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CEO of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Testifies to Congress about Importance of Grid Reliability

Buddy Hasten, CEO of Arkansas Electric Cooperative, testified before Congress about the need for federal and state policies that support electric cooperatives in providing reliable and affordable energy to communities.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. Constructing New Solar Farm

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. has started construction on a 122-megawatt solar array in Woodruff County. The new solar facility is expected to begin operating in July 2023.

Electric Industry and Government Work Together to Enhance Grid Cybersecurity

For years, electric utilities have worked closely with government security experts to share emerging threat data and information on vulnerabilities to thwart cyberattacks. The Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC), the main liaison between the electric industry and the federal government, aims to coordinate efforts to prepare for or respond to major disasters or threats to...

Arkansas Coop to Purchase Additional Wind-Generated Energy

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Wildhorse Wind Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of Southern Power. Pursuant to the power purchase agreement, AECC will purchase wind-generated energy from a 100 MW wind project, which is expected to reach commercial operation by the end of 2019.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Enters Solar PPA

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES) to purchase up to 100 MW of energy. Under the PPA, AECC will purchase energy produced by an 800-acre solar farm which will be constructed by RES beginning in 2021.

Coop CEO Testimony Outlines Cyber Threats to Power Grid

The chief executive officer (CEO) of the Arkansas Electric Cooperative testified, on behalf of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources as part of a hearing called “Efforts to Protect Energy Delivery Systems from Cybersecurity Threats” on the cyber threats facing the electric sector.

AECC Acquires 173 MW of New Wind Capacity

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) recently acquired access to 173 MW of new wind capacity from wind farms located in Oklahoma. The farms are owned and operated by Enel Green Power North America, Inc. and began commercial operations this month. The anticipated energy output for these farms is about 720 million kWh per year, which is enough to provide energy to more than...

Cooperative CEO Urges Congress to Authorize FBI to Assist in Identifying Utility Insider Threats

On July 12, before the Senate Energy Subcommittee, Duane Highley, CEO of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp., requested that Congress consider legislation that would allow the FBI to assist in background checks for personnel that perform critical functions.  Highley cautioned the senators to avoid a one-size-fits-all strategy as the insider threats are both the biggest threats and...

Cooperatives Co-Commission New Solar Field in Arkansas

Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corporation (OECC), Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Aerojet Rocketdyne (Aerojet) formally commissioned a 12-megawatt (AC) array in the Highland Industrial Park in Arkansas.  OECC assisted in the project by providing technical support, guidance and expertise, while Aerojet will purchase the solar power and AECC will receive any excess...

Enel Starts Construction of Oklahoma Wind Farm

Enel Green Power North America Inc. has started construction of the $180 million Drift Sand project in Grady County, Oklahoma.  The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and electricity from the project will go to Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. under a long-term power-purchase agreement.

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