By JIM BUTLER

Cleco Power has filed an amended application with the Public Service Commission for purchasing power generated at Dolet Hills Solar.

The document includes a Green Option voluntary rates schedule that would allow eligible customers to subscribe on a first- come, first-served basis to a maximum of 45,000 households.

According to its filing, Cleco currently serves 295,000 customers in 24 parishes.

The Pineville-based utility will connect to the solar generating station via a seven-mile, 345 KV transmission line.

Cleco announced in late 2022 its intentions to purchase from D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments’ solar generating plant to be developed on the site of the former lignite-powered generating station in at Mansfield in DeSoto Parish.

Cleco and SWEPCO, headquartered in Shreveport, operated the station for more than 30 years, mining lignite nearby.

At the time the time of the announced venture it was estimated about $60 million in electricity costs would be saved when replaced with renewables.

Shaw estimated an investment total upwards of $250 million with a projected on-line date for the plant as late 2024 or early 2025.