At least 180 contractors hoping to land opportunities with the upcoming Jefferson Power Station and Arkansas Cypress Solar and Battery projects attended a vendor fair hosted by Entergy Arkansas on Wednesday at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
The projects are part of Entergy’s Next Generation Arkansas initiative, which touts “better power, more jobs and a brighter future.” The plan outlines how the utility will provide power needed in anticipation of economic growth in Arkansas.
“There are several parts to that, but one of those is generating more electricity,” said Chris Wasson, Entergy’s regional manager for customer service. “One of the things we’re doing as we invest in our generation assets like Jefferson Power Station and building out our grid to meet the needs of our customers, we want to use local companies as much as possible. That’s why you see people out here today.”
Clay McKenzie of TIC-The Industrial Company is the project manager. He said the vendor fair allowed contractors to be placed in a database for evaluation and receive opportunities to bid on work. Entergy estimated the projects are anticipated to create about 1,600 jobs at peak construction.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Convention Center Executive Director Barbara Dunn estimated the large turnout for what she called “a great event,” adding it’s why her facility exists.
“We have several contractors that came from surrounding areas. I even talked with one who came from out of state,” she said. “It’s just great for our county, and I’m just glad that we were able to accommodate them.”
Entergy will cease coal-fired operations at two plants, White Bluff near Redfield in 2028 and Independence in Independence County in 2030. The Jefferson Power Station will be constructed at the White Bluff site, with Arkansas Cypress Solar and Battery to come online nearby.
Wasson cited an agreement with environmental group Sierra Club and federal stipulations to put carbon dioxide-reduction measures on smokestacks in ending the coal-fired operations.
“Those two units are at the end of their life cycle,” Wasson said. “Quite a substantial investment would have to be made that, basically, gets passed to rate-payers.”
Instead, Entergy cites modern, advanced technology that’s 40% more energy-efficient with the Jefferson Power Station, a 754-megawatt natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant. That is expected to lower fuel charges on customer bills. Entergy is also investing in 600 megawatts of solar power and 350 megawatts of battery storage with Arkansas Cypress.
The end of coal-fired operations at White Bluff doesn’t necessarily spell the end of the facility. Wasson said a feasibility study is being done to see whether it’s cost-effective to convert the existing unit into a natural gas-fired plant.
Wasson addressed rumors that soon-to-be constructed data centers in West Memphis and Little Rock have caused rising costs in Arkansas. He said large customers such as these pay their fair share of the cost of electricity and construction so that the costs aren’t passed down to customers.
“We are 22% below the national average of cost in Arkansas,” Wasson said. “We plan to keep the cost below the national average. We’re fighting every day to keep costs low for Arkansans.”
McKenzie said he expects TIC to receive the notice to start mobilization from Entergy by June 5. Substantial completion of the Jefferson Power Station is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2029, with Arkansas Cypress expected to come online in 2028.
