Arkansas Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus formed

For the first time, Arkansas lawmakers have made the move to form the Arkansas Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus (ARECC), advocating for the interests of local cooperative consumer-members across the Natural State.

“The goal of this caucus is to make sure lawmakers have the information they need to make informed decisions about Arkansas’ energy future,” said State Rep. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, one of the four founding caucus chairmen. “Energy impacts every Arkansan—from reliability and affordability to economic development—and it’s important we stay informed as the industry continues to evolve.”

The ARECC will focus on educating members about current energy sources, emerging technologies, industry trends and the growing energy demands facing Arkansas. In addition to informational briefings, the group plans to tour energy generation facilities across the state to gain firsthand insight into production and infrastructure.

The caucus held its first meeting earlier this month, featuring a presentation from Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation President/CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten, who provided an overview of energy demands in relation to data centers and discussed the development of natural gas generation in Arkansas.

“We look forward to working with the Arkansas Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus to provide key industry information for the members,” Hasten said. “The caucus members will gain fact-based information about the energy industry, which involves many complicated components.”

Ladyman will serve as House chairman of the ARECC, with Sen. Matt McKee,  R-Pearcy, serving as Senate chairman. Rep. Jason Nazarenko, R-Cotter, and Sen. Matt Stone, R-Camden, will serve as vice chairmen.

“Energy, specifically electricity, is more important than ever to ensure that Arkansas continues to grow its economy,” said McKee. “I appreciate the cooperatives’ willingness to continue to educate members about the energy business as the Arkansas General Assembly looks for ways to support the production of more electricity while protecting ratepayers from rising prices.”

The caucus will meet throughout the year to provide ongoing education and engagement on energy-related issues impacting the state.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to more than 1 million members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.