Partnering to strengthen the grid and support local communities in Arkansas

Since we first announced plans to build in West Memphis, Arkansas, we’ve continued to work directly with local leaders and community members to chart a path for responsible development. Today, we're announcing our next steps forward in that journey.

We are distributing the first $1.25 million guided by the on-the-ground expertise of our local Community Advisory Council, a part of our $25 million West Memphis Energy Impact Fund. These grants will help support 10 local nonprofit and municipal organizations to increase clean energy access, lower home utility costs, and create new workforce opportunities in the region. Here’s what they plan to do:

• CERTcuit, Inc.: Deliver career mobility training to 135 low- and moderate-income residents through industry credentials in IT, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and project management, supplemented by energy auditing and solar fundamentals.
• East Arkansas Youth Services, Inc.: Implement the Energy Ready Families Initiative in Crittenden County, providing household energy assessments, efficiency upgrades, resource navigation, and workforce readiness for at-risk youth and up to 60 families.
• Families in Transition, Inc.: Relocate and renovate an emergency shelter to increase capacity while implementing critical energy-efficiency upgrades, including roof replacement, insulation, air sealing, LED lighting, and HVAC modernizations.
• Groundswell, Inc.: Scale the Google-supported SOUL (Save On Utilities Long-Term) program in West Memphis to provide energy efficiency upgrades and essential structural repairs for income-qualified households on its waitlist, while expanding local contractor delivery capacity.
• IAP Ministries: Execute the Stay Safe at Home West Memphis program, delivering in-home assessments, energy-efficiency measures, and minor home repairs to 50 low-income households, prioritizing seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities.
• Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South: Expand career readiness and work-based learning pathways — including industry exposure, mentorship, internships, and apprenticeships — connecting local students to careers in energy, utilities, construction, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure.
• Life Empowerment Center: Drive the Trades for Life Teens Program, engaging youth ages 12-18 in hands-on trade training (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry) combined with mentorship, financial literacy, leadership, and energy education.
• Producing Outstanding People: Launch the “Flip the Switch” initiative across Crittenden County, distributing energy-efficiency kits and affordable education alongside youth and adult programming in STEM, financial literacy, and career exploration.
• The City of Earle: Establish a municipal Electric Rebate Program to subsidize home energy audits, HVAC, insulation, weatherization, and renewable energy upgrades for vulnerable, lower-income households while integrating local workforce development.
• The City of Memphis: Pilot the One Front Door Operations Hub, creating a centralized entry point for residents seeking home repair and weatherization services through integrated intake, cross-program case management, and coordinated service delivery.

In addition, we’re continuing our partnership with Entergy Arkansas by investing in new energy and grid infrastructure that will strengthen the power system for all of its customers.

We’re grateful to the people of West Memphis for welcoming us, and we look forward to continuing to listen, learn, and work alongside local leaders to support a strong community for everyone.