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POWER UP! John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant goes commercial
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At 12:08 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, the John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant began commercial operation. The photo shows the first megawatts generated on a screen behind Energy Production Superintendent Andy Brannan and Operations Specialist David Roberts. It was the culmination of work that began in 2005 with a plan to meet the region's future energy needs.
SWEPCO President and Chief Operating Officer Venita McCellon-Allen was on hand for the monumental event. View her remarks in the video below.
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Several media outlets covered the Turk story. To read more about the startup, see this article in the Hope Star.
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So what's all the hoopla about?
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The John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant is among the cleanest, most efficient coal-fueled plants in the country. It is the first power plant in the nation to bring ultra-supercritical coal combustion technology into operation. This means the plant can burn coal more efficiently and cleaner than traditional coal plants.
The process to make the 600-megawatt plant a reality was quite a feat. In the videos below, Plant Manager Tim Gross and SWEPCO Vice President of Generation Paul Franklin explain what made the Turk Project different from others.
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Tim Gross discusses the process of getting Turk built.
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Paul Franklin on how Turk compares to other plants.
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Additional testimony, hearings set for Flint Creek
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 The Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) has allowed further testimony on SWEPCO's proposal to install additional environmental controls at Flint Creek Power Plant to meet stringent new EPA regulations.
After an Oct. 9-11 hearing and written closing arguments, the Commission reopened the record in response to a Dec. 14 joint motion by the plant co-owners, SWEPCO and AECC, and the Attorney General. A second hearing is set for March 5.
The additional testimony was filed by SWEPCO, AECC, the Southwest Power Pool and the Northwest Arkansas Council. It covers SWEPCO and AECC's subsequent discussions and conclusion that if Flint Creek is not retrofitted, the plant will be retired. The coal-fueled unit will not be converted to use natural gas - an uneconomic and inefficient option with grid reliability issues.
The testimony also discusses the cost and reliability concerns of various other alternatives for serving Northwest Arkansas. And it describes the economic development and community impacts that would occur if the plant is shut down. The Commission Staff, Attorney General and Sierra Club will file their responses in February.
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Remembering Sammie Cox
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 SWEPCO retiree and tireless advocate for the Turk Plant, Sammie Cox, passed away on Jan. 5. Cox had worked his way up the ranks at SWEPCO for 42 years before retiring two years ago. He could be seen walking the halls of the Arkansas State Capitol, shaking hands and greeting everyone.
"Sammie spent his career taking care of our customers," said SWEPCO Vice President of External Affairs Brian Bond. "From the times he repaired electric lines during storms in the early part of his career until he worked with local, state and federal officials to promote construction of the Turk Plant late in his career, Sammie always believed in putting SWEPCO's customers first! He did this with an unmatched vigor and passion."
SWEPCO President and COO Venita McCellon-Allen spoke at his funeral, held on Jan. 12 in Dierks. "Sammie's leadership was critical to the success of the Turk Plant from beginning to end," she said. "SWEPCO and its Arkansas customers have lost a dear friend and champion. We will miss Sammie."
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About ACARE
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ACARE was founded by SWEPCO and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to raise awareness across the state about the benefits of the Turk Project to the economy and the future energy needs of Arkansas. We invite you to join the coalition and show your support for the investments, jobs and progress that accompany new power projects in Arkansas. Find out more at www.arkansasaffordablepower.org.
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Now online! 
