S O U T H C E N T R A L A R K A N S A S E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E
New Year, Same Promise: Responsible Power As we begin a new year, one thing remains constant at South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative: COLBY WELLS our promise CEO to deliver Responsible Power. It’s more than a theme — it’s the commitment behind every upgrade, every member conversation and every mile of line we maintain. As we step into 2026, I’m proud to share the progress we’ve made together and where we’re headed next.
From strengthening reliability and expanding fiber to investing in our communities and helping members manage energy usage, every project reflects South Central’s commitment to Responsible Power.
Reliability you can count on This past year, we strengthened the backbone of our system with a focus on reliability. Crews continued right-of-way maintenance across multiple substations and high-priority corridors, reducing outages and improving storm readiness. We upgraded aging equipment, enhanced switching capabilities and fine-tuned outage response across operations and dispatch. These improvements will continue throughout 2026 as we build an even stronger grid for the communities we serve.
Helping members use power wisely Responsible power also means helping members understand and manage their energy use. In 2025, we expanded our energy-efficiency education, offering clearer tools for understanding high-bill causes, usage patterns and cost-saving steps. We continued promoting levelized billing and support options that make monthly budgeting easier for families. This work will remain a priority as we help members make informed, efficient choices every day.
mission to strengthen our area. The POWERful Youth program grew with new learning opportunities and hands-on experiences for future leaders. We also supported local schools, civic groups and nonprofits — because strong communities build strong cooperatives.
Expanding connectivity for rural Arkansas South Central Connect continued making progress toward a more connected future. We expanded fiber into new areas, upgraded network equipment and improved customer-service tools to better support families who rely on broadband for work, school and daily life. These improvements will continue into 2026 as we work to close the digital gap in rural Arkansas.
Community partnerships that matter
Looking ahead
Our cooperative is shaped by the people we serve. This year, we deepened our commitment to community through programs that bring real value to our region. Our POWERful Partnerships event united local leaders, first responders, educators and state agencies in a shared
Our mission remains steady: Strengthen reliability. Improve efficiency. Invest in community. Expand connectivity. Operate responsibly, always. New year, same promise — Responsible Power for every member, every day.
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ADDRESS 4818 Highway 8 West Arkadelphia BOARD MEMBERS Brian Kirksey (President) Scott Clark (Vice President) Karen Kirkpatrick (Secretary-Treasurer) Mark Batson Danny Buck Ricky Francis Kevin Jester Shelley Loe Tim Trout CONTACT US (870) 246-6701 (800) 814-2931 PAY BILL scaec.smarthub.coop REPORT OUTAGES (800) 814-2931 CONNECT ONLINE scaec.com FOLLOW US ON
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Our offices will be closed for New Year's Day on Thursday, Jan. 1.
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Arkansas Living
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Bringing Back Open Pine Forests A partnership for wildlife and land health
COURTESY OF ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
The majestic open pine forests of the South are making a comeback, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the ArkansasLouisiana Conservation Delivery Network Open Pine Landscape Restoration Partnership. This project, a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) initiative, is dedicated to addressing critical concerns related to terrestrial wildlife habitat, fire management and water quality in Arkansas and Louisiana. South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative is a key partner in this vital restoration work. "Collaborating on the Open Pine Landscape Restoration project is a natural extension of our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve," South Central Arkansas Electric The loss of open forest structure and plant diversity has caused declines in wildlife like the Northern Cooperative Reliability and Engineering Bobwhite. The Open Pine Landscape Restoration project’s goal is to restore open forest conditions for the benefit of these species. Manager Kyle Armstrong said. "By supporting the reestablishment of open pine habitats, we're helping to ensure the ecological application of fire under specific conditions is a crucial tool resilience of this region for generations to come." for achieving planned land management objectives and For decades, the loss of open forest structure and plant maintaining the open understory. diversity has led to declines in iconic wildlife species. • Brush management: Chemical or mechanical The RCPP project's primary goal is to restore open forest treatment of undesirable brush helps open up the forest conditions for the benefit of conservation concern species, understory or savanna habitats. including the Northern Bobwhite, Henslow's and LeConte's • Upland wildlife habitat management: This practice Sparrows, Louisiana Pine Snake and Red-Cockaded includes monitoring the wildlife response to the restoration Woodpecker. work, often through bird surveys. The difference between a dense, overgrown forest and a Funding is available for reimbursement to reduce forest healthy, open pine landscape is stark. The project works to density, with differing rates based on the management transform dense forests into the desirable open conditions activities undertaken. If you are a landowner in the focused that allow more sunlight to reach the ground, fostering area of this project in Arkansas or Louisiana, or even if you plant diversity and the specific habitat these species need. are in another area with similar opportunities, you can The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) apply and get started by reaching out to your local NRCS provides financial assistance through RCPP to eligible office. The NRCS and associated conservation partners landowners using a systems approach of conservation are delivering this program collaboratively, providing a practices. These practices and others are designed to reduce pathway for landowners to improve their land for wildlife. forest density and manage the landscape effectively: For more information, • Forest stand improvement: This involves thinning visit arkansas.nrcs.usda.gov. dense forests using techniques like commercial harvest, Scan QR Code to learn more about mechanical equipment or herbicide treatments to create the Arkansas-Louisiana Conservation open habitat. Delivery Network Open Pine Landscape • Prescribed burning: The deliberate and controlled Restoration Partnership Program.
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