Arkansas business website Talk Business & Politics is reporting a federal judge has cleared the way for Entergy Arkansas to retire two coal-fired plants and a natural gas plant by the end of 2030.
The article reports the 1,800-megawatt Independence Steam Electric Station plant is expected to cease coal operations by Dec. 31, 2030, while the 1,800-megawatt White Bluff Steam Electric Station in Jefferson County is expected to cease coal operations by Dec. 31, 2028. The Lake Catherine Steam Electric Station in Hot Spring County is expected to cease operations by Dec. 31, 2027.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge had asked for a review in the closing of the plants, saying it was to protect the interest of Arkansas ratepayers, but U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker approved the settlement agreement between Entergy Arkansas and two environmental groups that prompted the retirements of the plants.
From Talk Business & Politics: The state plan was created to replace older, less-efficient power plants with newer, more efficient generators. Entergy plans to comply in a way that’s “economically beneficial to the company’s stakeholders while continuing to provide safe, clean and reliable electricity,” according to the company. The timeline in the settlement agreement is consistent will the company’s plans to retire the three plants.
To read the full article, click here.
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