SWEPCO's Harry D. Mattison Power Plant Now Online In Northwest Arkansas
Shreveport, LA - American Electric Power's Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) has begun commercial operation of the new Harry D. Mattison Power Plant at Tontitown, Ark.
Two simple-cycle, natural-gas combustion turbines were declared in commercial operation July 12, 2007. For service this summer, the units have an initial combined capacity of 150 megawatts (MW). After the installation of additional equipment this fall, the capacity will increase by 20 MW to a combined capacity of 170 MW.
Another two combustion turbines with a combined capacity of 170 MW are under construction and scheduled for completion in December 2007. When complete, the four units in the $131 million project will have a total capacity of 340 MW. The possibility of adding more capacity at the site will be evaluated.
SWEPCO announced plans May 31, 2006, to build up to 480 MW of peaking generation at Tontitown. Peaking facilities are used primarily to meet higher demand during summer months when heat and humidity lead to increased air conditioning use and demand on the electric system.
"This is a significant addition of generation to help meet the growing energy needs of SWEPCO customers in the region," said Venita McCellon-Allen, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer. "The project was fast-tracked to get ready for this summer's peak demand. It took an exceptional effort and lots of teamwork among SWEPCO, AEP Engineering, Wood Group Power Solutions, AEP Transmission, SWEPCO Distribution and many other company and contractor groups to make this possible. In less than seven months, the site was transformed from a pasture to an operating 150-megawatt power station, with construction continuing to bring the plant to its full 340 megawatts later this year."
The plant will be managed and operated by staff at SWEPCO's nearby Flint Creek Power Plant in Gentry, Ark., where Dan Lee is plant manager.
The facility is named for Harry D. Mattison, who was president and chief executive officer of Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) from 1988 through 1990. A 33-year employee, Mattison is a native Arkansan and a graduate of the University of Arkansas.
SWEPCO serves over 464,000 customers in three states, including 112,000 in western Arkansas, 176,000 in Northwest Louisiana, and 176,000 in East Texas and the North Texas Panhandle. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at http://swepco.com.
SOURCE: American Electric Power