Public Service Company of Oklahoma requests addition of 675 MW of wind energy

Under a new application, the Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is seeking to diversify its energy generation approach with 675 megawatts of wind power, as part of a larger request in conjunction with the Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO).

The move requires regulatory approval, but if given the go-ahead, would include partial ownership in three wind generation facilities throughout north central Oklahoma. PSO anticipates its 45.5 percent ownership share of these facilities will save their customers more than $2 billion, net of cost, while in service. It would also expand PSO’s hand in wind generation, which currently accounts for around 20 percent of their production.

“Our long-range goal at PSO is to rely on a well-balanced mix of natural gas and renewable sources like wind to meet the needs of our customers,” PSO President and COO Peggy Simmons said. “We’re excited about this opportunity because it will save our customers money and boost the state’s economy with new investment and tax revenues.”

If approved, however, the company’s customers would not start to see benefits until 2022, though the energy itself could begin flowing by December 2021. When factoring in the larger total shared with SWEPCO, the effort could account for as much as 1,485 MW.