The Pay As You Save program in rural Arkansas: An opportunity for rural distribution cooperative profits

Abstract

This case study highlights the success of the Ouachita Electric Cooperative’s Pay As You Save program in Camden, Ark., in bringing both electricity bill savings to customers and benefits to implementing utilities, especially in rural areas. It is not specifically a low-income energy assistance program, but does benefit customers with high energy burdens. Through its on-bill tariff design, PAYS overcomes many barriers, such as the split incentive challenge and the need for upfront outlays.