Lauren Waldrip

,

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

,

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/

,

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

,

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/