Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas touts Go ZERO success as utilities help clients meet emissions goals – Talk Business & Politics
Little Rock-based Entergy Arkansas recently provided updates on a program that allows commercial and industrial customers to cover 100% of their electricity consumption with clean energy. The utility’s Go ZERO program is one among others that Arkansas electricity providers have to help customers meet energy and environmental goals.
So far, 11 customers have subscribed to the Go ZERO program, including the federal government. ZERO stands for zero emissions resource options. In August, Entergy Arkansas announced the Arkansas Public Service Commission approved the program via a tariff. Entergy Arkansas, a subsidiary of New Orleans-based Entergy Corp., provides electricity to about 730,000 customers in 63 counties.
Still, Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) has offered a clean energy program since 2021. Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), the wholesale electricity provider for 17 electric cooperatives in Arkansas, doesn’t have a clean energy program tariff, according to spokesman Rob Roedel, but it’s sold renewable energy credits to some commercial customers to help them meet their renewable energy goals. Liberty Utilities doesn’t have a clean energy program for its Arkansas customers, but spokeswoman Meagan Spangler said it may seek regulatory approval to establish one.
According to a Feb. 1 news release, Go ZERO “allows customers to acquire green and clean energy attributes associated with the output of Entergy Arkansas’ existing emissions-free generation resources, as well as additional renewable energy resources as they come online.”
Arkansas Steel Associates is one of the first customers to cover 100% of their energy use through the program. According to the release, Arkansas Steel’s participation in the program exemplifies how Entergy Arkansas’ services provide economic development tools that support investment and employment opportunities in Arkansas.
“While Arkansas Steel Associates has been doing business in Newport for 35 years, it’s important to note that we also do business throughout North America. So having this green and clean energy option in Arkansas is really important to us and our customers,” said Tommy Okada, president and CEO of Arkansas Steel Associates. “Access to carbon-free and affordable electricity is a big advantage for doing business here.”
The generation sources available to program participants include nuclear and renewable resources, such as solar, hydro and wind. The program goal is to allow Entergy Arkansas customers in the public and private sectors to have “a cost-effective and reliable option for clean energy that matches their electricity consumption for all hours of the day,” the release shows.
“Programs like Go ZERO are a component of providing reliable, sustainable and affordable electric utility service to all our customers,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “These programs positively support green and clean energy investment here in the Natural State, and Entergy Arkansas is excited to see Arkansas Steel Associates, one of our largest customers, take advantage of our clean energy options. We work with our customers to develop options that meet their sustainability goals, and we are delighted to see this partnership succeed.”
Other program subscribers include All Weather Insulated Panels of Little Rock and the federal government, the nation’s largest energy consumer. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has a goal to use 100% clean energy by 2030. Over the past three years, the federal government has reached agreements to provide federal buildings in 16 states with 100% clean energy by 2030, according to a Friday (Feb. 9) news release. This will increase the government’s reliance on clean energy from 38% to 47%.
The following options are available to Go ZERO program participants:
- Subscription to asset-backed renewable energy credits (RECs) from renewable resources, such as wind and solar, with the RECs retired on behalf of the subscribing customer
- Provide customers with asset-backed zero-emission alternative energy certificates (AECs) for the customer’s share of existing nuclear and hydro resources, with the AECs retired on behalf of the subscribing customer
- 24/7 time-match reporting of the customer’s scope 2 emissions associated with the customer’s retail electricity purchases.
According to the Go ZERO rate schedule, customers can select one or a combination of these options to account for up to 100% of their electricity demand. Go ZERO is listed as an individual charge on customers’ monthly bills.
Option one, or the asset-backed RECs, allows customers to subscribe to renewable resources in 1-kilowatt increments. Customers select from three billing options, which are based on rates from the Texas Solar REC Index at $0.004745 multiplied by the amount generated by the customers’ subscribed capacity. The rate schedule shows one of the billing options also includes “the forward locational marginal price of solar resources during peak hours” at $0.03555 per kilowatt-hour. The rates are updated annually.
Option two, or the asset-backed AECs, has a rate of $0.000035 per kilowatt-hour, and the charge is based on a per kilowatt-hour cost to retire AECs on the customer’s behalf. Option three, or the time-match reporting, is $315 per month. Link here for more on the Go ZERO program.
SWEPCO spokeswoman Shanda Hunter said SWEPCO’s Renewable Energy Choice program started in 2021.
“SWEPCO is looking to expand its REC offerings as more facilities come online, but we currently have a REC offering program in place,” said Hunter, noting that the program was significant to Rockline Industries.
According to an Oct. 5 news release, Rockline Industries achieved a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by participating in the program. Rockline Industries, which makes coffee filters and wet wipes, has plants in Booneville and Springdale. In 2020, it established goals to reduce emissions by 50% within a decade and to meet 60% of its electricity demand with renewable sources.
