Arkansas Advanced Energy Association and Americans for Prosperity - Arkansas Announce Energy Partnership
Lauren Waldrip, Executive Director of AAEA, and Ryan Norris, State Director of AFP - Arkansas, answer questions during a news conference February 7, 2025.
The Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) and Americans for Prosperity – Arkansas (AFP-Arkansas) today announced a strategic partnership to advocate for responsible energy policies that ensure affordable, reliable power for Arkansas businesses and families.
“With energy costs on the rise, it’s more important than ever that we prioritize policies that minimize the burden on Arkansas ratepayers and businesses. This partnership is about advancing solutions that ensure affordable, reliable power while fostering economic growth. By working together, we can champion market-driven strategies that keep costs down and secure a stronger energy future for our state.”
During a news conference held at the Arkansas State Capitol, the two organizations unveiled a set of nine guiding energy principles: reliability; affordability; flexibility; accountability; responsible planning for lower costs; enabling more energy solutions; prioritizing existing needs over new subsidies; diversifying Arkansas’s energy mix and investing in local economic development.
Americans for Prosperity – Arkansas emphasized the need for reform, citing unnecessary government intervention as a driver of rising energy costs.
"Arkansans deserve energy policies that prioritize reliability, affordability, accountability, and transparency. Too often, decisions impacting ratepayers are made behind closed doors, leaving families and businesses to foot the bill,” said Ryan Norris, AFP – Arkansas State Director. “This is a conversation that demands more public input and scrutiny, and Americans for Prosperity is committed to ensuring Arkansans have a voice in shaping our state’s energy future."
Ashley McBride, State Director for AARP, and David Cook, a resident of Van Buren County, also spoke on the importance of affordable and reliable energy. Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers and Arkansas Gas Consumers were not present but were acknowledged for their support.
Arkansas is projected to face a critical energy shortage beginning in 2026, growing to 3,891 MW by 2035 – over 25 percent of current capacity, according to AAEA’s “Avoiding Arkansas’s Energy Crisis”.
Arkansas Energy Principles (expanded)
1. Reliability – First and foremost, ensure Arkansas’s energy system consistently delivers power when and where it’s needed to minimize disruptions and maintain stability to support daily life and economic activities.
2. Affordability – Prioritize cost-effective solutions and reduce inefficiencies to keep energy costs manageable for households and businesses and ensure long-term economic growth.
3. Flexibility – Support an adaptable energy system capable of integrating new technologies, adjusting to changing demands, and responding effectively to emergencies or shifting market conditions.
4. Accountability – Promote transparency and responsible decision-making among energy providers and policymakers to ensure trust, fairness, and adherence to established standards.
5. Responsible Planning for Lower Costs – Integrate diverse energy resources, reduce congestion, and ensure the most affordable and reliable options are prioritized for Arkansas communities through sufficient Integrated Resource Planning (IRP), strategic transmission investments, and competitive procurement.
6. Enable More Energy Solutions – Support policies that encourage new generation, market-driven solutions, and greater collaboration to expand access to reliable and affordable power while providing businesses and communities with more options to manage energy costs.
7. Prioritize Existing Needs Over New Subsidies – First ensure existing residents, businesses, and industries have reliable, affordable power to sustain growth and economic stability before committing resources to subsidize additional energy demands.
8. Diversify Our Energy Mix – A balanced approach to energy generation—including a mix of traditional and emerging resources—protects Arkansas from over-reliance on any single fuel type, reducing price volatility and ensuring long-term affordability.
9. Invest in Local Economic Development – Support energy infrastructure projects that drive local job creation, workforce development, and economic growth to strengthen Arkansas’ economy while addressing grid needs through modernization and strategic investment in grid infrastructure and energy expansion.