Lauren Waldrip
AAEA, Americans for Prosperity Push for Reliable Power
They teamed up with the goal of addressing a "critical energy shortage” the state is likely to face beginning in 2026. read more >
Promoting Energy Innovation with AAEA Director Lauren Waldrip
Waldrip is executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association in Little Rock. read more >
Arkansas Solar Industry Braces for Major Shift Under New Net-Metering Rules
After Sept. 30, the state’s rules for utility credits on newly interconnected solar-power systems will change. Credits will fall to about four-tenths of what existing system owners receive, and new restrictions will also go into effect. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
AAEA Offers Economic Development Program
The EACH Initiative will help city and county leaders by providing critical resources, support and capacity-building opportunities. The idea is to overcome constrained budgets and challenges that seem overwhelming, Waldrip said. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
New FERC Mandate Requires Long-Term Planning Amid Rising Energy Demands
Advanced energy advocates praised the potential for easier interconnection of wind and solar projects, while conservative states were beyond skeptical. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Grant for Arkansas Solar Power Actually Bigger Than Announced
The federal grant for rooftop solar development is $93.6 million, as opposed to the $62 million the EPA originally announced. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Little Rock Goes Green: Sun Hog Solar Negotiates Deal to Power 70% of Municipal Electricity
Sun Hog is a subsidiary of Scenic Hill Solar and hopes to build a 4.9-megawatt solar array to supply about 70% of the municipal government’s electricity needs. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Advanced Energy Expo Set for Students, Industry Pros, Job Seekers and Educators
Students will learn about a growing industry long before embarking on their careers, and industry leaders will be kept abreast of the latest technologies in the field. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Utilities Answer State Order Seeking Plans on Federal Funds
Regulators wanted to know whether utilities will take advantage of programs offering millions of dollars in incentives for energy-saving projects and new power transmission connections. Arkansas’ biggest utilities said yes, but with considerable qualifications. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Lost Generation: Solar Power Shines Bright as Coal Plants Prepare to Retire
New solar plants will help offset the loss of the two coal plants, which are set to close in 2028 and 2030. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Ruling Tells Cooperatives To Cease Solar Practices
Electric cooperative members are now free from burdensome constraints to solar power net metering since a judge’s ruling in May, Arkansas Advanced Energy Association Director Lauren Waldrip says. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
2024 Solar Deadline Poses Challenges for Developers
Recent legislation changing Arkansas’ solar power policy has solar developers scrambling. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
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 -
Businesses, Nonprofits Rally Behind Solar Power, Against New Bill
They say the legislation, which would roll back net metering, would cripple the industry. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
PSC Ruling Gives Solar Industry a Year-End Lift, Extending Rate Lockdown
Once approved, the measure expected to clear the way for a billion dollars’ worth of solar energy projects planned in the state. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Key Net-Metering Provision to Expire With New Year, Industry Warns
Lack of certainty around the rule could hold up a billion dollars' worth of projects planned in the state. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Sun Power Up Above, Battery Power Below
More and more renewable energy-related businesses are popping up across Arkansas, including solar projects and lithium mining for EV batteries. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
State Poised to Extend Solar ‘Grandfathering’ Deadline, Governor Says
The governor told the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association that he envisions an extension of at least two years. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
What Grandfather Has to Do With Solar
Arkansas Advanced Energy Association Executive Director Lauren Waldrip discusses their priorities with solar going forward. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
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