Natural Gas Lateral, Interconnect & Associated Facilities / Firm Transportation RFP - Benton Unit 1

American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEPSC), as agent for Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), is soliciting proposals to construct, operate and maintain a natural gas pipeline lateral and associated natural gas facilities to supply the Benton Unit 1 CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine) Natural Gas Project located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. The Gas Facilities will serve as the primary fuel supply source for the plant. The Company is also seeking offers of mainline firm transportation capacity to support plant operations.

The project requires completion with sufficient time to provide intermittent startup and fuel testing beginning approximately April 30, 2030, with plant commercial operation date (COD) estimated at March 1, 2031. Construction and interconnection activities must be completed prior to these dates to ensure reliable natural gas supply for plant startup and operations.

Key Schedule: Draft RFP issued May 18, 2026. Notice of Intent to Bid and Credit Requirements submission due June 8, 2026. Final RFP issued June 15, 2026. Bid submissions due September 9, 2026. Clarification of Bids period runs September 10 through October 1, 2026. Bid Selection scheduled for October 12, 2026.

Required documents include detailed RFP specifications, M&R Yard Location Plan, Gas Pipeline RFP Specification, AEP Safety and Health Requirements, Natural Gas Venting/Purging/Inerting Procedure, PWHA Form, and technical specifications (GEK110843G). Bidders must submit evidence of credit requirements and demonstrate capability to complete construction and operational activities on schedule.