Utility seeks to retire Louisiana power plant

Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) officials said the utility is seeking regulatory approval to retire the Dolet Hills Power Plant in Louisiana by the end of 2026.

The action stems from a settlement agreement in the recently concluded Arkansas rate review, noting as part of the settlement agreement, the Sierra Club has agreed to withdraw its pending challenges related to the Dolet Hills Power Plant in Texas and Louisiana.

“We continue to focus on the economic operations of the plant and lignite mine to best serve our customers,” Brian Bond, SWEPCO vice president of External Affairs, said. “This action follows our change to seasonal operations last year as we adjust to electric power market conditions and the challenges of mining the Oxbox lignite reserves.”

Dolet Hills is a 650-megawatt (MW) lignite-fueled plant near Mansfield, Louisiana, with SWEPCO owns 40 percent of the plant. Cleco Corporation owns 50 percent of the plant and operates the facility.

“The plant’s environmental performance has been exceptional for decades, operating in full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations protective of human health and the environment,” Bond said.

The Arkansas Public Service Commission approved the settlement agreement in late December 2019 as part of its overall decision in the SWEPCO rate review.