The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator announced Thursday that former Arkansas State Sen. Allen Gordon will be the organization’s spokesman in Arkansas.
"Given Entergy Arkansas’ request to join MISO, it’s important for us establish stronger roots in the state," Aldie Warnock, MISO’s vice president of government and regulatory affairs, said in a news release.
"Given his understanding of energy and economic issues, Sen. Gordon will help us do that by reaching out to communities across the state to explain what we do, how we do it and what the benefits are to Arkansas."
MISO, of Carmel, Ind., is an independent, nonprofit, regional transmission organization that supports electricity delivery in 11 states.
Entergy Corp. announced in April that its operating units – Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Texas – would join MISO by December 2013.
Entergy’s move would expand MISO’s footprint from the Canadian Border to the Gulf of Mexico.
"MISO membership provides clear benefits," Gordon said. "It will help keep electricity costs down and improve reliability. As a result, that will help Arkansas compete for new businesses that create jobs and economic growth."
Gordon, a Morrilton native, is of counsel with the law firm of Gordon Caruth and Virden. He recently worked on the staff of Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel.
Gordon was the state senator for District 25 from 1982 to 2000. In the Senate, he chaired the Committee on State Agencies and co-chaired the Joint Administrative Rules and Regulations Committee. He was also vice- chair of the Judiciary Committee and the Joint Interim Committee on Energy.
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