Arkansas Energy Week is an annual, week-long awareness initiative powered by Arkansas Advanced Energy to highlight how energy powers Arkansas’s economy, communities, workforce, and future. The first Arkansas Energy Week took place April 5 – April 11, 2026, successfully sparking conversations around energy issues and impacts in Arkansas. Arkansas residents, businesses, policymakers, media, community organizations and educational institutions were all encouraged to participate in Arkansas Energy Week to highlight Arkansas’s energy industry.

Join the Conversation: #ArkEnergyWeek26

Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Arkansas Energy Week!

Overview

Each day of Arkansas Energy Week will focus on a different topic related to energy in Arkansas. Though we would love to have you or your organization post daily for each topic, you may find that your organization’s goals and values may align with some days more than others. Be as creative as you would like; highlight specific issues that are relevant to you, spotlight team members or case studies, host your own event or webinar, or volunteer in the community. We want to flood the week with good news and content about energy in Arkansas!

Sunday: Renewable Energy & Innovation Day

Shining a light on Arkansas’s growing renewable energy and technology innovation.

  • Solar, wind, storage, and emerging technologies

    • How renewable energy fits into Arkansas’s energy mix

    • Landowner and community benefits

    • Reliability and storage solutions

    • Local project spotlights

    • Arkansas Energy Week kicks off with Sun-Day — Renewables & Innovation. Solar, wind, storage, and other technologies are helping power homes, businesses, and economic growth across Arkansas — while strengthening reliability and diversifying our energy mix. We’re highlighting the projects, partners, and people driving innovation across the state. #ArkansasEnergyWeek #ArkEnergyWeek26 #EnergyInnovation #PoweringArkansas

    • Today is Sun-Day — Renewables & Innovation for Arkansas Energy Week. Solar, wind, hydropower, and other resources are expanding the state’s energy options and helping diversify how electricity is produced across Arkansas. In 2024, solar accounted for about 3–4% of Arkansas electricity generation, with additional projects under development statewide. A diverse energy mix helps support reliability, economic growth, and long-term planning. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #EnergyInnovation #PoweringArkansas

Wednesday: Energy Advocacy Day

Conversations shaping the policies and regulations guiding Arkansas’s energy future.

  • How decisions shape Arkansas’s energy future

    • Regulatory processes and public participation

    • Current policy priorities

    • Balancing reliability, affordability, and growth

    • Role of community stakeholders

    • Energy policy shapes our future. Regulatory decisions, legislation, and public engagement all influence reliability, affordability, and growth across Arkansas. Today’s Arkansas Energy Week theme highlights the processes and partnerships guiding those decisions. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #EnergyPolicy #PublicService

    • Energy policy shapes the future of Arkansas. Decisions made by regulators, lawmakers, utilities, businesses, and the public influence reliability, affordability, and economic development statewide. Public participation and stakeholder engagement help ensure energy planning reflects Arkansas’s needs today and tomorrow. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #EnergyPolicy #PublicService

Monday: Energy Economy Day

Exploring how energy powers jobs, investment, and economic growth across Arkansas.

  • Energy as a driver of economic growth

    • Energy costs and competitiveness

    • Job creation and capital investment

    • Supply chain opportunities

    • Why companies choose Arkansas

    • Energy is a major driver of Arkansas’s economy. From manufacturing to agriculture to data centers, reliable and affordable power helps businesses grow, invest, and create jobs statewide. Today for Arkansas Energy Week, we’re highlighting how energy supports economic development and competitiveness across industries. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessInArkansas

    • Energy powers Arkansas’s economy. Reliable and affordable electricity supports manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, data centers, and small businesses across the state. Arkansas has historically benefited from relatively low electricity prices compared with many states, helping businesses stay competitive and attract investment. Energy is more than infrastructure — it’s a foundation for jobs and economic growth. #ArkEnergy26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessInArkansas

Thursday: Energy Workforce Day

Building the skilled workforce that will power Arkansas’s energy sector.

  • Pathways to energy careers

    • High-demand occupations in energy

    • Training opportunities and certifications

    • Workforce programs (SkillStream, SkillSync, SkillSeekers)

    • Employer perspectives and hiring needs

    • Energy powers careers. Arkansas’s energy sector offers high-quality jobs across construction, engineering, manufacturing, operations, and emerging technologies. Today we’re highlighting career pathways, training programs, and workforce initiatives preparing the next generation. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #WorkforceDevelopment #EnergyCareers #JobsInArkansas

    • Energy powers careers across Arkansas. The energy sector includes electricians, HVAC technicians, engineers, construction workers, plant operators, IT specialists, and many more skilled professionals. Advanced energy industries support workforce development, job creation, and innovation across the state. Opportunities exist for students, career changers, and experienced workers alike. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #EnergyCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #JobsInArkansas

Tuesday: Local Power Day

Highlighting how Arkansas cities and counties are leading with local energy solutions.

