Entergy Arkansas solar energy purchase option program generates savings

Entergy Arkansas customers will save about $60 million over the next 18.5 years by purchasing power generated from the company’s Stuttgart Solar Energy Center through the Solar Energy Purchase Option program.

“This new solar energy program was conceived as a way to allow certain, tax-exempt customers who often have a very tight operating budget to help their bottom line but also benefit the environment, their community, and local economic development,” Michael Considine, vice president of customer service, said.

By participating in this arrangement, customers will save between 18 percent and 28 percent on their electricity usage while paying a more appropriate maintenance portion for the grid.

“With our program, customers do not have to assume the financial or operational risks of building or contracting through a third-party provider for their own solar facility,” Considine continued. “We take care of everything, and the customer can sit back and enjoy the savings worry-free. They also act as good neighbors, as this program does not shift embedded costs for the electric grid to non-solar Entergy Arkansas customers the way a third-party arrangement does. That benefits all Arkansans by allowing Entergy Arkansas to maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the country while working aggressively to expand existing business and recruit new business to the state.”

More than 125 entities – including nonprofits, churches, cities, school districts, and water treatment centers – applied to participate in the program. Roughly half of them remain on the waiting list for any future solar energy purchase options the Arkansas Public Service Commission might authorize.

“We have an obligation to our students to provide the best education we can, and sometimes that comes down to basic math. Jessieville School District will save a little over $50,000 each year through the SEPO B program, which can be used in other ways to support our students – from better science labs to more field trips,” Superintendent Melissa Speers said. “We’re happy to subscribe to a renewable energy option that’s a good investment for the planet – and our children’s future.”

Stuttgart Solar, an Entergy Arkansas solar facility, generates 81 megawatts of power each day. Entergy Arkansas also has Chicot Solar and Searcy Solar, which will be online in late 2021. Combined with the recently announced Walnut Bend Solar Project, these projects will generate 381 megawatts.

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 715,000 customers in Arkansas.