Headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is expanding services with a $150 million project to accommodate growth and streamline the electric grid for greater efficiency and reliability.
By the end of 2027, SPP projects it will create about 190 new engineering, IT, market administration, and support jobs, including about 165 in Little Rock, as part of its corporate growth and market expansion. Backed by secured financing, the project will enable development and continued operation of an innovative energy market, called Markets+, that will serve the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West and Desert Southwest regions of the U.S.
“SPP is proud that our employee base, as well as the reach and value of our services are all growing as a result of our expansion into the western part of the country,” said SPP CEO Lanny Nickell. “We’re already well respected in the energy industry for our expertise in more affordably keeping the lights on across our region extending from Texas to North Dakota. Soon, consumers in a broader region throughout the West will also count on us to ensure dependable, affordable provision of wholesale energy.”
“As the workforce grows, so does the demand for reliable, affordable energy for families and businesses,” said Governor Sanders. “Southwest Power Pool’s continued investment reflects the role Arkansas plays in supporting critical infrastructure, keeping communities powered and businesses moving. Their investment in Little Rock strengthens the operational backbone that makes this work possible and reinforces Arkansas’ place in the national energy landscape."
“Southwest Power Pool is critical to our national infrastructure, leading from here in Little Rock to make sure millions of American homes and businesses have reliable access to power,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. “Their commitment to Little Rock is an investment in resiliency and economic development for our city, state, and region. Our City’s historic jobs growth supports families and strengthens our local economy.”
Founded in 1941, Southwest Power Pool is a nonprofit regional transmission organization (RTO) that is mandated to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale electricity prices on behalf of its members. Southwest Power Pool is headquartered in Little Rock at 201 Worthen Drive.
“Southwest Power Pool’s latest expansion is a prime example of how companies thrive in the Natural State,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Southwest Power Pool’s growth will create well over 100 new jobs and make a significant impact in Central Arkansas. We congratulate Southwest Power Pool and the City of Little Rock on this announcement and look forward to their continued success.”
“Energy technologies and corporate operations are foundational economic pillars of the Little Rock economy. Southwest Power Pool plays an instrumental role in managing one of our nation’s most important assets, the electric grid,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “Southwest Power Pool’s growth in Little Rock is a testament to the fact that corporate, technology-based companies are continuing to flourish in Little Rock.”
“Southwest Power Pool’s expansion will spark tremendous momentum for Pulaski County’s workforce and economic future,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “I can’t say enough about the positive impact it will have. This investment creates quality jobs, strengthens our local talent pipeline, and delivers lasting benefits for working families across our community."
Southwest Power Pool will be hiring for a range of positions.