing, even if Arkansas politicians, the business lobby and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge seem determined to cling to the polluting past, be it from burning coal or petroleum products.

China is moving heavily to electric vehicles. I just read that a third of all cars sold in Norway last year were zero-emission and almost half are fully electric or hybrids. Arkansas will lumber along behind the curve, most likely, but as a new owner of an electric car I am happy to report that the number of charging points here is growing.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Want to get ‘primal’? Grab your axe and head to Bentonville Next article Bread and Roses Cooperative opening on Markham in January