A new partnership between Entergy Arkansas, Google and ICF is helping remove barriers that have prevented many families from accessing energy efficiency upgrades—bringing meaningful savings and support to Crittenden County residents.
At a recent press conference, Google announced the first recipients of its West Memphis Energy Impact Fund. The five-year, $25 million fund was created to help scale energy efficiency and affordability initiatives for residents in Crittenden County and the surrounding area.
ICF will be playing a central role in delivering a combined approach of critical home repairs and energy efficiency improvements. By aligning these efforts with Entergy Arkansas’s Low-Income Solutions program, the partnership is designed to reach residents whose homes have historically been ineligible for assistance due to structural issues.
Working together, the partners expect to support approximately 200 households by addressing pre-weatherization needs—such as roof or electrical repairs—before completing energy-saving upgrades. This coordinated model ensures more families can qualify for programs that lower energy use and reduce monthly bills.
“Entergy Arkansas is excited to continue to partner with Google and ICF to bring this opportunity to Crittenden County,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “The Energy Impact Fund is a direct investment in projects that will have a lasting impact on these communities. We are honored to work with customers who are just as committed as we are to helping build a stronger, more vibrant future for the next generation.”
The initial 2026 recipients of the Energy Impact Fund that will serve residents of Crittenden County are Crowley’s Ridge Development Council and Groundswell, both of which are focused on preparing homes for efficiency upgrades and delivering long-term improvements that reduce energy costs.
Google also kicked off the Greater West Memphis Energy Affordability Fund, which will be seeking proposals from additional community organizations this year. To ensure funding aligns with local needs, Google has seated its first Community Energy Advisory Council. Composed of 12 respected leaders from organizations that serve the Greater West Memphis area, the Council will make funding recommendations for the competitively awarded portion of the Fund.
“In Crittenden County about 42% of the population is considered Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE,” said council member Sherra Bennett of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. “Families do not experience their income and their household bills in simple silos. We want to make sure we are focusing on each piece for a family to make the ultimate difference.”
“The most effective community investments are those guided by local voices,” said Katie Ottenweller, regional head of energy market development at Google. “The launch of the Community Energy Advisory Council ensures that the West Memphis Energy Impact Fund remains rooted in local needs. We’re grateful to our partners and the inaugural council members for their leadership in creating a sustainable, affordable energy future for West Memphis and the Greater Memphis region.”
For Entergy Arkansas, this partnership directly supports its Next Generation Arkansas vision. Affordability is a key pillar, focusing on helping customers better manage energy costs while expanding access to programs that deliver real savings. Partnerships like this bring that pillar to life by removing barriers and creating more equitable access to energy efficiency solutions.
Together, Entergy Arkansas, ICF and Google are working to create a more inclusive path to energy efficiency, helping families reduce costs today while building a stronger foundation for the future.
For more information on how to apply for the Greater West Memphis Energy Affordability Fund, please visit their website.
