Little Rock, Arkansas — September 23, 2022 — The John L. McClellan Generating Station in Camden celebrated its 50th anniversary of commercial operation on September 23 with an event at the natural gas-based facility. The 134-megawatt plant is part of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation’s (AECC) 4,286 megawatts of diverse generation capacity.
The power plant began commercial operation in 1972 and was named in honor of Arkansas Senator John L. McClellan. McClellan served in the United States House of Representatives from 1935 to 1939 and as a United States Senator from 1943 to 1977.
“The McClellan generating station has served as a stable, baseload resource for the state’s electric cooperative members,” said Vernon “Buddy” Hasten, CEO/president of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “During Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 the facility played a mission critical role in maintaining service during a very challenging time. Baseload generation stations like McClellan are crucial in ensuring reliable, affordable energy for our members and the communities they serve.”
AECC is now the lowest cost generation and transmission cooperative in the United States, which Hasten attributes to loyal, member-focused employees and the great vision of Arkansas electric cooperative pioneers.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to more than 500,000 members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.
For additional information, contact:
Rob Roedel, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, (501) 570-2296 or email Rob.
