HALLSVILLE, Texas (July 21, 2026) – Construction of Southwestern Electric Power Co.'s (SWEPCO) new 450-megawatt natural gas generation plant reached a significant milestone as massive power generation equipment arrived at the project site this week, marking visible progress in the transformation of the former Pirkey Power Plant property into a next-generation energy facility.
The oversized equipment arrived in Hallsville this week after a carefully coordinated, multi-state journey involving rail transportation and multiple specialized truck shipments. Due to their enormous size and weight, the components were transported in sections and moved under detailed logistical plans designed to ensure safe delivery to the construction site. The equipment includes one combustion turbine, weighing approximately 477,000 pounds, and two generators weighing more than 553,000 pounds. Once assembled and operational, the turbine and generators will form the heart of the new 450-megawatt facility, producing enough electricity to power approximately 225,000 homes during periods of peak demand. The successful arrival of these massive components marks a major milestone in the transformation of the former Pirkey Power Plant site into a next-generation power plant serving all of SWEPCO.
"The arrival of this equipment is one of the most visible signs yet of the progress being made at the Hallsville site," said Mark Robinson, External Affairs Manager. "This project represents an important investment in the future of our region's energy infrastructure and demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable power for customers for decades to come."
Construction remains active across the site, with work progressing simultaneously on civil, mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Recent milestones include installation of underground utilities and piping systems, completion of foundation and excavation activities, placement of anchor bolts and concrete for major equipment foundations, and continued installation of electrical grounding and conduit systems supporting the generation units and electrical building.
The Hallsville facility will operate on natural gas and utilize two combustion turbine generators to provide flexible, dispatchable generation within the Southwest Power Pool regional transmission system. There are currently around 160 employees working on the construction of the project, and at peak construction in fall 2026, the project is expected to support approximately 250 workers.
This work represents a critical step in readying the site for new construction that transforms the former Pirkey plant site into a modern energy facility. SWEPCO continues to invest in infrastructure to support long-term customer growth, system reliability, and economic development across the region to meet the evolving needs of its service territory.