Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Electric Cooperative in Clinton, AR
Petit Jean Electric Cooperative has been a trusted provider of reliable electric service since 1940, rooted in the principles of member ownership and community empowerment. As a cooperative, we are owned by the members we serve, ensuring that every decision aligns with the needs of our local communities. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our continuous investment in infrastructure, including the expansion into fiber internet to address modern connectivity challenges. We prioritize safety, education, and environmental stewardship, offering programs like electrical safety demonstrations and energy-saving initiatives. With over 80 years of experience, we remain dedicated to delivering fair, competitive rates while fostering economic development and community resilience.Our transparent governance model, guided by elected member directors, ensures accountability and democratic control. Through initiatives like the Advance Pay Prepaid Program, we provide flexible solutions tailored to member needs. Our response to natural disasters and community support programs, such as the Buddy Walk and Van Buren County Fair sponsorship, underscore our deep local ties. We adhere to strict financial transparency, evidenced by clean audit results and participation in federal broadband grants. As we evolve, our mission remains unchanged: to power homes, businesses, and lives with unwavering reliability and service-oriented values.
Services
Electric Service
Fiber Internet
Net Metering
Outage Reporting
Safety Programs
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- We offer member-owned cooperative governance with democratic control since 1940.
- Our fiber internet expansion addresses rural connectivity through $29M in federal grants.
- 24/7 outage response ensures rapid service restoration across Van Buren and Searcy Counties.
- Transparent billing practices with flexible Advance Pay options eliminate security deposits.
- Community initiatives include electrical safety education and Down syndrome awareness programs.
What people say
24/7 outage support
Fiber internet access
Community involvement
No security deposits
Transparent audits
Services
Electric Service
Petit Jean Electric Cooperative provides reliable electricity to residential, commercial, and public buildings across central Arkansas. Our infrastructure includes 3,092 miles of distribution lines and advanced outage management systems. Members benefit from competitive rates, net metering options, and 24/7 emergency response capabilities.
Fiber Internet
Our fiber internet expansion connects underserved areas with high-speed connectivity, funded by $29M in FCC grants and $6M from Arkansas State Broadband Office. This initiative supports remote work, education, and telehealth while enhancing grid reliability through smart technology integration across 3,000 miles of cleared rights-of-way.
Advance Pay Prepaid Program
This flexible payment option eliminates security deposits and allows customized payment schedules. Members maintain service by keeping a minimum $20 balance, with automated disconnection at zero balance and reconnection upon payment. The program includes real-time usage tracking through the SmartHub platform.
Outage Reporting
24/7 outage management utilizes SmartHub integration and automated disconnection systems. Crews respond to incidents like the Hwy 16 West tree-related outage affecting 250 meters, with restoration prioritization for critical infrastructure. Members receive balance alerts at $15 and can report issues via app, phone, or website.
Community Programs
We sponsor events like the Buddy Walk for Down syndrome awareness and support local fairs. Educational initiatives include 'Making Accidents Disappear' electrical safety demonstrations for schools. Our Guatemala mission teams extend electricity access to underserved communities, reflecting our cooperative values.
People
Michael Kirkland
General Manager/CEO
Leading Petit Jean Electric since 2019, Michael Kirkland brings decades of cooperative experience, overseeing the $9.33M revenue-generating fiber initiative and infrastructure upgrades including 7,000 pole replacements.
Shawn Biggs
Manager of Engineering and Operations
Shawn Biggs directs technical operations, managing 3,092 miles of electric lines and fiber deployment that cleared 3,000 miles of right-of-way, ensuring system resilience against Arkansas' severe weather patterns.
Marianne Pyeatt
Manager of Finance and Accounting
Marianne Pyeatt oversees financial operations, maintaining clean audit results from Rural Utilities Service and State Workers Compensation Commission reviews while managing capital credit distributions to members.
Chris Green
Manager of IT and Broadband Services
Chris Green led the $35M broadband expansion, securing federal grants and achieving 7,000+ pole replacements, transforming Petit Jean into a dual electric-fiber cooperative serving Arkansas' digital infrastructure needs.
Tonia Robbins
Manager of Administration
Tonia Robbins manages member services, implementing the Advance Pay Prepaid Program that eliminated deposits while maintaining 17,600 accounts through innovative billing solutions and community outreach initiatives.
Questions
How does the Advance Pay Prepaid Program work?
Make flexible payments with no deposit. Service disconnects at zero balance. Reconnect with $20 minimum payment. Track usage via SmartHub.
What causes electric bill spikes?
Extreme weather usage, infrastructure investments, and wholesale power price increases may affect bills. Contact us for usage analysis.
Is fiber internet available in my area?
Our $35M expansion covers Clinton, Marshall, and surrounding areas. Check eligibility on our Fiber-To-Home Project page.
How are board members elected?
Members vote annually. Two director positions in District 5 are currently open. Ballots ensure secret voting with prize incentives.
Do you support solar energy?
We follow state guidelines for net metering. Contact us for safe, equitable solar connection options that benefit all members.
How are outage priorities determined?
Critical infrastructure (hospitals, emergency services) receives first priority. Residential outages are addressed systematically based on severity and location.