Lanny Nickell
![SPP’s coordination center in Little Rock. It oversees the grid in a 14-state region. [PHOTO provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SPP_Coordination_Center_01_-_APPROVED_FOR_EXTERNAL_DISTRIBUTION_opt-300x194.jpg)
SPP Board Approves $8.6B Grid Upgrade
The project encompasses 50 new transmission projects and 949 miles of new supersized 765-kilovolt lines. read more >
SPP Launches Phase 2 of Western Power Market Development
A roster of market members and a separate task force are working to establish a governance structure to guide Markets+ to fruition. read more >
CEO Lanny Nickell Outlines Vision for SPP Amid Grid Pressures
With energy demand spiking, Nickell is leading a fast-paced push to modernize and expand the regional power grid. read more >
SPP, Hitachi Partner to Use AI to Speed Up New Power Connections
The regional transmission organization said the initiative will help it keep pace with rising electricity demands in its 14-state footprint. read more >
Antoine Lucas Named Executive VP & COO of Southwest Power Pool (Super Mover)
Lucas will succeed current COO Lanny Nickell, who was named as the organization’s new president and CEO effective April 1. read more >
SPP Hires Kevin Bryant for New Executive Post
He joins the electric grid operator from Evergy Inc., and investor-owned utility with dual headquarters in Kansas and Missouri. read more >
Lanny Nickell Named President & CEO of Southwest Power Pool (Super Mover)
Nickell is currently SPP’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. read more >
SPP’s Antoine Lucas to Take on Role as COO
Lucas, now vice president of markets, has worked for SPP since 2007. He takes over for Lanny Nickell, who is set to become CEO of the electric grid overseer in April. read more >
Lanny Nickell to Succeed Barbara Sugg as CEO of Southwest Power Pool
Nickell is the not-for-profit regional power transmission organization's executive vice president and chief operating officer. He's been with SPP since 1997. read more >
Western Electric: SPP Expands for New Era
This western march comes at a critical juncture, as extreme weather and emerging stressors, like the proliferation of data centers, test the power grid like never before. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
New FERC Mandate Requires Long-Term Planning Amid Rising Energy Demands
Advanced energy advocates praised the potential for easier interconnection of wind and solar projects, while conservative states were beyond skeptical. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Arkansas Power Officials Look to Texas, Count Blessings
A future disruption as severe as when a deadly winter storm overwhelmed Texas’ power supply appears far less likely in Arkansas. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
SPP Touts Its Value, and Refines Mission Statement
Southwest Power Pool leaders revamped its mission statement and heard an update on the savings the regional grid operator offers to members in meetings last week in Little Rock. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Lanny Nickell Named COO of Southwest Power Pool as Barbara Sugg Forms Team
Southwest Power Pool names Lanny Nickell as executive vice president and chief operating officer at a board of directors meeting in Little Rock, the company said. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
SPP Elects Leaders, Authorizes 44 Transmission Projects
Leaders of Southwest Power Pool gathered in Little Rock last week to elect new officers and approve the construction of 44 power transmission projects in its 14-state footprint, including 166 miles of 345-kilovolt lines. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Three Advance at Southwest Power Pool (Movers & Shakers)
Bruce Rew, Lanny Nickell and Barbara Sugg have received promotions at Southwest Power Pool in Little Rock. read more >
$1M Raised, The Rep Aims for New Productions in 2019
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre plans to resume productions after the first of the year now that it has a new budget and raised enough money to pay off debt. read more >
Arkansas Utilities Benefit From Wind Energy Subsidies
Wind energy generation is on the rise in the states surrounding Arkansas, and the renewable resource is seeing more use from some of the state’s utility companies. read more >
by Luke Jones -
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