Southwest Power Pool news as it lands — grid, market, and regulatory coverage scoped to SPP, each story summarized for what it changes, and open to the agent.
Latest story discovered Oct 12, 2026, 6:00 PMGET /api/v1/wire →
AI summaryColorado’s Craig Station Unit 1 remains ordered to stay available from Sept 27 to Dec 25, 2026, under four emergency orders to support reliability in the Western Interconnection; economic dispatch is limited to hours of emergency need.
AI summaryCargill signs two VPPA-based wind and solar deals in the Central US (87 MW Sweetland Wind in South Dakota and 85 MW Choctaw Fields Solar in Oklahoma) under SWPP footprint to reduce Scope 1/2 emissions by 25% by 2035; projects feed into renewable procurement portfolio.
AI summaryThree Corners Connector selected for negotiations for potential SPARK funding up to $250 million to advance a 300-mile HVDC interregional transmission line between Oklahoma and Colorado; negotiations ongoing with final approvals expected in 2026 and potential operation as early as 2031.
AI summaryThree Corners Connector selected for SPARK funding negotiations; HVDC interregional transmission line between Oklahoma and Colorado; DOE-SPARK funding discussions indicate final award negotiations and timelines toward potential project operation by 2031.
AI summaryCargill expands Renewable Electricity Portfolio with VPPA for 87 MW wind in South Dakota and previously contracted 85 MW Choctaw Fields Solar in Oklahoma, targeting emissions reductions.
AI summarySPARK negotiations and regulatory actions to support grid reliability and resiliency in Oklahoma advance via Three Corners Connector; DOE-SPARK selection influences funding and project development with potential final award pending.
AI summaryØrsted has commenced construction on the Blackwater Solar project, a 200-MW solar facility in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, under a long-term power agreement; project aims to commercial operations in late 2027 and includes domestic solar panel sourcing and a wetlands restoration contribution.
AI summaryFERC rejects TransAlta 202(c) cost recovery plan for Centralia unit, limiting recovery to costs within the Northwest reliability assessment area and DOE-initiated 202(c) orders; conversion to natural gas planned for 2028 remains in view.
AI summaryTexas PUC approves the closure of the Tolk coal plant and construction of renewables and storage; includes wind, solar, and 322 MW battery storage, plus two new gas peaker plants; retirement targeted around 2029-2032 with transmission considerations.
AI summaryCAISO and SPP commit to seams solution, submitting joint report to FERC; workshops and governance considerations noted, signaling ongoing regulatory and market-design actions affecting cross-market coordination.
AI summaryBAAJA 2026 proposes significant transmission policy reforms, including interregional planning, streamlined siting, and expedited permitting to accelerate transmission buildout.
AI summaryTorrington, Wyoming faces a 189% increase in electric transmission charges after switching regional transmission provider; city is disputing the bill and seeking interim cost adjustments with the Wyoming PSC.
AI summaryCAISO and SPP submitted a joint report to FERC outlining coordinated Western Market Seams coordination objectives, including data exchange, model alignment, education, and reliability initiatives, with a plan for a longer-term seams coordination strategy and a public comment period.
AI summaryØrsted begins Blackwater Solar project in Roosevelt County, NM, with 200 MW capacity and planned commercial operation in late 2027; project includes a $100k PLJV wetlands restoration contribution.
AI summaryCompetitive bidding could reduce upfront costs for ERCOT STEP transmission projects; a study claims bidding out high-voltage lines in Texas could lower construction costs by $3–9B and total lifetime costs by $7–22B.
AI summaryØrsted begins construction of Blackwater Solar, a 200 MW PV project in Roosevelt County, NM, backed by a long-term PPA; project expected to deliver power to regional grid (SPP) with commercial operations planned for late 2027, and a $100,000 wetland restoration contribution nearby.
AI summaryEnergy Vault acquisition of Goshe Energy Storage portfolio and ongoing projects, plus a supply agreement and financing; monitoring for impact of Trump’s bulk-power order on foreign-made components.
AI summaryEnergy Secretary issues emergency order to keep Craig Station Unit 1 coal plant in Colorado available through December 25 to maintain Western reliability.
AI summarySouthwest Power Pool opposes its Western-Interconnection supply plan, with filings to FERC citing potential limits on regional energy trading and need for changes.
AI summaryDOE backs the Three Corners Connector project to unite the North American grid via a 300-mile HVDC line through Oklahoma, with $250 million federal support and expected operation by 2031.