Western Farmers Electric Plans 404 MW Natural Gas Expansion at Hugo, Oklahoma Plant
According to Oklahoma Energy Today, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) has kicked off a significant power generation expansion at its Hugo Plant in southeastern Oklahoma — a 404 MW natural gas project with a 2029 commercial operation date and real subcontractor work already assigned.
The Anadarko-based cooperative wrapped up most of the heavy planning work in 2025. An Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor was selected, major equipment was ordered, air permits were filed, and fuel supply contracts were finalized. Construction is expected to begin later this year or in early 2027, with commercial operation targeted for 2029.
A key element of the project is a 43-mile large-diameter natural gas pipeline that WFEC is building to bring fuel directly to the Hugo site by the third quarter of 2028. That infrastructure investment — combined with the power plant itself — represents the kind of long-duration, multi-trade project that generates years of fieldwork.
“The project includes a large investment by WFEC in a 43-mile, large-diameter natural gas pipeline, bringing fuel to the site by the third quarter of 2028,” said Sondra Boykin, WFEC’s Communications Coordinator.
WFEC serves more than two-thirds of Oklahoma’s geographic area and parts of New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas, with roughly 2,500 MW of total capacity across seven generating facilities. The Hugo expansion is designed to meet projected load growth and planning reserve requirements within the Southwest Power Pool.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- EPC package is awarded — the prime contractor is already selected, meaning subcontractor outreach through the EPC firm is the near-term path for pipeline and plant work in this region
- The 43-mile gas pipeline is a standalone infrastructure contract — civil, welding, and right-of-way crews in southeastern Oklahoma and surrounding areas should be targeting this specifically; pipeline construction typically runs ahead of the generation equipment
- Start window is late 2026 to early 2027 — field service firms have 6 to 12 months to position and pre-qualify before active construction begins
- Multi-phase timeline to 2029 — mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil contractors can expect work packages spread across three construction seasons
- Field crews experienced with Southwest Power Pool interconnection work, natural gas infrastructure, and cooperative utility projects will be most competitive for this work
