The Public Service Commission (PSC) has NOT received any applications for permission to build a new power generation plant in north Caddo. This is a FACT.
A PSC representative advises that SWEPCO has been working with PSC staff to apply for the needed Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This is FACT.
The source indicates that it will be early next year, at the earliest, before an application is anticipated. This is FACT.
IS A NEW LONGWOOD POWER GENERATION PLANT ON THE WAY
Speculation is more in the domain of talk radio or the Shreveport-Bossier Advocate, not Settle Talk.
But here are some FACTS that underlie the murmurings that a new power generation plant MAY be on the way for the Blanchard area. “May” is the operative word.
It’s a well-known FACT that a data center is under construction in north Caddo on the State Line Road.
Likewise, it’s an undisputed FACT that data centers require substantial energy for operation.
Additionally, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) must approve the construction of new electric power generation facilities. This is a FACT. (A call has been made to the PSC to ascertain if this approval has been granted or if any application if pending.)
The owners of a 327-acre tract west of the SWEPCO Longwood substation on the Blanchard Latex Road and the owners of a 118-acre tract southeast of the substation near Hwy 169 have entered into land purchase options with Invenergy Clean Power Development, LLC, a Delaware company. These are FACTS.
Multiple reputable sources advise that a gas power plant will be constructed on these properties once the purchase options have been exercised.
Surveyors have been on these tracts this week. This is a FACT.
A 345 KV (kilovolt) electric transmission line runs through these tracts (FACT), which could connect to the State Line data center less than three miles away.
More FACTS will be published when available.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.