Southwest Power Pool
FERC Advances SPP’s Plans for Western Power Market
Regulators approved details of how SPP will finance the $150 million cost of launching the market and later recover that cost. read more >
Arvest Bank, Conway Corp. & NARMC Announce Leadership Changes (Movers & Shakers)
Cassie Swafford was promoted to HR administrator at First Service Bank, while various professionals in banking, healthcare, education, and other sectors have taken on new roles across Arkansas. read more >
Poultry Federation, Citizens Bank & Visit Bentonville Announce New Leadership (Movers & Shakers)
From banking to tourism, Arkansas professionals are stepping into new leadership roles, shaping industries across the state. read more >
Promotions Announced at Encore Bank, Hendrix College & Visit Bentonville (Movers & Shakers)
Discover the latest leadership moves in Arkansas across banking, health care, nonprofits, and more, featuring key hires, promotions, and board appointments. read more >
![Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. is building a natural gas-fueled generation facility near Naples, Texas, to help meet growing demand for electricity. [rendering provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot_2025-03-03_at_12.43.01e280afPM_opt-300x194.jpg)
Arkansas Faces Surge in Power Demand from AI & Data Centers
As Arkansas braces for a power surge driven by booming industries, its affordable rates could fuel major economic growth — if utilities can keep up. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Arkansas Bill Would Let Utilities Promise Power to Attract Big Business
The proposal has sparked debate over costs, ratepayer impact, and oversight. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
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 >
Promotions at HoganTaylor, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Baptist Health & More (Movers & Shakers)
Promotions and leadership changes span industries in Arkansas, from accounting and banking to healthcare and utilities. 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 >
Roaring Storms & Rising Rates
Arkansas AG Tim Griffin opposed Entergy's 4.25% electric rate hike, criticizing its reliance on a formula for yearly increases, while Summit Utilities' rate hike was approved. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Paul Phillips Appointed Federal Programs Director at Cromwell Architects Engineers (Mover & Shakers)
In this role, Phillips will spearhead business development efforts in the federal sector, focusing on strategic marketing initiatives. read more >
ERCOT Veteran Carrie Bivens Joins SPP to Lead Market Monitoring
She is succeeding Keith Collins, who vacated the job earlier this year. read more >
SPP Board Approves Plan for Vast $7.7B Transmission Expansion
The nonprofit regional transmission organization, based in Little Rock, is looking to address increasing electricity consumption and changes in the region’s generating fleet. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
2 Hired at Taylor King Law (Movers & Shakers)
Thomas Odom has been hired as an attorney at Taylor King Law of Little Rock, and Kelsi Scarlett has been hired at the northwest Arkansas branch of Taylor King Law in Springdale. read more >
SPP Vote Approves $7.7B Transmission Package, Its Largest Ever
The not-for-profit power grid overseer has plans for 89 projects representing 2,277 miles of new transmission lines and 443 miles of transmission rebuilds. read more >
HBCU Students Connect with Power Industry Leaders at Little Rock Career Summit
“The goal of the event is to hire students to work in the power industry here in Little Rock,” said MISO’s Brandon Morris. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Power Entities to Host HBCU Students at ACES Career Event
Several Little Rock electric power entities are helping lead a careers summit for students in historically black universities. read more >
AECC Details Plans for New Generation Plant in Texas
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Inc. plans to build a 900-megawatt gas-fueled power plant in Texas, citing a need for more baseload power. The Little Rock cooperative proposed the next-generation plant for […] read more >
More Work for Southwest Power Pool On Western Market
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently asked for more details on SPP’s plan to develop an equitable power market along with 34 electric entities in nine western states. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Southwest Power Pool CEO Barbara Sugg Announces Retirement
The board of the regional transmission organization plans to name Sugg's successor before she departs in April. read more >
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