I am proud of my county government’s progress in keeping the lights on. Pulaski County government this week began work on a new solar power array that will save $250,000 a year and keep our air cleaner than traditional power sources.
Pulaski County, Ark. (November 1, 2022) – Pulaski County broke ground on the Little Rock Port Authority for its new solar array that, when completed, will save the county approximately $250,000 annually in current electricity costs.
Once completed, this 4.7MW solar array, along with Pulaski County’s other site at the Pulaski County Detention Center, will supply nearly 90% of the county’s electricity needs with clean, renewable solar energy.
The county’s cost to taxpayers to switch to solar energy is $0, according to Today’s Power Inc., the county’s solar service provider and investor in the solar array project. (TPI) thanks to solar service agreement. Under the agreement, the county will purchase all power generated from the two sites, saving $250,000 a year in current electricity costs.
Pulaski County Judge Barry HydeCEO of TPI Derek Dysonand Executive Director of the Port of Little Rock Bryan Day All were present to break ground on Tuesday and thanked key partners for bringing the project to light.
Hyde thanked his team, including the county attorney Adam Fogleman, for their dedication to the project. Today thanked Power for their patience as the county navigated “red tape” to bring the project to fruition.
Dyson explained that Today’s Power, a subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, had to work with Entergy to start the project.
“We’re really proud of that working relationship [Entergy]but it took some time to overcome some obstacles and progressive issues,” said Dyson. “We look forward to completing this project.”
Dey commented on how the solar project offers the appeal of sustainability to the port’s future partners.
“When we get visits from corporate America or other organizations around the country, they ask, ‘What are you doing for sustainability?’ “All I can say now is ‘I’ll show you,’ and we can get in the car.” [and] Come and see this great property.
The solar array is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
“Having our site here at the Port is a testament to Pulaski County’s ability to keep up with the times,” Hyde concluded. “It’s a benefit to all of Pulaski County.”
