Arkansas Advanced Energy Association

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State of the State Mid-Year 2023: Energy officials highlight positive outlook, price stability

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Lauren Waldrip, executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association

The Arkansas energy industry has many opportunities in which it can take advantage, including lowering costs and managing carbon emissions. Lauren Waldrip, executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, is optimistic about the outlook.

“We’re seeing growth across the board, from an economic standpoint, from a demand standpoint, from a labor needs and development standpoint,” said Waldrip, noting the workforce in multiple sector segments, including energy efficiency, is expected to rise by 8% over the next year.

She expects federal resources available for energy efficiency projects to “bolster economic activity that will ultimately help Arkansans save money.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/state-of-the-state-mid-year-2023-energy-officials-highlight-positive-outlook-price-stability/

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State of the State 2023: Energy leaders hopeful this year after multiple 2022 surprises

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by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Energy industry officials look to greater stability, advanced energy investments and beneficial policies after facing multiple unexpected challenges last year. Surprises included Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and price volatility that impacted inflation, consumers and production investments to meet demand.

Still, advanced energy projects endured amid the expiration of an Arkansas rule ensuring solar array owners maintain projected savings. The grandfathering rule for solar projects expired Dec. 31; however, in late December, the Arkansas Public Service Commission issued a rule to extend it. The rule still needs legislative approval.

Lauren Waldrip, executive director for the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, was surprised by the rule expiration but said she appreciated the commission’s new ruling, which can be referenced in the rulemaking process. If legislators approve the rule, grandfathering would be extended through May 31, 2040.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/state-of-the-state-2023-energy-leaders-hopeful-this-year-after-multiple-2022-surprises/

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Energy officials tout benefits of Inflation Reduction Act; UA solar project announced

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by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

A new federal law that’s expected to impact climate change will extend or establish tax incentives for solar arrays, electric vehicles and U.S. manufacturers of solar array components, Arkansas energy officials said.

On Friday (Aug. 26), the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association hosted a virtual event to highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act will affect the energy industry. On Aug. 16, President Joe Biden signed the act into law after Congress approved it along party lines. The Arkansas Congressional Delegation voted against it.

Paul Osborne, partner for HCJ CPAs and Advisors, discussed the act’s $369 billion in climate and energy-related provisions that includes new or extended tax credits. He said a solar production tax credit that had expired in 2006 has been restored under the new law.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/energy-officials-tout-benefits-of-inflation-reduction-act-ua-solar-project-announced/

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Arkansas governor’s order sparks hope of energy conservation

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KUAR | By Josie Lenora

There are hopes that an executive order by Gov. Asa Hutchinson will lead to reduced energy consumption and costs savings. Members of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) are celebrating executive order 22-01 which was signed by the governor in January. The association is made up of 160 members including public utilities, engineering firms, contractors and solar developers.

Matt Bell, a partner at Entegrity Energy Partners and a board member of the AAEA, spoke at a press conference Wednesday in the Rotunda of the state Capitol. He said the energy saving initiatives could lead to an annual cost savings of over 20%.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-02-10/arkansas-governors-order-sparks-hope-of-energy-conservation

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Former state senator and current Arkansas State University Vice President of University Relations Shane Broadway speaks at Wednesday's press conference by the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.