Office of Energy
The mission of the Division of Environmental Quality's Office of Energy (also known as the Arkansas Energy Office (AEO)) is to promote energy efficiency, clean technology and sustainable strategies that encourage economic development, energy security and the environmental well-being for all citizens of Arkansas.
The Office of Energy offers help for businesses, communities, and residents through home energy scores, energy performance contracting, partnerships to reduce petroleum consumption for transportation, energy technology loans, low-income energy assistance, weatherization assistance, and other strategies.
AEO Core Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program that assists low income families with high energy burdens to pay heating and cooling utilities.
Arkansas the Arkansas Energy Office oversees the administration of LIHEAP through 15 local agencies called Community Action Agencies (CAA). Each CAA is responsible for providing service to citizens in specific counties throughout Arkansas.
LIHEAP applications are accepted through the CAAs on a first-come, first served basis typically from January-March 31 and from July to September 30 of each year. Households should contact their local CAA to obtain an application.
Energy Codes
Arkansas has statewide building codes that use resources efficiently to save Arkansans energy and money. Residential homes and commercial buildings are required to be constructed to the standards set forth in the 2014 Arkansas Energy Code, which is based on the IECC-2009 and ASHRAE 90.1-2007. State government buildings are required to be ten percent better than the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Performance Rating Method.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) utilizes seven service providers to weatherize homes throughout all of Arkansas's 75 counties. Our service providers are made up of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and other nonprofits. They are charged with installing energy efficient upgrades in qualifying low-income homes. In addition to the WAP funds, the Arkansas Weatherization Program is funded by participating utilities for the installation of energy conservation measures on their qualifying utility customers' homes. These funds work in conjunction with WAP funds.
Arkansas Energy Performance Contracting
Energy Performance Contracting is a financing mechanism used to pay for energy efficiency improvements all at once that are then paid back through annual energy savings. The AEO provides technical assistance to state agencies and public institutions of higher learning, helping them navigate the process and ensuring that Pre-Qualified Energy Service Companies (see a list below) maintain the highest levels of quality. Furthermore, the AEO actively provides education and outreach on the components of Energy Performance Contracting, maintains contract documents, and sets industry standards for Energy Service Companies.
Arkansas Home Energy Score
The Arkansas Home Energy Score is a unique opportunity for residential homeowners across Arkansas to access a low-cost, highly accurate energy label for the first time. The Arkansas Energy Office is partnering with the statewide home performance industry, home inspectors, and utility program implementers to build a network of qualified statewide assessors.
Energy Efficiency Arkansas
Energy Efficiency Arkansas, a partnership between the Arkansas Energy Office and Arkansas's investor-owned electric and gas utilities and electric cooperatives, exists to help make your business or home more energy efficient.
Arkansas Energy Technology Loan (AETL) Program
The Arkansas Energy Technology Loan (AETL) Program finances energy related cost reduction retrofits and green energy implementation for Arkansas companies. The AETL program encourages Arkansas companies to make investments in clean technology and improve energy efficiency of their processes and facilities. This enables the companies to operate with a higher degree of energy efficiency to promote job creation and retention, particularly in industries that are at risk because of high energy demands. Low interest rate loans are provided to assist those companies in financing their energy cost reduction efforts.
Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Loss Reserve Program
The Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Loss Reserve Program will provide funds to participants providing residential on-bill repayment or on-bill financing programs to their customers for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, duct sealing and HVAC replacement.
Arkansas Clean Cities
Clean Cities is a voluntary organization made up of local and state government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organization. Through our public-private partnerships, we help enhance energy security, promote energy independence, and advance environmental quality in the state of Arkansas.