In 2007, REAP brought the idea of creating a renewable energy grant fund to the Alaska state legislature. In 2008, the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) was established by the legislature in a unanimous vote. The REF issues grants for renewable energy projects across the state through a competitive process administered by the Alaska Energy Authority.
Through REAP’s advocacy, between 2008 and 2017 the state legislature appropriated $270 million for REF grants. Those state monies leveraged approximately $250 million in private and federal funds to complete project funding. Hundreds of grants have been awarded to local communities and utilities to determine the feasibility of potential developments, and to design and construct over 80 renewable electric and heating projects. At one point, Alaska was investing more per capita in renewable energy through the REF than any other state in the nation. The Alaska Energy Authority estimates that projects constructed so far in whole or in part with REF funds are saving the equivalent of 30 million gallons of diesel fuel every year. REAP Executive Director Chris Rose has been appointed by three successive governors to serve on the REF’s Advisory Committee. He has been on the Committee since its inception in 2008, and currently serves as chair.
More on the Renewable energy fund
AVEC has supported REAP since the beginning. Climate change is ravaging our communities and REAP is helping advance solutions. The Renewable Energy Grant program would never have come to be without REAP’s leadership – and it’s making a difference.