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Insights > Mix of Power Generation Crucial in Preventing Brownout Power Outages
Mix of Power Generation Crucial in Preventing Brownout Power Outages
09/15/2020
Entergy Arkansas has announced several solar projects in recent weeks, large-scale projects that harness the power of the sun. It’s a cost-effective and environmentally conscious way of generating electricity that is a necessary part of the mix to preserve our current resources. While sunshine is a somewhat boundless source, it has its limitations. There’s still energy needed around the clock, day or night.
“Some of our customers may be wondering whether the California experience of rolling brownouts this summer could happen in Arkansas, especially since we are adding more solar resources,” said Kurt Castleberry, director of resource planning and market operations. “We are here to assure you that our resource planning efforts are heavily focused on ensuring that we have multiple sources of power upon which we can rely.”
Entergy Arkansas has a robust Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) which takes into consideration all reasonable resources for meeting customers’ needs, including those which focus on both traditional and green energy sources, along with management of supply and demand. The current 20-year IRP looks at statistics, energy efficiency, industrial versus residential usage and many more metrics to forecast how we are able to continue providing energy in appropriate ways. The IRP is regularly updated and revised based on revised models, stakeholder engagement and analytics.
“The bottom line is that a diversified portfolio of resource types and fuels generated within the state allow Entergy Arkansas to provide cost effective, economic and reliable service to our customers,” Castleberry said.
How does Entergy Arkansas generate power and by what means? The chart below indicates the percentage division of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, hydro and demand response sources dedicated by category now through 2023. (Note – Entergy Arkansas is phasing out coal production by 2030.)
In addition to having a diversified portfolio, Entergy Arkansas is also well-positioned with most of its generation physically located in the state along with its partnership with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), an independent, not-for-profit organization that delivers safe, cost-effective electric power across 15 U.S. states and parts of Canada, in case more power is needed in an emergency situation.
While Entergy Arkansas is the largest provider of solar power within the state, our customers can rest assured the company will continue to power life to the best of our ability with a strategic mix of sources.
