Jefferson Power Station: Powering Arkansas today and into the next generation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Entergy Arkansas is planning a major investment to power the state's unprecedented growth and opportunity. Pending approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission, the company will invest $1.6 billion to build the 754-megawatt Jefferson Power Station, a highly efficient natural gas plant near Redfield that will provide affordable, reliable energy for decades to come. Construction of Jefferson Power Station is expected to generate an estimated $2.9 billion in total economic impact, supporting more than 3,600 jobs and contributing $128 million in local, county, and sales taxes to fund schools, roads, and other vital services.

The new facility has baseload and load-following capabilities and will provide around-the-clock power as customers need it. Jefferson Power Station includes modern, advanced technology that is 40% more efficient, which helps reduce the cost of power to customers compared to other generating sources. It will play a critical role in meeting Arkansas's growing demand for electricity, enabling Entergy Arkansas to continue to deliver rates that remain below the national average while supporting record business and population growth across the state.

"Jefferson Power Station represents a cornerstone investment in Arkansas's energy future," said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. "This facility will strengthen reliability, keep costs low for our customers, and provide the dependable energy supply our communities need to thrive. We're building for the next generation of Arkansans."

A statewide economic catalyst

Entergy Arkansas plans to hire local Arkansas-based vendors during the construction phase and encourages vendors seeking consideration for the project to go through the prospective supplier registration process. This is an opportunity for Arkansas to help build Arkansas. Once operational, the plant will employ about 22 full-time personnel.

"This investment demonstrates Entergy's proactive preparation for Arkansas's economic future," Landreaux said. "It takes several years to construct new generation at a time when speed to market is a state's most competitive advantage. While continuing to deliver reliable service to existing customers, this investment will also give new businesses and industries confidence that Arkansas has the reliable, affordable power they need to grow."

Built for reliability, efficiency, and affordability

Jefferson Power Station will be located at Entergy's White Bluff site in Jefferson County, which is being transformed into a regional energy hub. The 754-megawatt combined cycle combustion turbine plant will have the capacity to power more than 355,000 homes and is scheduled to begin operations in 2029.

Jefferson Power Station will serve as a baseload generation anchor in a broader plan that will optimize the existing White Bluff site to create a diverse mix of energy resources for Arkansas customers. The potential conversion of White Bluff coal units to burn natural gas is intended to serve as peaking generation to meet customer needs during periods of high demand. Additional cost-effective energy and capacity from Arkansas Cypress solar and battery storage will provide a hedge against fluctuations in natural gas prices.

Facts about Jefferson Power Station:

• Improved reliability: Provides dependable, dispatchable generation to meet demand when renewable sources are unavailable, helping to provide stable power during extreme weather.
• Fuel efficiency: The new technology is 40% more efficient than older plants, saving customers money by lowering fuel and operating costs.
• Smart cost management: Leveraging the existing White Bluff site will save hundreds of millions in transmission costs, while new state financing mechanisms will reduce long-term interest expenses and help minimize future rate increases.
• Local Opportunities: Entergy Arkansas will enlist local suppliers and partners where available to participate in the construction and support the long-term operation of the facility.
• Cost Stability: Through advanced planning Entergy Arkansas has secured much of the required equipment in advance to provide cost certainty in a rising cost environment.

Supporting Arkansas's growth and energy independence

Arkansas is on the rise, with new businesses, families and industries fueling record growth across the state. This progress brings opportunity and greater demand for reliable and affordable energy. To support Arkansas's momentum, it is necessary to expand power infrastructure. Continued growth depends on a strong energy supply, and investing in that supply is essential to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the state.

Neighboring states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma are also investing heavily in new generation projects, and other states across the country are struggling to keep up with demand, resulting in soaring electricity prices. With Jefferson Power Station, Arkansas is taking proactive steps to secure its own energy future and ensure that homes, businesses, and industries have the power they need when they need it at the lowest reasonable cost.

What leaders are saying

Jefferson Power Station aligns with the vision established by the Governor and General Assembly to expand the state's energy infrastructure and promote economic growth. More than 25 state and local leaders have already expressed bipartisan support, emphasizing that reliable, affordable power is essential for keeping Arkansas competitive while also continuing to reliably meet the needs of existing customers.

Below is a sampling of quotes from those filings:

Entergy Arkansas is constructing this generating resource to ensure that Arkansas customers will continue to have adequate supplies of reliable, affordable, and dispatchable resources, which is critical to our state's long-term success as well as our ability to attract economic development opportunities. Respectfully, I ask you to give this application every consideration. This new power station will make a positive impact on Arkansas through its construction and operation.

- Sen. Stephanie Flowers

The Arkansas General Assembly and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders have passed Acts 373 and 940 to support such projects. Approving this application will allow Entergy Arkansas to move forward, creating job opportunities and stimulating the local economy through ongoing revenue from property taxes, which will benefit schools and community services.

- Rep. Ken Ferguson

This power plant is a crucial investment that aims to provide reliable and affordable energy for residents.

- Rep. Mike Holcomb

This project is a vital step toward meeting Arkansas's energy needs and promoting economic growth in the region.

- Rep. Glenn Barnes

This project is the first step in redeveloping the White Bluff site and will provide Arkansas customers with reliable, affordable, and dispatchable power resources.

Approval will allow Entergy Arkansas to meet customer demand, support new jobs and investment, and provide direct benefits to local communities through construction activity, long-term tax revenues, and the presence of a strong corporate partner.

- Randy Zook, President and CEO, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas

This power plant is a key investment that will benefit the citizens of Arkansas.

Timely approval of this application to build the Jefferson Power Station is essential to enable Entergy Arkansas to move forward with its plans to build the resources necessary to serve customers and to ensure that Arkansas has adequate resources to continue generating Arkansas jobs to support a brighter future for our state.

Additionally, this power plant investment will directly benefit our region through the economic activity associated with the construction of the power plant along with long-term investment benefits support local schools, county, and municipal governments through property taxes, and as an employer and corporate citizen within the metro Little Rock region.

- Jay Chesshire, President and CEO, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce

About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation NYSE: ETR. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We're also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergyarkansas.com and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.

Media inquiries:
Lamor Williams
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501-377-3525