Commonwealth North Releases Alaska Energy Report Today

Find Full Energy Report Here

Commonwealth North will present its recently published energy report, Energy for a Sustainable Alaska: The Railbelt Predicament, this morning from 7-8am in the Hilton Hotel Ballroom in Anchorage. This report addresses the serious concerns over deliverability and production in Southcentral Alaska and the not so convenient truth that our energy security is at great risk. Mary Ann Pease (NGP Photo), Co-chair of the Energy Study Group, will present Commonwealth North's findings and address some of the steps that need to be taken immediately to prepare the State for our energy future. Members Free, Guest $30.

Alaska is rich in natural energy sources and yet many Alaskans struggle to meet rising energy costs. Commonwealth North commissioned this study to evaluate solutions and facilitate dialogue relevant to energy policy throughout Alaska and develop guidelines and recommendations for a secure energy future. After extensive discussion and debate with involved and knowledgeable citizens, Commonwealth North formulated the following findings and actions items as a means for addressing the current energy issues along the Railbelt. 

•Assess the potential of a gas deliverability disruption in the near future due to the extreme load on the system coupled with potential deliverability constraints.
•Address immediate deliverability and cost issues in both Railbelt and rural areas by leading implementation of stop-gap measures to encourage conservation, alternative energy and efficiency.
•Make gas storage available as soon as possible to help utilities meet deliverability challenges.
•Establish a clear regulatory standard for review of gas supply contracts.
•Implement a policy of fuel diversification with the long term goal of reduced dependence on diesel for much of rural Alaska.
•Adopt a strategy to diversify Alaska's energy portfolio within the next 15 years to include other viable energy alternatives including hydro, coal, propane, wind, geo-thermal, and other renewable energy projects.
•Encourage development of oil and natural gas potential and the construction of a natural gas pipeline.

Commonwealth North leads Alaskans to adopt enlightened policies that enhance Alaskans' quality of life and improve the State's ability to effectively manage its resources. The purpose of Commonwealth North is to educate its members and others on significant public policy issues affecting Alaska and its future, and to assist in their resolution. Commonwealth North was co-founded by former Alaska Governors Walter J. Hickel and the late William A. Egan. Commonwealth North is a non-partisan organization where cultural and professional diversity is welcomed.