We collaborate with over 60 diverse dues-paying members to advocate for a stronger state economy while maintaining a healthy environment. Our approach includes a strong Board Public Policy Committee process that brings together representatives from urban and rural electric utilities, businesses, educators, community groups and others to sit at the table together, listen and find common ground.
A few of our key policy wins have been the creation of the state’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF) the Emerging Energy Technology Fund (EETF), and the appropriation of more than $900 million to fund those programs as well as the energy efficiency retrofitting of more than 50,000 Alaskan homes. Our current advocacy efforts are focused on how Alaska will finance future clean energy projects and how the state’s largest grid connected area called the “Railbelt” can institute reforms that remove barriers to renewable energy development, and incentivize efficiencies that protect consumers. In March 2020, the Alaska Legislature passed historic legislation to reform the Railbelt electric grid due to six years of our advocacy efforts.
I have a great deal of respect for the people at REAP. They have been tenacious advocates for maximizing the potential for renewable energy in Alaska.