The Arkansas Public Service Commission has given final approval to Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) to build a combined-cycle generation facility near Newark.
The Independence Gas Plant (IGP) will be located adjacent to the existing Independence Steam Electric Station and will be co-owned by municipal utilities in Conway, Jonesboro and West Memphis along with East Texas Electric Cooperative.
The project cost is estimated at $2.6 billion, with AECC’s share at about $1.96 billion.
IGP will provide 1,499 megawatts (MW) and create about 800 construction-phase jobs with 25 to 35 long-term operations jobs.
“With the expected closure of the Independence Steam and White Bluff Electric Station coal plants in Arkansas, IGP will fill a critical gap to ensure electric cooperative members are not exposed to energy shortages and continue to receive reliable, affordable and responsible power 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said AECC President/CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten.
The anticipated in-service date is scheduled for January 2031.
