Energy Efficiency in Arkansas: A Powerful Panel to Drive Real Impact

In partnership with U.S. Green Building Council, Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) hosted its Quarterly Charge, themed “Advancing Energy Efficiency in Arkansas,” at Entegrity Headquarters in Little Rock on Thursday, August 28, 2025. With almost 50 in-person and virtual attendees, the event featured a panel of energy efficiency experts, including:

• Manuel Wiese, Senior Environmental and Energy Policy Manager, Arkansas Energy Office (AEO): State programs

• Timothy D. Unruh, PhD, PE, CEM, Executive Director, National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO): ESPC mechanism & best practices

• Todd Dixon, Co-Owner, SunCrop Solar and Energy Solutions: Existing Homes - utility rebates, energy efficiency rebate programs 

• Chris Kell, Partner, Payne Kell: New Construction - Energy Star

• Jonathan Rasburry, C-PACE Administrator, Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation: CPACE and market-based financing tools

• Meredith Hendricks, Vice President of Sustainability, Entegrity

• Dr. Carlos Gamarra, Vice President of Energy, Air and IT at Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)

Panelists shared about a wide variety of programs and resources currently available to assist with financing for energy audits and energy efficiency improvements to homes and buildings.