On May 15, 2024, REAP hosted a virtual discussion about who and what is powering the rise in independent power producers (IPPs) in rural Alaska.

IPPs have brought hundreds of kilowatts of renewable power onto electric grids throughout Alaska, with plans for hundreds of megawatts more. These non-utility companies are typically private, for-profit entities that generate and sell power to electric utilities through power purchase agreements (PPAs). But in rural Alaska, where markets often aren’t large enough to entice private investment, consortium-backed and community-benefitting IPPs have taken root over the past five years to ensure an equitable clean energy transition. Once operational, IPPs can offset hundreds of thousands of gallons of diesel fuel and save millions of dollars in electricity costs in a region.

These creative and collaborative models take dedicated partnerships and expertise in every step of their development, from energy planning and grant writing to PPA negotiation and infrastructure operation and management. With regional IPP efforts poised to expand or upgrade renewable energy systems in at least 20 rural communities through transformational federal funding awards, we were excited to facilitate a discussion with experts that are paving the way for renewable energy expansion and local energy sovereignty through IPPs: Brian Hirsch, founder and president of DeerStone Consulting; Edward Dellamary, rural energy specialist at Tanana Chiefs Conference; and Ingemar Mathiasson, energy manager for the Northwest Arctic Borough.

Details

What: A panel discussion about regional IPP models: their benefits for rural communities, the roles and partnerships that make these efforts possible, and their future growth throughout the state.

Where: YouTube – watch the recording here

Who:

• Brian Hirsch, founder and president of DeerStone Consulting
• Edward Dellamary, rural energy specialist at Tanana Chiefs Conference
• Ingemar Mathiasson, energy manager for the Northwest Arctic Borough

When: This free webinar was held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Email REAP’s outreach director, Donovan Russoniello, at drussoniello@realaska.org with any questions.