While declining Cook Inlet gas production poses significant challenges for Alaska, rapid technological advancement creates even more opportunity for energy development in our state. Developing our energy resources requires collaboration between policymakers in the legislature and electric cooperatives, and families have an opportunity to do their part as well.

Solar and wind are the cheapest sources of electric generation on earth. That’s why 90% of new generation installed last year in America was renewable, and the Energy Information Agency projects that an even higher percentage will be renewable in 2025. Of course there are benefits in terms of reduced carbon pollution, but economics drive energy investment decisions, and Alaskans should have the opportunity to benefit from these low-cost investments. The co-chairs of the House Energy Committee have introduced Renewable Portfolio Standard (HB 153) legislation to expedite deployment of low-cost generation in the Railbelt. This legislation help deploy low-cost energy. Since 40% of natural gas in the Railbelt is currently used for electric generation, a Renewable Portfolio Standard would also conserve limited Cook Inlet gas so it can be used for heating, where it is currently most economic.

While Renewable Portfolio legislation is needed for the Railbelt, we need to modernize the Renewable Energy Fund to accelerate low-cost energy development in rural Alaska. Thank you to Rep. Robyn Burke, co-chair of the Resources Committee, for introducing a Renewable Energy Fund modernization bill (HB 196). This legislation is essential to reduce rural communities’ dependence on diesel fuel, which is both volatile and expensive. From Kotzebue to Kodiak, smaller communities have shown the dramatic savings renewables can achieve in off-the-road system communities, and everyone in rural Alaska should have the opportunity to benefit from low-cost renewables. When we invest in local renewable energy, we benefit from stable, lower prices and the economic multiplier of more local jobs.

Policies and programs implemented by local electric cooperatives play a critical role in advancing energy development. For example, Chugach Electric Association has implemented a Community Solar program, in which individual co-op members can buy into a low-cost solar farm. Co-op members can subscribe to Chugach’s Community Solar program so we all can do our part to diversify generation, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve our limited Cook Inlet gas supplies for heating. Since 40% of Cook Inlet gas is currently used for electric generation, building out our hydroelectric, wind, solar, and battery capacity is critical to ensure a reliable supply of natural gas for heating in the Railbelt.

Solar generation is an important part of the solution, but we also have to scale up hydroelectric generation. Today, hydro from Bradley Lake is the cheapest, most reliable generation on the Railbelt, and hydro also plays a critical role in smaller communities throughout the state. Credit to utilities and the Alaska Energy Authority for advancing the Dixon Diversion project, which will significantly expand the capacity of Bradley Lake. This year’s state capital budget includes $6 million in funding to advance Dixon Diversion and reduce costs for consumers. Utilities are also exploring other hydroelectric generation opportunities from Seward to the Mat-Su Valley. The more hydro base load we develop, the easier it is to integrate low-cost variable renewables like solar and wind.

There will be more opportunities in the near future, as artificial intelligence creates opportunities for virtual power plants that integrate traditional utility infrastructure with the growing number of electric vehicles, home and business battery systems, and distributed generation. It is a generational shift to transition from solely large, centralized electric generating stations to a more diverse, geographically distributed mix of generation, and AI will enable much greater reliability and savings with lower overall capital costs.

Alaska needs entrepreneurial leaders who understand and have worked with modern energy technology and who have the ability to deploy it for Alaskans’ benefit. That’s why we’re supporting Katherine Jernstrom in the Chugach Electric Association election, to fill a seat being vacated by a retiring board member. Ms. Jernstrom is a trusted business leader with an extensive background in energy and technology, and will do an outstanding job ensuring Chugach Electric Association delivers the benefits of technological advancement to local co-op members. This election takes place from April 30 to May 30.

From your decisions as a member of one of Alaska’s electric cooperatives to our decisions as state policymakers, Alaskans have opportunities right now to develop our resources, grow our economy, and improve energy security. Rapidly advancing technology creates incredible opportunity for our state, so let’s move forward together.

Rep. Ky Holland co-chairs the House Energy Committee and represents South Anchorage, Indian, Bird, Girdwood and Whittier. Rep. Carolyn Hall and Rep. Zack Fields co-chair the House Labor and Commerce Committee and represent West Anchorage and Downtown, respectively.

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