A back of the envelope look at how PCE and renewables interact in rural Alaska
June 28, 2024
Across the circumpolar North, interest in the creation of independent power producers (IPPs) to own and operate renewable power systems is growing. This new IPP ownership model and the integration of renewables more broadly, raise some interesting questions for Alaska's Power Cost Equalization program.
A back of the envelope look at how PCE and renewables interact in rural Alaska
June 28, 2024
Across the circumpolar North, interest in the creation of independent power producers (IPPs) to own and operate renewable power systems is growing. This new IPP ownership model and the integration of renewables more broadly, raise some interesting questions for Alaska's Power Cost Equalization program.
Bringing billing innovations to Alaska's most remote communities
June 03, 2024
One of the critical challenges in serving remote communities around the world with vital electricity and other infrastructure services is how to pay for such services. The following are selected excerpts from UA Press' forthcoming book Alaska's Energy Innovators that follow the story of two women who were pivotal in creating electric utilities in Alaska's smallest and most remote villages and provided the tools - through prepay metering technology - to enable these micro-utilities to become sustainable enterprises.
April 16, 2024
In mid-February, the frozen Yukon river appeared still and foreboding - large chunks of jumble ice jutting out from its surface. But underneath the ice, the water flowed. Stephanie Fisher and Leo Azizi from the Alaska Center for Energy and Power were there to measure the under-ice flow rate, the first step in determining whether locals could use this seemingly frozen river to generate electricity.
Telling the story of Alaska's electrification
April 01, 2024
As an energy and environmental historian at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, much of my research has focused on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) and its historical influence in Alaska and beyond. While conducting this research I kept finding fascinating and remarkable stories of Alaska's electrification. This book provided me the opportunity to offer a narrative of Alaska's electrical history and contemplate possibilities of electric futures.
Alaska's data center opportunity: A reality check and possible next steps
February 08, 2024
The role of data centers continues to increase in the lives of ordinary citizens, large corporations and other electricity consumers across the globe. From the surge in interest and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to the more localized needs of remote communities in Alaska, access to the Internet and cloud computing are transforming the economy and the electricity infrastructure that underpins it. Could a large data center like those seen in Iceland make sense in Alaska?
Inspiring tales of energy innovation from the top of the world
January 19, 2024
As glaciers melt and permafrost thaws, treasured species of fish such as salmon and crab decline, oil reserves wane and consumer energy bills continue to rise, Alaska is re-evaluating its energy future. The good news is that many rural Alaska communities are already leading the way towards a new energy future for the state.
January 03, 2024
As EV technology continues to improve and market demand grows in the U.S., the adoption of EVs will undoubtedly increase in Alaska. We see evidence of this trend already. What will this increase in electric demand mean for overall consumer rates as we work to address the gas conundrum over the next 5 to 10 years?
ARCTIC Toolkit: Students pave the way towards energy resiliency in rural Alaska
November 10, 2023
Sometimes to get a job done in rural Alaska, you have to learn how to do it yourself. Equipped with thermometers, hair dryers, and infrared cameras, Alaska Teaching Through Technology students learned how to assess a home's energy efficiency, make recommendations and weatherize buildings with accessible materials.
September 15, 2023
Public opinion about nuclear energy is often shaped by big events and popular culture, with many people not feeling they fully understand the topic
Ready or not, electric vehicles are coming
August 03, 2023
The transition to electric vehicles is happening—rapidly in some places and more slowly in others. Are we ready for EVs in Alaska?