As Alaska faces rising energy costs and increasing uncertainty in fuel markets, a group of former state lawmakers is urging a practical shift toward locally built, reliable power sources that can be developed now.
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In an opinion piece published by the Anchorage Daily News, former legislators Lesil McGuire, Gene Therriault, Beth Kerttula, Charisse Millett and Harry Crawford argue that Alaska has no shortage of energy resources — but has often struggled to convert those resources into dependable, affordable electricity on a timeline that meets residents’ needs.
They contend that while federal incentives for wind and solar have been reduced, support remains available for hydropower, pumped storage and geothermal development — tools they say align well with Alaska’s geography and workforce strengths.
The authors point to recent action by Chugach Electric Association, which has filed early permit applications to study four hydropower projects. The utility is aiming to begin construction before a Dec. 31, 2033 deadline to qualify for remaining federal incentives.
They argue these projects could offset a meaningful portion of imported natural gas used for electricity generation.
Examples across Alaska demonstrate hydropower’s long-standing reliability, they write. Juneau relies almost entirely on hydroelectric generation, resulting in some of the lowest and most stable electric rates in the state. Cordova has significantly reduced diesel use through its hydro system, delivering dependable power in a remote and weather-exposed region.
The Bradley Lake hydroelectric project near Homer — a cornerstone of Railbelt power generation — has provided some of the region’s lowest-cost electricity for decades and has potential for expansion. The proposed Dixon Diversion would expand Bradley Lake’s capacity by 50%, adding dispatchable and affordable power to the grid.
Kodiak is cited as another example of long-term planning. By building its grid around hydropower and later incorporating wind and energy storage, the island community has displaced millions of gallons of diesel fuel while stabilizing energy costs for residents and businesses.
The authors emphasize that hydropower works particularly well in cold climates, islanded systems and coastal regions — conditions common across Alaska. Once constructed, hydro facilities can generate power for generations without fuel costs and with minimal operational risk.
Beyond hydropower, the opinion piece highlights Alaska’s significant geothermal opportunity. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and home to 97 known thermal springs, the state holds some of the strongest geothermal potential in the U.S.
Although geothermal electricity generation remains limited in Alaska, the authors note rapid technological advances, including enhanced geothermal systems capable of producing large amounts of heat from deep underground. They argue Alaska’s oil and gas workforce is well positioned to adapt drilling expertise toward geothermal development.
Few regions, they say, combine Alaska’s experience in drilling, cold-climate construction and complex energy infrastructure. They point to Iceland as a global model, where hydropower and geothermal energy underpin a modern economy fueled by stable, low-cost electricity.
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The authors stress that expanding hydropower and geothermal development does not depend on whether a long-discussed natural gas pipeline ultimately materializes.
Diversifying energy sources, they argue, strengthens grid resilience and reduces exposure to fuel price volatility. Firm, steady generation from hydro and geothermal facilities can also provide a stable backbone that makes it easier to integrate additional wind and solar resources over time.
They frame the issue as a continuation of Alaska’s long-standing tradition of resourcefulness and infrastructure building — encouraging policymakers to prioritize projects that can deliver durable, Alaska-made energy while federal support remains available.
The five authors, who collectively served 70 years in the Alaska Legislature, now act as bipartisan senior advisers to New Energy Alaska, a coalition focused on expanding clean energy development across the state.
Originally reported by Lesil McGuire, Gene Therriault, Beth Kerttula, Charisse Millett and Harry Crawford in ADN.
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