Renewable Energy Legislation in Alaska
Alaska Common Ground hosted a discussion at King Street Brewing Company on renewable energy legislation being considered in the 2022-2024 legislative session with Senators James Kaufman and Loki Tobin, and Representatives Genevieve Mina and Calvin Schrage. They discussed what bills passed during the last legislative session, what’s on the horizon for the upcoming session in 2024, and how we can engage in the process. This discussion was moderated by journalist Nat Herz of the Northern Journal.
In March 2024 via zoom we hosted an update on renewable energy legislation, including where the bills are in the process and how the public can get involved. Senator Bill Wielechowski updated us on the Community Solar bill, Louie Flora, staff for Senator Tobin, on the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and Chris Rose, Executive Director of REAP Alaska, on the status of the Green Bank legislation.
For a quick overview of the policies and programs discussed, as well as ways to get involved, click here.
The event recordings are available on our YouTube Channel:
December 18 2023:
March 26, 2024:
Alaska Green Bank
An Alaska Green Bank would be a public institution that could leverage private financing opportunities to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Much like green banks in other states, the financing opportunities it would provide can be more affordable to borrowers than traditional ones, helping incentivize renewable energy use and energy efficient building.
- Bill text and status
- Alaska Climate Alliance advocacy and action opportunities
- Alaska Energy Transparency Project
- Renewable Energy Alaska Project information and advocacy opportunities
Community Solar
This legislation would allow Alaskans to access solar electricity through a shared solar “farm” instead of installing panels in their own yard or rooftop. Solar (or wind) generating facilities could connect to the grid, alleviating the upfront cost of solar for residents and adding renewable power to the community’s supply.
Renewable Energy Portfolio
This bill would create standards for Railbelt utilities to generate certain percentages of their electricity through renewable sources by 2025. The percentages scale each year, eventually reaching 80% renewable generation. Projected fuel cost savings are billions of dollars.
This existing program, established in 2008, issues competitive grants for renewable energy projects throughout Alaska. State appropriated funds leverage additional private and federal capital to fully finance projects ranging from feasibility studies to design and construction. The Alaska Energy Authority manages the fund and estimates the program has saved the equivalent of 30 million gallons of diesel per year. In 2023, HB 62 removed the program’s sunset date, extending it in perpetuity.