Across SWEPCO’s three-state footprint that includes Arkansas, about 75 customers participate in the Renewable Energy Choice program, Hunter said. In 2023, SWEPCO added 29 participants to the program.
According to SWEPCO’s website, customers can purchase RECs for $0.004012 per kilowatt-hour. “The RECs you purchase allow you to legally claim the environmental benefits of the renewable energy,” the website shows. Customers decide how much of their electricity demand will be attributed to the program, and SWEPCO provides a corresponding amount of RECs from its renewable generation sources. For example, a household that’s enrolled half of its electricity demand in the program and uses 1,200 kilowatt-hours monthly will pay about $2.41 monthly for the RECs. Link here for more on the program.
Roedel provided the following statement when asked whether the electric cooperatives have a clean energy program like Entergy Arkansas’:
“Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC) is a not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative that works on behalf of the state’s 1.2 million electric cooperative members.
AECC’s diverse generation resource mix includes wind, solar and hydro. Although Arkansas does not have a renewable portfolio standard, AECC has marketed and sold the renewable attributes of these facilities to industries and companies that use them to meet renewable energy goals. This practice has been followed for many years and ultimately has contributed to ensuring that electric cooperative members have reliable, affordable power.”
Roedel said AECC has additional credits available but declined to say how many customers have acquired them.
According to AECC’s website, it sells RECs associated with the electricity produced by the Clyde T. Ellis Hydroelectric Generating Station, Carl S. Whillock Hydroelectric Generating Station, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Hydropower Generating Station, and through power purchase agreements, from multiple wind farms.
“AECC does not claim that the electricity sold from these generation resources to its member cooperatives and others is ‘green,’ ‘renewable,’ ‘clean’ or has any other environmental attribute,” the website shows.
Arkansas
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Arkansas
Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.
Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.
“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”
The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.
“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.
With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.
“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”
“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”
Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.
About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.
About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
BROOKLYN — Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff is the first of three Razorbacks off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday night when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round.
Acuff’s selection makes him the highest drafted player from Arkansas since 2023 when Anthony Black went No. 6 overall to the Orlando Magic.
He went into the night projected to be the first player from the Hogs taken following a phenomenal freshman year that saw him earn first team All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, league freshman of the year, and SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Likely his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first player to lead the SEC in points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.
As a freshman, Acuff averaged over 24 points, six assists and three rebounds on 48% shooting from the field, 44% from three and 81% from free throw line.
His knack as a bucket getter and facilitator lifted the Razorbacks to a different level in the postseason by averaging an astonishing 30 points, seven assists and one steal across six postseason tournament games.
He led Arkansas to a victory over Vanderbilt for the SEC Tournament Championship and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.
Arguably his best performance of the season came in a double-overtime classic in Tuscaloosa against Alabama when he dropped 49 points on 16-of-27 from the floor, 6-of-10 from three and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also contributed with five rebounds, five assists and only one turnover in 50 minutes.
And don’t forget, the 6-foot-2, 186 pound point guard did all of that on a bum ankle he sustained against Aubrn just four days prior.
During a media appearance on ESPN last week, Calipari made sure to warn NBA teams they will regret passing on superstar point guard.
“A great teammate. We all hear stuff. I’m around these kids, all they want to do is get better. They want to respect who’s coaching them,” Calipari told Colin Cowherd on The Herd. “And Darius Acuff, I’m telling you, there’s going to be some guys regretting [not picking him.]
“That’s okay. That’s okay. When he starts playing, you’ll remember this conversation, and we’re saying, ‘You’re going to regret not taking him.’”
Acuff is the latest in a growing list of coach John Calipari guards to be selected as lottery picks across his four decades in the college game. Former Kentucky stars Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox and Brandon Knight.
During his time at Memphis, Calipari helped Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and Dajuan Wagner were each lotter picks from 2000-2009.
The 2026 NBA Draft will continue with its second round Wednesday night at 7 p.m. CT from the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Coach Cal Reaction
There haven’t been many times over the years that Calipari has missed out on watching one of his stars stroll across the stage to shake hands with the NBA Commissioner.
The second-year Razorbacks coach told the world Tuesday night that the Kings will be getting a “fierce competitor and winner” in Acuff.
With NBA Lottery pick and Sacramento Kings Guard Darius Acuff Jr!!! Congratulations to the entire family! The Kings are getting a fierce competitor and winner https://t.co/pk7T9H8e8b
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 24, 2026
Being drafted by Sacramento shouldn’t come as a surprise either as most mock drafts pegged him at No. 7 overall since the beginning of the college basketball offseason. With so many connections to the franchise, the Kings’ organization might be the perfect fit after all as General manager Scott Perry coached his father two decades ago at Eastern Kentucky.
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