HomeMy WebLinkAboutAffordable Energy Strategy Planning 04-2017-AApril 2017
Energy Planning
FOR MORE INFO
CONTACT:
Neil McMahon
Energy Planning
Program Manager
NMCMAHON@AIDEA.ORG
(907) 771‐3981
AKENERGYAUTHORITY.ORG
Current Status
AEA has finished work on the Alaska Affordable Energy Strategy (AkAES), a legislatively
mandated project. The primary report was delivered to the legislature on December 30,
2016 with several hundred pages of additional material on research, methodology and
findings published in February 2017. This two‐year study effort drew on decades of state
research and experience with consideration of the current economic conditions in Alaska.
Recently completed regional energy plans provided a strong foundation for the AkAES,
which built off the regionally‐led, community‐vetted prioritization initiative to construct a
data and research‐driven strategy for improving energy project decision making in rural
communities.
Program Background: AkAES
The Alaska Affordable Energy Strategy (AkAES) was a requirement of the 2014 Alaska LNG
project legislation that directed AEA to prepare a plan to develop infrastructure that will
deliver affordable energy to areas in the state that will not have direct access to a North
Slope natural gas pipeline. AEA was tasked with identifying the most cost effective means of
generating, delivering, receiving, and storing energy for the targeted communities.
AEA investigated potential pathways, both infrastructure and non‐infrastructure solutions,
to long‐term energy affordability. A key component of the AkAES was compiling, storing,
and analyzing the necessary data, and ensuring that it is available and meaningful for
stakeholders: The data and analysis is available through the Alaska Affordable Energy Model
(http://www.akenergyinventory.org/energymodel). University partners, federal and state
agencies, and private contractors performed research that provide valuable insight into
future project and program development.
Program Background: Regional Energy Plans
Alaska Energy Authority contracted with Alaska Regional Development Organizations
(ARDORs) and other regional entities to provide regional energy planning to identify energy
priorities and a regionally‐driven blueprint for sustainability.
The regional energy plans are a way for Alaskans to formulate a concrete implementable,
and fundable energy plan. The plans address electric, heating, and transportation energy
needs. Each region crafted a specific and actionable plan to ensure an affordable, reliable,
efficient and sustainable energy future. All of the regional plans are available from AEA’s
website (http://www.akenergyauthority.org/Policy/RegionalPlanning).
AEA continues to provide technical assistance to regional energy planners, community
energy champions and local energy working groups that were established as a part of the
planning effort. Many regions are moving forward with some of the projects and programs
identified in the planning process. Implementation of the plans is long‐term ongoing work
which AEA will continue to support by providing technical, financial and evaluation
assistance.