Power Resources & Distribution

Hudson Substation

About

White Bluff

The City owns a 1% undivided ownership interest in the White Bluff plant ("White Bluff"), located near Redfield, Arkansas. White Bluff consists of two 740 megawatt (MW) (nameplate rating) coal-fired generating units. Unit 1 has been in commercial operation since August 1980 and has an 815 MW net capability.

Unit 2

Unit 2 began commercial operation in August 1981 and has an 844 MW net capability. The City also owns a 1% undivided ownership interest in the Independence plant (Independence), located near Newark, Arkansas. Independence consists of two 740 MW (nameplate rating) coal-fired generating units. 

Unit 1

Unit 1 began commercial operation in January 1983 and has an 836 MW net capability. Unit 2 began commercial operation in December 1984 and has an 842 MW net capability. White Bluff and Independence provide approximately 33 MW of electrical generation for the City.

Ownership

The City owns its interests in White Bluff and Independence pursuant to respective Ownership Agreements and the plants are operated in accordance with respective Operating Agreements described under Ownership and Operating Agreements.

The City purchases the balance of its electric energy requirements not supplied by White Bluff and Independence from Constellation Energy Commodities Group, Incorporated through the Power Supply Agreement which took effect January 1, 2006, and continues through December 31, 2010. The Transmission and Distribution services are provided by Entergy, and these services are governed by the following agreements: 

  • Network Integration Transmission Service Agreement (NITSA)
  • Network Operating Agreement (NOA)

Operation

Energy owns and operates three of four distribution substations. The other substation is owned and operated by the West Memphis Utility Commission. The substation is known as Hudson Substation, which has a max capacity of 100 MWA and was constructed in 1998.

Capacity

The total capacity of all substations is 175 MVA. The distribution system consists of approximately 200 miles of lines, poles, transformers and other facilities to serve individual customers. The system consists mainly of overhead distribution lines and more recently installed underground distribution lines. 

The system is operated and maintained by electric department crews and equipment.