Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Ozarks Electric Cooperative and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) announced today approval of agreements that establish a new structure for their future relationship.
Under the agreements, Ozarks Electric will transition from being a member-owner of AECC to a long-term wholesale power customer. The new structure allows Ozarks Electric greater flexibility to develop and implement its own long-term power supply strategy while continuing to receive wholesale power and related services from AECC through November 2030. As Northwest Arkansas continues to experience significant growth and the electric utility industry evolves with new technologies and trends, the agreement allows Ozarks Electric to thoughtfully shape its future resource portfolio, transmission system, demand-side management programs, renewable energy strategies and member services to better reflect the diverse needs of the communities it serves. The long-term flexibility also supports the cooperative’s continued growth and innovation, including the expansion of OzarksGo’s all-fiber broadband network, ensuring members benefit from reliable electric and broadband services that strengthen the region’s quality of life and economic development.
“This represents an important milestone in the history of Ozarks Electric,” said Mitchell Johnson, president and CEO of Ozarks Electric Cooperative. “Our cooperative has experienced tremendous growth, and the energy landscape has changed dramatically over the past several decades. This agreement provides the flexibility to shape our future power supply strategy while honoring the commitments and relationships that have helped build our cooperative. Most importantly, it allows us to remain focused on delivering reliable, affordable service to the members who own Ozarks Electric.”
For nearly 80 years, Arkansas' electric distribution cooperatives have worked together through AECC to provide reliable, affordable power across the state. That cooperative model has provided the foundation for decades of success and remains a vital part of Arkansas' energy infrastructure.
According to AECC President/CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten, the two organizations worked closely to develop a customer agreement that accomplished Ozarks Electric’s current goals while preserving the obligations owed to AECC under the prior arrangement.
“These agreements reflect a thoughtful, collaborative approach that supports the strong working relationship between our organizations. We are proud of the partnership we have shared and will continue to serve Ozarks Electric during the transition and beyond,” said Hasten.
The approved agreements establish a phased approach designed to ensure continuity, stability and generational success for both organizations and the members they serve.
Through November 2030, Ozarks Electric will continue receiving wholesale power and related services from AECC while preparing for the next phase of its power supply strategy. This transition period will ensure a seamless path forward for Ozarks Electric, AECC, and their members.
Beginning in December of 2030, Ozarks Electric will assume responsibility for securing the power and energy resources needed to serve its members. Ozarks Electric will continue to honor its commitments and investments associated with its decades-long membership in AECC through 2042.
Leaders of both organizations emphasized that the agreements will not impact the reliable electric service members depend on and reflect a shared commitment to responsible planning, sound financial stewardship and serving the interests of Arkansas’ cooperative communities. Together, the agreements position both organizations to continue serving their members with the reliability, stability and cooperative values that have guided them for generations.