Southwest Power Pool (SPP) has loudly objected to Entergy Arkansas’ new deal to join Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO).
Today, the Little Rock-based regional transmission operator filed with the PSC its arguments for Entergy to join its network. The PSC must sign off on Entergy’s exit agreement with its parent company, Entergy Corp., by 2013. The PSC must also approve a change of control order that would allow Entergy to join MISO’s network.
“All evidence we’ve seen makes it clear that membership in SPP would bring greater value to Entergy, as we describe in today’s filing," said SPP President and CEO Nick Brown.
"SPP and Entergy began our partnership in 1941 to serve our region and nation, and we want to continue doing what’s best for our region – including what is best for all Arkansas customers. If Entergy joins SPP as a full member, two large adjacent power grids will be consolidated, Entergy will have a voice in SPP’s decision-making process, it will continue contributing to our regional energy reserves, and the APSC will have real and meaningful influence through SPP’s Regional State Committee,” Brown added.
Entergy contends it will save more money by joining MISO. In May, Entergy outlined the savings it expected to achieve in a PSC filing.
At the time, Entergy projected net benefits of between $192 million and $263 million from 2013 to 2022 by joining MISO. The projected net benefits are the estimated production cost-related savings, minus increased administrative and transmission costs. Entergy said it would save $163 million to $221 million if it joined SPP.
You can read SPP’s filing at this link.
