The West Memphis Utility Commission recently held its regular monthly meeting, approving a series of strategic measures to enhance system reliability, supporting major community projects, and planning for the city’s continued growth.
System Reliability and Operations Commissioners reviewed updated system reliability reports and discussed the findings of a recent root cause analysis following the city’s boil water advisory.
The analysis identified 30 actionable items for improvement. Staff continues to work diligently to implement these enhancements and ensure consistent, dependable service across all utility systems.
The Commission also considered an updated ordinance recommended by the state to better protect the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
The revision will regulate the acceptance of outside waste—such as septic tank waste—into the system, establish clear fee structures, and formalize partnerships with neighboring municipalities, including Memphis.
The ongoing expansion of the treatment plant remains on track for completion by January 2026. Power Supply and Future Generation Planning With upcoming power plant retirements on the horizon, commissioners discussed long-term strategies to secure a reliable power supply.
Currently, West Memphis generates about 50% of its electricity from a coal-fired power plant. A new 1,500-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plant, with a goal of development completion by 2031, will replace aging facilities and maintain the city's ownership stake in power generation— while continuing to provide affordable electricity.
Turbine production for the new plant is already underway. The project, funded by Associated Electric Cooperative (ACC), will be partially financed by West Memphis through upcoming bond issues: a $20 million bond soon, followed by an additional $25 million bond in approximately 18 months.
These bonds will ultimately reimburse the city’s cash reserves used for the project.
Commissioners also approved a resolution authorizing General Manager Bob Atkins to present project-related actions to the City Council.
Both the Commission and Council approved the measure and subsequent resolutions, reinforcing the city’s commitment to proactive infrastructure planning. These initiatives, along with the strategic partnerships with cities like Conway and Jonesboro, helps West Memphis maintain some of the lowest utility rates in Arkansas.
In a related motion, the Commission authorized the submission of a RERRA resolution allowing the City Clerk to send a formal letter identifying West Memphis’s current load deficiency status.
This step supports a collaboration with NextEra, which will conduct an expedited study validating the city’s growing need for new power generation. The results will assist in the development of the upcoming natural gas plant.
In support of regional development, the Commission also voted to waive competitive bidding for the expedited construction of sewer lines servicing the upcoming Google Data Center project.
At the company’s request, Google will fund the nearly $1.8 million infrastructure investment, scheduled for completion by October 31.
All motions and resolutions were approved by the Utility Commission and subsequently passed by the City Council.
