History, Goals and Accomplishments
HISTORY
REAP was formed in 2004 by Executive Director Chris Rose with the goal of promoting the use of renewable energy in Alaska. It has since grown to include more than 60 organizational and contributing members representing a diverse coalition of small and large Alaska electric utilities, environmental groups, consumer groups, businesses, Alaska Native organizations, and municipal, state and federal entities. REAP was Alaska’s first and remains its only education and advocacy group focused solely on renewable energy. Over the last five years, it has become an important voice on both renewable energy and energy efficiency.
GOALS
REAP’s primary goal is to increase the production of renewable energy in Alaska and bring the benefits of clean, economic and inexhaustible renewable power to the citizens of Alaska. REAP also promotes energy efficiency, and conservation as a way to reduce residents’ energy bills and potentially avoid construction of expensive new power plants.
In support of its goals, REAP hosts a wide variety of educational events, including the Alaska Renewable Energy Fair, the Business of Clean Energy in Alaska Conference and monthly forums on a wide range of renewable energy topics. REAP also actively works to educate lawmakers about the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and Executive Director Chris Rose is often asked to testify at legislative hearings about renewable energy and energy efficiency. He serves on several energy-related state committees and advisory groups.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Renewable Energy Grant Fund: REAP helped craft and find sponsors for House Bill 152 which resulted in the creation of the Alaska Renewable Energy Grant Fund and state appropriations of $125 million since 2008 for renewable energy projects. Chris Rose was also appointed by the Governor to serve on the state’s Renewable Energy Grant Fund Advisory Committee, which helps the Alaska Energy Authority recommend projects for funding to the state legislature.
Energy Efficiency: In April 2008, the legislature passed Senate Bill 289, which committed $360 million to energy efficiency programs in the state. (That compares to approximately $150 million spent cumulatively by the state between 1980 and 2008). REAP has made educating lawmakers on the merits of energy efficiency a priority.
Alaska Renewable Energy Fair: In 2005, REAP decided to create a renewable energy event that would bring together a myriad of speakers, vendors, organizations and government entities, all with an interest in renewable energy. The result was the Alaska Renewable Energy Fair, held annually in downtown Anchorage. Now in its 5th year, the event attracts thousands of members of the public each year and has featured several prominent speakers including former CIA Director James Woolsey, former National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane and, most recently, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver. The Fair also offers many educational forums and a wide range of vendors from installers of residential renewable energy systems to Alaskans who convert cars to run on electricity.
Business of Clean Energy in Alaska Conference: This annual event, hosted by REAP, debuted in 2009. The conference attracted more than 230 paid participants and a wide variety of experts from across the United States. Its goal is to show the business community and policy leaders that Alaska has “first mover” advantage in some areas of renewable energy that can help the state build and diversify its economy.
Renewable Energy Atlas: REAP, in cooperation with the state Alaska Energy Authority in 2006, published the first ever comprehensive atlas detailing Alaska’s renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass, and tidal. The report, which also includes information on existing renewable energy projects in Alaska, has been updated twice and more than 22,000 copies have been distributed statewide.
