Chugach Electric Cooperative (CEC) CEO Arthur Miller and Chair Mark Wiggin share how CEC is diversifying its energy mix. The utility’s plans include utilizing locally produced renewable energy and natural gas. Until Alaska expands its clean energy capacity, CEC recognizes that it will need to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet local energy needs.

From funding solar projects and installing heat pumps in tribal-owned buildings to driving investment in clean energy infrastructure, three recent laws—the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Alaska Energy Independence Fund—are equipping Alaskans with vital resources. In this opinion piece, lifelong Alaskans Alana Peterson and Ivy Spohnholz describe how these resources are being deployed to help communities adapt, lead, and thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Alaska is entering a transformative period of energy growth, driven by significant federal investments in renewable resources like solar, wind, and heat pumps, which are poised to reduce costs and increase energy independence across the state. With strong bipartisan support and innovative local projects, Alaska is on the brink of a new era of energy-powered prosperity.

In their op-ed, Arthur Miller and Mark Wiggin of Chugach Electric Association argue that importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a necessary bridge fuel to ensure reliable and reasonably priced energy for the Alaska Railbelt communities amidst a looming natural gas shortage. They estimate a modest 10% increase in electric bills due to LNG imports and emphasize their commitment to reducing carbon intensity and diversifying energy sources, including renewable projects.

In his op-ed, Sam Dennis criticizes the Anchorage Daily News editorial board for dismissing the potential of renewable energy to mitigate the impending energy crisis in the Cook Inlet region. Dennis argues that renewable energy, particularly solar, can provide a cost-effective and rapidly deployable solution to reduce reliance on imported liquified natural gas, as demonstrated by successful initiatives in states like Texas.

Chugach Electric board members Mark Wiggin and Sam Cason warn against the dangers of procrastination and diversion in addressing Alaska's energy future, emphasizing the need to take urgent action to solve Southcentral Alaska’s gas supply issue. Addressing the crisis will take a multi-pronged approach, including conserving current gas supplies, boosting renewables, and upgrading energy infrastructure.

Railbelt utility managers Arthur Miller, Tony Izzo, John Burns, and Brad Janorschke emphasize the necessity of modernizing Alaska’s Railbelt grid. Upgrading transmission infrastructure between regions will improve reliability, reduce consumer costs, and will help bring renewables online. The group stresses the importance of securing federal funding for these upgrades and thanks Alaska Legislators for their efforts to ensure Alaskans benefit from this opportunity.

Alaska’s world-class clean energy resources can not only secure our energy independence but have the potential to drive new economic vitality. With significant federal funding currently available, New Energy Alaska is calling on policymakers, utility boards, and business leaders to seize this moment and work together to build a thriving clean energy sector.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman discusses Senate Bill 254, which aims to cut royalties on Cook Inlet natural gas to ensure reliability and affordability for all Alaskans and reverse the Cook Inlet gas crisis. By reducing royalty rates for existing gas fields and waiving royalty rates for new gas fields, the bill aims to incentivize the development of known gas resources in the Cook Inlet basin.

Legislators in Alaska are considering various options to address the impending energy shortfall, including foreign imports, reduced royalties, and new pipelines. A top priority should be a suite of renewable energy bills, such as SB101 and HB121, which propose increasing the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources by Railbelt utilities and initiatives like community solar and annual net metering.