Dive Brief:
- Arkansas is making "excellent progress" on energy efficiency goals, according to the independent monitor overseeing efforts to reduce power consumption in the state.
- Entergy Arkansas' efficiency programs exceeded targets by 3%, with energy savings that exceeded 200 GWh last year, and other utilities have realized smaller savings.
- According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Arkansas has been making strides to improve its energy efficiency and was among the most improved in 2014, while the state's budget for reduction programs was growing.
Dive Insight:
Arkansas utilities are making good progress on energy efficiency goals, according to independent monitor Johnson Consulting Group, and while individual utility performance varies significantly the state is seeing solid reductions in energy usage.
Entergy Arkansas reduced consumption by more than 205 GWh last year, exceeding its savings target by 3%. Southwestern Electric Power exceeded its target by 7%, clocking savings of 30 GWh, Platts reported. Not all utilities were exceeding goals, but all were making progress. Oklahoma Electric & Gas reached 95% of its 14.6 GWh goal.
The monitor submitted a report to state regulators noting utilities "continue to make excellent progress toward achieving their energy savings and participation goals," Platts reported.
ACEEE last year identified Arkansas as a state moving ahead quickly to increase efficiency. The energy efficiency group said Arkansas' budget for electric efficiency programs increased 30% between 2012 and 2013, while electricity savings more than tripled.
