Midcontinent Independent System Operator, a regional electric transmission company that oversees cost-effective delivery of electric power through competitive wholesale markets, will invest from $5 to $8 Million to add a Southern regional operations center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The company plans to hire 35 to 50 highly-skilled employees with an average salary of about $85,000 per year. MISO is evaluating potential sites in the Little Rock area for its new operations center, which will house MISO real-time operations personnel, market operations staff, customer service representatives, government and regulatory affairs staff, information technology, and key support personnel. It will also include facilities to accommodate training and meetings.

Arkansas Economic Development officials said the move will accommodate MISO’s expanded footprint as it integrates the four-state Entergy operating companies along with several area transmission owners and generators into the MISO system.

“To bring those tangible benefits to consumers, we’re establishing roots in the Southern Region to help serve all of our new stakeholders and consumers,” said John R. Bear, President and CEO of MISO. “Opening this facility in the Little Rock area will provide a command center for the Southern Region so MISO can ensure greater reliability and lower costs across the region while maintaining its close connection to state interests and stakeholders.”

“MISO determined that Little Rock is the best fit for MISO,” Bear said. “Arkansas has a highly-skilled workforce that is familiar with the work we do because of established college-level programs throughout the state.”

“MISO’s arrival marks the latest set of well-paying, knowledge-based jobs created in Arkansas,” Gov. Mike Beebe said. “Our innovative programs of cooperation between our higher-education system and the private sector have produced a workforce well-prepared to help MISO succeed.”

“Little Rock continues to prove it is a great place to do business,” said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola. “I’m excited about MISO’s decision to locate in Little Rock and I look forward to their investment in the Little Rock community. With the addition of these new private sector jobs, Little Rock’s future looks stronger every day.”