Office of Energy

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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

Comments sought for LIHEAP Model Plan

The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment’s (E&E) Office of Energy has been designated the administering agency for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Arkansas, E&E is seeking public comments on the proposed LIHEAP Model Plan. The plan, which has been developed in compliance with federal funding requirements, includes information on eligibility, benefit levels, and details about how LIHEAP funds will be spent in Arkansas.

Arkansas receives approximately $30 million in federal funds for LIHEAP each year to help low-income households pay their heating and cooling energy utilities.

The proposed LIHEAP Model Plan is posted for review here.

Comments may be submitted via email with the subject line “LIHEAP Model Plan” to AEOLIHEAP@adeq.state.ar.us or delivered or mailed to Iris Pennington, Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, ATTN: Office of Energy, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118.  To be considered, all comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 2021, or be postmarked by that date.

Applications for assistance are not accepted at the above address, but should be submitted to local Community Action Agencies, instead.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

LIHWAP is a new program still under development; therefore, applications to assist low-income households with water bills are not yet being accepted. Please monitor this website for updates.

Arkansas has been allocated $13.1 million in federal funds for LIHWAP to help low-income households pay their drinking water and wastewater bills, avoid water shut-offs, and support water reconnections related to nonpayment.

The Arkansas Energy Office (AEO) has been designated the administering agency for LIHWAP and is working to establish the program.

AEO is seeking to partner with every water utility company in Arkansas to ensure all Arkansans who need LIHWAP assistance have access to it. Water utility companies who are interested in learning more may email energyinfo@adeq.state.ar.us with the subject line WATER to ask questions and learn how to subscribe to the LIHWAP electronic mailing list to receive LIHWAP communications from AEO.

The LIHWAP Model Plan may be viewed here.

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.

For more information and contacts, please view the LIHEAP Flyer

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.