Lighting Up Our Grid: New Solar Project Win!
Dear Friend,
We have some positive news to uplift your feed! Major wins for renewable energy are lighting up Alaska’s clean energy future.
Chugach Electric Association, one of the four energy cooperatives on the Railbelt, just approved the 10-megawatt (MW) Beluga Solar Project! On Wednesday, the board unanimously voted to move the project forward, which, if constructed to its full capacity, will be the largest solar project in Alaska.
With the approval, board members emphasized the importance of continuing to diversify our energy sources and investing in renewables now to prepare for the looming decline of Cook Inlet gas. We appreciate the board’s forward-thinking leadership and understanding that investing today will save members money in the long run. By approving and beginning this project quickly, Chugach has the opportunity to capture Investment Tax Credits before they are phased out, potentially reducing the cost of the project by 40%, saving ratepayers money.
And it doesn’t stop there. Chugach is also working to expand community solar with an additional project. The launch of community solar was very well received in the area, with far more ratepayers interested in participating than the first round could accommodate. The first project, a 500-kilowatt installation spanning four acres, is already fully subscribed. This program helps make renewable energy accessible to more members of our community, including renters, and we look forward to seeing the rollout of the second community solar project.
We hope to see continued development of both utility-scale and independent renewable projects as statewide community energy regulations are finalized. The final opportunity to comment on the proposed regulations for independent community projects is October 30. We encourage you to make your voice heard in support of raising the allowable project cap above five MW to enable more robust community energy opportunities across Alaska. Click here to submit comments in support of community energy projects under “R-24-004” or email them to [email protected].
While challenges remain across Alaska’s broader energy landscape, it’s encouraging to see meaningful progress happening at Chugach, and momentum building for clean energy projects across the state. Every step forward proves that local action and advocacy make a difference.
Chugach ratepayers can get involved by submitting comments, attending meetings, or helping us mobilize other advocates to join the movement, your engagement makes a real impact. The next Chugach board meeting is on November 19 at 4 p.m. at the Chugach building. You can join online, or attend with our team in person!
If you aren’t in the Anchorage area, you can still get involved; each electric cooperative on the Railbelt has board meetings you can make your voice heard at by attending or submitting comments. And If you’re seeking support in your advocacy journey, contact me at [email protected] or fill out our volunteer interest form. We’d love to help you take action in ways that give you hope for the future!
For a clean energy future,
Zoe Cramer
