Southside Schools Superintendent Dion Stevens (far left) is presented with a check representing incentives received through the district’s participation in Entergy Arkansas efficiency programs. (Image provided by Southside School District.)
An area school district turned a wave of construction projects into six figures in energy incentives — and tens of thousands in long-term savings.
Southside School District has received more than $140,000 in incentives through its participation in Entergy Arkansas energy efficiency programs. The district completed a series of major construction and upgrade projects, resulting in significant energy efficiency improvements and utility cost savings.
In 2025, the district completed a new middle school facility, the first of four planned new construction projects. Projects completed so far in 2026 include additions to the elementary school, junior high and high school facilities, as well as new football stadium lighting and the installation of energy recovery ventilators.
Beyond these construction projects, Southside School District improved efficiency in existing facilities by leveraging the Direct Install and CoolSaver programs to identify additional ways to reduce electricity usage districtwide.
Through the district’s participation in the Entergy Solutions programs, these construction projects collectively saved 779,208 kilowatt-hours of electricity. That is equivalent to powering approximately 62 homes for an entire year or charging more than 42 million smartphones. In addition to these energy savings, the district received $140,257 in incentives through the programs, further maximizing the return on its investments.
“As we continue making significant investments in our schools, it is important that we pursue every opportunity to be good stewards of public funds,” said Dion Stevens, Southside School District superintendent. “Working with CLEAResult enabled us to incorporate energy-efficient solutions into our new facilities and secure more than $140,000 in rebates that directly benefit our district. This partnership demonstrates how smart planning can create long-term savings and provide greater value for our students, staff, and community.”
“I’m always thrilled when our school districts benefit from our Entergy Solutions program,” said Todd Welter, customer service manager with Entergy. “Southside School District’s dedication to energy efficiency showcases what’s possible when a district commits to smart planning.”
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