A new collaboration between Entergy Arkansas Entergy Arkansas, Google Google and ICF is helping remove long-standing barriers that have prevented many families in Crittenden County from accessing energy-efficiency upgrades. The joint effort is intended to deliver meaningful cost savings, improve home conditions and expand access to essential energy programs for households that have historically been excluded.
During a recent press conference, Google announced the first awardees of its West Memphis Energy Impact Fund West Memphis Energy Impact Fund. The five-year, $25 million fund aims to expand energy-efficiency and affordability initiatives for residents in Crittenden County and surrounding communities.
Under the partnership, ICF will coordinate home repairs and energy-efficiency improvements, aligning its work with Entergy Arkansas’s Low-Income Solutions program so that more households can qualify for assistance. One of the biggest challenges for low-income families has been that many homes do not meet the structural requirements—such as safe roofing, electrical systems or basic repairs—needed to participate in weatherization or energy-efficiency programs.
By coordinating essential pre-weatherization work with energy-saving upgrades, the partners anticipate supporting around 200 households. This ensures families can access improvements that reduce energy use, strengthen safety and lower their monthly utility bills. Laura Landreaux Laura Landreaux, President and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, welcomed the partnership, noting that the Energy Impact Fund represents a direct investment in communities committed to creating a stronger, more resilient future.
The first 2026 recipients of the Energy Impact Fund serving Crittenden County are Crowley’s Ridge Development Council Crowley’s Ridge Development Council and Groundswell Groundswell. Both organizations will focus on preparing homes for energy-efficiency measures and delivering long-term improvements that help reduce energy expenses for residents.
Google also launched the Greater West Memphis Energy Affordability Fund Greater West Memphis Energy Affordability Fund, which will invite proposals from additional community organizations later this year. To guide funding decisions and ensure investments reflect local priorities, Google has established its first Community Energy Advisory Council Community Energy Advisory Council.
The 12-member group, composed of leaders from local service organizations, will advise on competitive grant awards.Sherra Bennett Sherra Bennett of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation highlighted the need for comprehensive support, noting that 42 percent of Crittenden County residents fall under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category.
She emphasised that families experience financial strain across multiple areas at once, and targeted energy-efficiency support can make a substantial difference. Katie Ottenweller Katie Ottenweller, Google’s regional head of energy market development, underscored the importance of community involvement.
She explained that the new advisory council ensures the Energy Impact Fund remains rooted in local needs and reflects the voices of those it intends to serve.For Entergy Arkansas, the initiative aligns with its Next Generation Arkansas vision, particularly its focus on affordability and expanding access to programs that deliver measurable savings for customers.
By bringing together public, private and community partners, the initiative creates a more equitable pathway to energy efficiency and strengthens long-term community resilience. Through this partnership, Entergy Arkansas, ICF and Google aim to help families reduce energy costs today while laying the groundwork for a stronger, more efficient and more inclusive energy future for Crittenden County and the Greater West Memphis region.
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