  • Local leadership and community solutions

    • Community energy planning

    • PACE financing and infrastructure upgrades

    • Residential and commercial energy-saving strategies

    • Success stories from Arkansas cities

    • Strong communities start with smart energy choices. Across Arkansas, cities and local leaders are investing in efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term planning to reduce costs and improve resilience. Today we spotlight the initiatives helping communities thrive. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #ArkansasCities #CommunityDevelopment

    • Strong communities depend on smart energy planning. Cities and local governments across Arkansas are investing in efficiency upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and programs that help residents reduce energy costs. Programs such as weatherization services can permanently lower energy use in homes while improving comfort and safety. Local action plays a key role in building resilient communities. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #ArkansasCities #CommunityDevelopment

Friday: Transmission & Grid Day

Strengthening the transmission and infrastructure that keep Arkansas connected.

  • The backbone of a reliable energy system

    • Why transmission matters for reliability and growth

    • Planning for future demand

    • Regional coordination

    • Infrastructure investment impacts

    • ·       Behind every light switch is a vast network of infrastructure. Transmission lines and grid systems deliver power where it’s needed — supporting reliability, economic growth, and future demand. Today we spotlight the backbone of Arkansas’s energy system. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #GridInfrastructure #EnergyReliability

    • ·       Electricity doesn’t just appear at the outlet. A vast network of power plants, substations, and transmission lines delivers electricity across Arkansas and beyond. In 2023, Arkansas had more than 15,000 megawatts of generating capacity supplying power to homes and businesses. Strong infrastructure is essential for reliability, economic growth, and meeting future demand. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #GridInfrastructure #EnergyReliability

Saturday: Community Action Day

Supporting environmental stewardship and community action across the Natural State.

  • Stewardship and local engagement

    • Litter cleanup and beautification events

    • Environmental stewardship initiatives

    • Community resilience

    • Opportunities for public participation

    • Arkansas Energy Week concludes with community action. From litter cleanup to stewardship projects, local efforts make a meaningful difference for our environment and quality of life. Thank you to the volunteers and partners helping keep Arkansas strong and beautiful. #ArkEnergyWeek26 #ArkansasEnergyWeek #CommunityAction #KeepArkansasBeautiful

    • Arkansas’s energy future depends on balance — protecting the natural habitats that make our state special while supporting projects that create jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy. Thoughtful planning makes both conservation and development possible.

      #ArkansasEnergyWeek #EconomicGrowth #Conservation #PoweringArkansas

Creative Ideas to Get Involved

  • Customize and share social media posts tailored to your organization and community.

  • Issue a localized news release or op-ed to your regional media outlets.

  • Pursue a city or county proclamation recognizing Arkansas Energy Week.

  • Host an educational event, workshop, training or open house to engage the public with your business or organization.

  • Organize a community service or philanthropic activity that supports local needs.

  • Recognize and celebrate employees or “power players” who contribute to your organization’s success.

  • Participate in existing business or community events and festivals in your area occurring during Arkansas Energy Week.

  • Offer a webinar, workshop, or lunch-and-learn on energy topics relevant to your audience.

  • Share co-branded informational materials (e.g., stickers, rack cards, handouts, fact sheets) with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Tell Us About Your Arkansas Energy Week Event or Activity

If your organization or business would like to participate in Arkansas Energy Week, we’d love to hear about it! Eligible events or activities may be featured on the Arkansas Energy Week webpage as well as Arkansas Advanced Energy socials.

  • In-person events or activities must be located in Arkansas.

  • Events or activities must be related to energy (i.e., electric generation, renewables, economic development, workforce development, energy efficiency, HVAC/controls) in Arkansas, free and open to the public.

  • You do not have to recreate the wheel! If you are already hosting workshops, trainings or other activities al that time, let us know.

  • If you are unsure if your event qualifies or would like to brainstorm ways for your organization to get involved, shoot us an email.

The More You Know

Arkansas Advanced Energy Resource Library

Arkansas Advanced Energy has compiled resources for the public to learn more about energy in Arkansas, Including 101s, an interactive map, educational videos and more.

Join the Coalition

Powering Arkansas

Powering Arkansas promotes renewable energy solutions and brings diverse groups of policymakers, local residents and developers together to advocate for and work toward power solutions that benefit all Arkansans.