Utility seeks lower rates in Arkansas


Substation Relay Protection Training

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$699
Coupon Price:
$599
Reserve Your Seat Today
Lower electricity rates for Arkansas customers of Southwest Electric Power Co. would result if the state Public Service Commission approves a new schedule of fuel factors filed with the commission, the company said.

But SWEPCO already has pending before the commission a general rate-increase request that would offset the lower rates stemming from cheaper fuel.

The lower fuel factors stem mostly from lower natural gas prices, SWEPCO said in a news release. If approved by the PSC, the rate cut would take effect March 30 and run through 2010, according to the release.

The Shreveport, La.-based company serves about 135,000 customers in Arkansas.

The company said the new fuel factors would result in a drop of about $13.30 per month, or about 15 percent, for Arkansas residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month.

On Feb. 19, SWEPCO filed a request with the PSC for a 17.7 percent rate increase totaling about $53.9 million. The utility, a subsidiary of American Electric Power based at Columbus, Ohio, said $28.6 million of the requested increase would be to recover financing costs from a $2 billion coal-fired power plant that is under construction in Hempstead County and from a plant being built in Louisiana.

The other $25.3 million would cover expanded infrastructure and "ongoing operating costs."

If Arkansas regulators approve the rate hike, it would go into effect later this year or in early 2010. SWEPCO said the rate increase would cost the average ratepayer an additional $15.43 per month.

Related News

Is tidal energy the surge remote coastal communities need?

BC Tidal Energy Micro-Grids harness predictable tidal currents to replace diesel in remote Indigenous coastal…
View more

UCP scraps electricity price cap, some will see $7 bill increase this month

Edmonton Electricity Rate Increase signals Alberta RRO changes as the UCP ends the NDP price…
View more

Ontario Energy Board prohibiting electricity shutoffs during latest stay-at-home order

OEB Disconnection Ban shields Ontario residential customers under the stay-at-home order, pausing electricity distributor shutoffs…
View more

Huge offshore wind turbine that can power 18,000 homes

Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD advances offshore wind with a 14 MW direct-drive turbine, 108…
View more

Ex-SpaceX engineers in race to build first commercial electric speedboat

Arc One Electric Speedboat delivers zero-emission performance, quiet operation, and reduced maintenance, leveraging battery propulsion,…
View more

Lawmakers question FERC licensing process for dams in West Virginia

FERC Hydropower Licensing Dispute centers on FERC authority, Clean Water Act compliance, state water quality…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified