Law & Lawyers

“Most of Alaska’s rural areas are served by small, isolated, and high-cost electric systems that are only connected by a statewide energy policy of power cost equalization to help reduce rural electric costs.”

Public Utilities Fortnightly examines the issues surrounding affordability challenges with leaders in the know.

“There’s a temporal challenge, with EVs, data centers, and substation investments. Those decisions to enable serving that load are made 5-to-7 years before load shows up. It’s carrying 5-to-7 years of costs before seeing benefits. In the short term, you’re challenged by the impact on rates.”

“Customers currently qualify for the energy affordability program if household income is below 60% of state median income. This will soon extend to moderate-income households. Customers can demonstrate this to utilities by identifying enrollment in state and federal programs, such as the home energy assistance program or Medicaid.”