February 22, 2012 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Commonwealth North will release our newest study report on Rural and Alternative Energy February 22 to identify some of the energy challenges that exist off the "Railbelt" and offer policy recommendations to ensure reliable and affordable energy statewide.

This study, chaired by Meera Kohler and Ethan Schutt, clarifies the current state of production, fuel transportation, and consumption of energy in rural Alaska and examines efforts underway to develop long-term, viable, cost-effective solutions to those challenges. The hallmark of healthy, sustainable communities is the availability of reliable and affordable energy. Affordable energy remains unavailable to virtually all rural Alaskans and as a result Alaska's rural and indigenous communities are at severe risk.

Alaskan have long battled for reliable and affordable energy, yet Alaska boasts an abundance of hydrocarbons, as well as exceptional renewable energy resources. Why, in the midst of plenty, do Alaska's rural communities pay the highest energy prices in the nation? Alaska lacks a clearly articulated policy of mandates and metrics with strong, consistent, and institutional leadership to implement and enforce energy policies and practices. Alaska has the resources to be a global energy leader, but needs the right policy and structure in place. Without a plan, Alaskans cannot benefit from the competition and innovation that are critical to achieving the State's energy goals.

Commonwealth North has been leading an effort to identify and study challenges and opportunities in Alaska's energy future in order to bring informed Alaskans to the table and recommend solutions that will benefit all Alaskans. The Rural and Alternative Energy study is a continuation of this effort which began with the 2010 report Energy for a Sustainable Alaska, the Railbelt Predicament.