Regional transmission organization to add up to 190 jobs by 2027 as it launches western U.S. energy market
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — January 20, 2026 — Southwest Power Pool (SPP) announced a $150 million expansion project to support regional market growth, enhance electric grid efficiency, and strengthen reliability across its expanding service footprint. The investment will drive significant workforce growth at the organization’s headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas.
By the end of 2027, SPP expects to create approximately 190 new positions, including engineering, information technology, market administration, and operational support roles. Of those jobs, about 165 will be based in Little Rock, reinforcing the city’s role as a national hub for grid operations and energy market innovation.
Backed by secured financing, the expansion will support the development and ongoing operation of Markets+, SPP’s new energy market designed to serve the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and Desert Southwest. The initiative represents a major step in extending SPP’s expertise beyond its traditional footprint, which spans from Texas to North Dakota.
“SPP is proud that our employee base, as well as the reach and value of our services, continue to grow as we expand into the western United States,” said Lanny Nickell, president and CEO of Southwest Power Pool. “We are already recognized for delivering reliable, affordable power across our region, and Markets+ will allow consumers throughout the West to benefit from that same level of dependability and cost efficiency.”
Arkansas leaders highlighted the project’s importance to both infrastructure resilience and economic development.
“As the workforce grows, so does the demand for reliable, affordable energy for families and businesses,” said Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. “Southwest Power Pool’s continued investment reflects Arkansas’ role in supporting critical infrastructure that keeps communities powered and businesses moving.”
Local officials emphasized the long-term economic impact of the expansion on Central Arkansas.
“Southwest Power Pool’s commitment to Little Rock strengthens the operational backbone that supports reliable power for millions of Americans,” said Frank Scott Jr., Mayor of Little Rock. “This investment supports our city’s historic job growth while reinforcing Little Rock’s role in the national energy landscape.”
Founded in 1941, Southwest Power Pool is a nonprofit regional transmission organization mandated to ensure reliable power supplies, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale electricity prices for its members. The organization is headquartered in Little Rock at 201 Worthen Drive.
“Southwest Power Pool’s expansion demonstrates how companies can thrive in the Natural State,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This project will create well over 100 high-quality jobs and deliver meaningful economic impact across Central Arkansas.”
SPP will begin hiring across a range of technical and professional roles as the expansion progresses. Employment opportunities are available at www.spp.org/careers.
About Southwest Power Pool
Southwest Power Pool, Inc. is a not-for-profit regional transmission organization mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure reliable power supplies, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale electricity prices across a 14-state region. SPP also provides energy services on a contract basis and is expanding its regional transmission organization footprint while developing a day-ahead energy market in the western United States. The company is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at www.spp.org.
