Arkansas utilities score poorly on Sierra Club report for fossil fuel transition

Arkansas electric utilities received low marks in the Sierra Club’s annual “Dirty Truth” report on the transition away from fossil fuels, released earlier this week.The report graded three Arkansas utilities – Entergy Arkansas, SWEPCO and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC) – on efforts to retire coal plants by 2030, avoid building new gas plants through 2035, and expand clean energy. Entergy received a “C,” while SWEPCO and AECC were given “F” grades.

The report noted that some utilities in the state are not planning to add any green power. It also highlighted that overall, utilities nationwide are failing to adequately plan for a clean energy transition, with the average score dropping to an “F” in 2025 from consistent “D” grades in previous years.

Entergy’s score declined from an “A” last year, largely due to planned shutdowns of coal plants and its focus on natural gas generation alongside solar and wind. Entergy Arkansas spokesperson Matt Ramsey said the utility remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

AECC was criticized for having “one of the lowest renewables scores in the entire United States,” with no planned solar or wind projects despite rising demand. AECC spokesperson Marine Glisovic defended the utility’s approach, citing reliability and cost concerns.

The Sierra Club report also noted rising electricity costs in the South, which increased 6.7% over the past year, outpacing regional inflation of 2.6%, and urged utilities to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.

For the original reporting from Arkansas Advocate, click here.

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