AEP Announces Plan To Add 2,000 MW Of Wind Power
(Story by Rachel Hammer)
AEP July 26 announced plans for the Wind Catcher Energy Connection project. The Wind Catcher project will provide 2,000 megawatts (MW) of new wind energy for customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
The $4.5 billion project includes the wind farm and an approximately 350-mile, dedicated, extra-high voltage (765 kV) power line. Invenergy LLC is developing the wind farm located in Oklahoma’s western panhandle. The power line will connect the wind farm to AEP’s transmission system near Tulsa.
SWEPCO will own 70 percent of the project, including 1,400 MW of wind. PSO will own 30 percent of the project, including 600 MW of wind. The companies plan to file July 31 with regulators in the four states for approvals. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) also must approve the project.
The project will provide clean energy to customers and will reduce customer rates beginning in 2021, its first year of operation. The project is expected to boost economic development through construction and permanent jobs, property taxes, and components produced in states served by PSO and SWEPCO.
Please read the news releases for additional information.
AEP Retirees & Alumni 
Looks to be a great project. Hope all goes well.