Ark. Code Ann. § 23-3-603: Grant of certificate generally

(a) The Arkansas Public Service Commission shall grant a certificate if it finds that the proposed extension project is of economic benefit to the gas utility and its existing ratepayers and is in the public interest.

(b) Once the certificate has been granted by the commission, including the approval of the amount and allocation of rates and surcharges, the gas utility may begin construction and may expend funds on the extension project that has been granted a certificate.