Little Rock – The Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee today unanimously passed Senate Bill 145, legislation that would expand the state’s advanced energy marketplace, said the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.
“Advanced energy technologies provide jobs and energy savings in states that deploy them,” said Katie Niebaum, AAEA Executive Director. “Demand for advanced energy technologies like solar energy has grown rapidly across Arkansas, and AAEA members are investing in local communities to meet that demand. Solar development can play an enhanced role in the state’s economy and create new jobs if we allow greater access to this advanced energy resource.”
SB145, sponsored by Senator Dave Wallace, would enable third-party financing for those seeking to deploy solar. This financing tool is particularly important for non-tax entities, such as schools, churches, cities and counties, colleges and universities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations. With the option of a third-party solar services contract, these non-tax entities could take full advantage of federal incentives and lower the cost of a solar array, unlocking capital to invest in local communities.
Third-party solar leasing could double or triple the number of solar power jobs in Arkansas, according to a recent analysis from the Business Innovations Legal Clinic of the William H. Bowen School of Law in Little Rock.
SB145’s wide range of supporters include AAEA, the Association of Arkansas Counties, Audubon Arkansas, Walmart, Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corp., Associated General Contractors of Arkansas, County Judges Association of Arkansas, and multiple conservation and faith-based organizations, among others.
“AAEA thanks Senator Wallace for his leadership, and thanks committee members for their support of this economic development tool,” Niebaum added.
The legislation is expected to move to the Senate floor for consideration Thursday. If approved, the proposal would next be considered by the House Insurance and Commerce Committee.
AAEA members mark Arkansas Advanced Energy Day
SB145 was a key focus of AAEA’s recent “Advanced Energy Day at the Legislature,” where approximately 75 industry leaders joined policy makers for a legislative breakfast program followed by dynamic company exhibits in the Capitol Rotunda. At AAEA’s request, Governor Asa Hutchinson issued an official proclamation designating February 27, 2019, as “Arkansas Advanced Energy Day.”
AAEA members heard from Senator Wallace as well as Arkansas Public Service Commission Chairman Ted Thomas, who has played an integral role throughout deliberations with various stakeholders.
As described by Talk Business, Thomas said that “big picture” legislation to expand the state’s solar marketplace could be a boon for the Arkansas economy – if policymakers are willing to adopt a free market approach that encourages new technologies.
Thomas said Arkansas had a unique opportunity to become a key player in the solar industry due to its geography and ample land in the Arkansas Delta to develop large sun-powered energy projects.
“There is a very good opportunity for solar that is produced here to be sold in North and (East Coast) markets,” said Thomas.
Additionally, event attendees heard from Rep. Rick Beck, co-chair of the Joint Energy Committee and sponsor of House Bill 1636, another AAEA legislative priority. HB1636 would enhance the state’s successful Energy Performance Contracting program by providing public entities with additional flexibility and support utilizing this economic development and cost-saving initiative.
Specifically, HB1636 would allow a guaranteed energy cost savings contract to be extended if it contains energy cost savings measures possessing either an active equipment warranty period or a combined useful life in excess of 20 years. Current law sets a maximum term at 20 years. The contract length extension would provide needed flexibility and put Arkansas in line with the federal government.
HB1636 also would allow school districts to opt into the existing program rules and regulations, therefore allowing all public entities the ability to utilize the ADEQ Energy Office as a program administrator. School districts in increasing frequency have sought guidance and followed programs rules adopted under the AEPC program, though K-12 currently falls outside of the program.
AAEA’s Advanced Energy Day at the Legislature was presented by Johnson Controls. Additional sponsors and exhibitors included
Little Rock – The Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee today unanimously passed Senate Bill 145, legislation that would expand the state’s advanced energy marketplace, said the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.
“Advanced energy technologies provide jobs and energy savings in states that deploy them,” said Katie Niebaum, AAEA Executive Director. “Demand for advanced energy technologies like solar energy has grown rapidly across Arkansas, and AAEA members are investing in local communities to meet that demand. Solar development can play an enhanced role in the state’s economy and create new jobs if we allow greater access to this advanced energy resource.”
SB145, sponsored by Senator Dave Wallace, would enable third-party financing for those seeking to deploy solar. This financing tool is particularly important for non-tax entities, such as schools, churches, cities and counties, colleges and universities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations. With the option of a third-party solar services contract, these non-tax entities could take full advantage of federal incentives and lower the cost of a solar array, unlocking capital to invest in local communities.
Third-party solar leasing could double or triple the number of solar power jobs in Arkansas, according to a recent analysis from the Business Innovations Legal Clinic of the William H. Bowen School of Law in Little Rock.
SB145’s wide range of supporters include AAEA, the Association of Arkansas Counties, Audubon Arkansas, Walmart, Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corp., Associated General Contractors of Arkansas, County Judges Association of Arkansas, and multiple conservation and faith-based organizations, among others.
“AAEA thanks Senator Wallace for his leadership, and thanks committee members for their support of this economic development tool,” Niebaum added.
The legislation is expected to move to the Senate floor for consideration Thursday. If approved, the proposal would next be considered by the House Insurance and Commerce Committee.
AAEA members mark Arkansas Advanced Energy Day
SB145 was a key focus of AAEA’s recent “Advanced Energy Day at the Legislature,” where approximately 75 industry leaders joined policy makers for a legislative breakfast program followed by dynamic company exhibits in the Capitol Rotunda. At AAEA’s request, Governor Asa Hutchinson issued an official proclamation designating February 27, 2019, as “Arkansas Advanced Energy Day.”
AAEA members heard from Senator Wallace as well as Arkansas Public Service Commission Chairman Ted Thomas, who has played an integral role throughout deliberations with various stakeholders.
As described by Talk Business, Thomas said that “big picture” legislation to expand the state’s solar marketplace could be a boon for the Arkansas economy – if policymakers are willing to adopt a free market approach that encourages new technologies.
Thomas said Arkansas had a unique opportunity to become a key player in the solar industry due to its geography and ample land in the Arkansas Delta to develop large sun-powered energy projects.
“There is a very good opportunity for solar that is produced here to be sold in North and (East Coast) markets,” said Thomas.
Additionally, event attendees heard from Rep. Rick Beck, co-chair of the Joint Energy Committee and sponsor of House Bill 1636, another AAEA legislative priority. HB1636 would enhance the state’s successful Energy Performance Contracting program by providing public entities with additional flexibility and support utilizing this economic development and cost-saving initiative.
Specifically, HB1636 would allow a guaranteed energy cost savings contract to be extended if it contains energy cost savings measures possessing either an active equipment warranty period or a combined useful life in excess of 20 years. Current law sets a maximum term at 20 years. The contract length extension would provide needed flexibility and put Arkansas in line with the federal government.
HB1636 also would allow school districts to opt into the existing program rules and regulations, therefore allowing all public entities the ability to utilize the ADEQ Energy Office as a program administrator. School districts in increasing frequency have sought guidance and followed programs rules adopted under the AEPC program, though K-12 currently falls outside of the program.
AAEA’s Advanced Energy Day at the Legislature was presented by Johnson Controls. Additional sponsors and exhibitors included Today’s Power, Energy Efficiency Design and Development, Entegrity, Seal Energy Solutions, ASHRAE Arkansas, CenterPoint Energy, FutureFuel Chemical Co., Powers, Sunpro Solar, The Stitt Group and Trane Commercial.