Energy Resources Planning Task Force: Governor Asa Hutchinson Issues Executive Order

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson issued Executive Order 21-05 which establishes an “Energy Resources Planning Task Force” (“Task Force”).

The Executive Order, in discussing the rationale for the Task Force, referenced:

• Vulnerabilities in critical energy resources because of winter storms
• Increased demand/inadequate supply of critical energy/Arkansas business closures
• Need to evaluate the ability of Arkansas’s critical energy resources and infrastructure to withstand extreme events

The Task Force charged with addressing these issues includes:

1. The Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment, or his or her designee;
2. The Director of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission, or his or her designee;
3. The Director of the Arkansas Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, or his or her designee; and
4. The Secretary of the Department of Commerce, or his or her designee.

The Task Force will hear testimony from the following:

1. The Chair of the Arkansas Public Service Commission, or his or her designee;
2. A representative of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO);
3. A representative of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP);
4. A representative of Entergy Arkansas;
5. A representative of the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corporation;
6. A representative of Southwestern Electric Power Company;
7. A representative of Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company;
8. A representative of the Empire District Electric Company;
9. A representative of the Arkansas Municipal Power Association (AMPA);
10. A representative of Center Point Energy;
11. A representative of Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation;
12. A representative of Black Hills Energy;
13. A representative of the Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers (AEEC);
14. A representative of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce;
15. The Executive Director of the Arkansas Environmental Federation, or his or her designee;
16. The President of the Arkansas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners (AIRPRO) association, or his or her designee;
17. Additional citizens, as the Task Force deems necessary, with knowledge and expertise in energy and environmental matters; and
18. Additional citizens, as the Task Force deems necessary.

The Task Force is charged to:

• Recommend actions needed to ensure adequate supply of critical energy sources during extreme events; and
• Develop priorities for allocation of limited energy resources in the event of supply shortages due to emergency situations necessitating action to preserve life, health, and safety.

Both the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment and the Arkansas Public Service Commission are requested to provide staff as needed.

A copy of the Executive Order can be downloaded here.