The committee heard an announcement in the meeting’s final agenda items that the City of Fayetteville has authority to intervene in the Southwest Power Company (SWPCO) rate case and that staff will present an update to the Environmental Action Committee at the next meeting.

Environmental director Peter (last name not specified in transcript) reported that in March SWPCO submitted a rate increase application that includes a proposed 27% rise in residential electricity rates. He said the city council in May adopted a resolution allowing the city to intervene in the case and that the city will prepare official testimony. “In May, the city council approved, a resolution to allow the city to intervene officially in that rate case. So that means we get to provide official testimony,” Peter said.

Peter said one of the city’s principal objections is SWPCO’s proposed spending on improvements at the coal plant in Benton County, which would extend the plant’s operating life. Committee members connected the rate case to wider concerns about data centers and rising electricity demand. The committee asked staff to present more details at the next meeting, including how the city will frame objections and what public input opportunities exist.

Why it matters: The rate case could affect local residential electricity prices and the city’s climate and energy objectives because it includes funding for continued coal‑fired generation. The EAC will review staff’s proposed testimony and public engagement plans.