Buddy Hasten
Arkansas Passes Utility Bill That Could ‘Destabilize Rate Regulation’
A former chair of the Arkansas Public Service Commission said the new law is the culmination of 50 years of utilities and their legislative allies chipping away at regulatory authority. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
![Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. is building a natural gas-fueled generation facility near Naples, Texas, to help meet growing demand for electricity. [rendering provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot_2025-03-03_at_12.43.01e280afPM_opt-300x194.jpg)
Arkansas Faces Surge in Power Demand from AI & Data Centers
As Arkansas braces for a power surge driven by booming industries, its affordable rates could fuel major economic growth — if utilities can keep up. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Arkansas Bill Would Let Utilities Promise Power to Attract Big Business
The proposal has sparked debate over costs, ratepayer impact, and oversight. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Hits Milestone With 1 Million Connected
More than 40,000 miles of fiber have been installed collectively by 17 cooperative broadband providers, including 15 local broadband providers, one wholesale broadband provider and one middle-mile fiber company. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
AECC Details Plans for New Generation Plant in Texas
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Inc. plans to build a 900-megawatt gas-fueled power plant in Texas, citing a need for more baseload power. The Little Rock cooperative proposed the next-generation plant for […] read more >
Navigating Arkansas’ Energy Landscape: Solar Grows, Nuclear Shines
Buddy Hasten sees a lot of sun power in Arkansas’ future, but he also forecasts some dark moments as American utilities continue to turn away from burning coal to create electricity. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Former UA Quarterback Jason Allen Joins Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas
He was hired as the organization's chief commercial officer. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Arkansas Studies Nuclear Recycling for Mini-Reactors
State Rep. Jack Ladyman sponsored a law in the recent legislative session, Act 259, requiring the state to investigate the technical and economic potential for recycling spent nuclear fuel rods. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Cooperatives Name Bill Gossage as External Affairs Chief
Before joining the cooperatives last year as vice president of governmental affairs, Gossage was deputy chief of staff for external affairs to former Gov. Asa Hutchinson. read more >
Woodruff County Solar Set for July Start
The cooperatives’ biggest solar project, a 122-megawatt station, is within budget and “progressing as planned.” read more >
Solar Debate and Emerging Law
The Arkansas House voted last Thursday to pass the legislation cutting utility credits to solar power-generating customers basically in half. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Bill to Cut Solar Panels’ Return on Investment Clears State Senate
The amended bill will essentially halve the credit that utilities pay to customers — both residential and commercial — who generate their own power. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Electric Cooperatives Hire Brandon Lohse as CFO
Before joining the cooperatives, Lohse spent 26 years in energy and financial services positions, most recently spending nearly five years as director of investor relations for ONE Gas of Tulsa. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Electric Cooperatives Name Daron Frederick as CIO
Frederick succeeds retiring CIO Robert McClanahan, who spent 42 years with Arkansas’ electric cooperatives. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Electric Cooperatives Hire LR Lawyer Dan Herrington
He joins the co-op from Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP. read more >
Hutchinson Aide Bill Gossage Joins Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas
Buddy Hasten, president and CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, said in a statement that Gossage was selected after an extensive search, and that his “knowledge of Arkansas and dedication to service” will help improve lives. read more >
Buddy Hasten: Broadband Is ‘Next Best Thing’
Arkansas’ electric cooperatives are delivering broadband access to rural and remote corners of the state just as they delivered electricity to the rugged backwoods in the 20th century. (See Have […] read more >
Have Fiber, Will Connect, Co-ops Say
Increasing access to broadband is the mission of a $1.66 billion project in Arkansas. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
One Word: Energy (Editorial)
If the United States is to continue to prosper, we must work to make ourselves as energy independent as possible. read more >
A Nuclear Navy Vet Plots Co-ops’ Course
Vernon “Buddy” Hasten thanks the service for making him an officer and an engineer. Fate and genetics made him sharp, animated and funny. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
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![Attorney Chad Green once practiced in the Pulaski County Courthouse in Little Rock. Now he is facing a charge of robbery there, after pepper spraying an armored car guard and getting shot in 2024. [file PHOTO]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_8796_opt-150x150.jpg)
![Shea, Evan and Chris Mathews bought National Custom Hollow Metal in 2007 to run as a family. [Jason Burt]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JBP_2490_opt-150x150.jpg)