HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergy Planning Data Management Fact Sheet 04-01-2019-AENERGY PLANNING, DATA MANAGEMENT
Planning
creates a
pathway for
strategic,
community‐
focused and
data‐driven
decisions that
stretch public
dollars and
protect
investments
in energy
infrastructure
CURRENT STATUS
AEA continues to incorporate lessons learned from the completed Alaska Affordable Energy
Strategy into AEA’s day‐to‐day operations to improve the Authority’s efficiency and
effectiveness in serving Alaska’s communities.
Four recent examples of how AEA’s planning program is working with other AEA programs
to implement best practices are: 1) the creation of new metrics for project evaluation and
selection for the Rural Power System Upgrade (RPSU) program; 2) the creation of a pilot
project and guidebook to provide business management assistance to PCE‐eligible utilities
through a USDA Rural Business Development Grant; 3) the creation of community energy
dashboards and delivery of assistance for community energy planning assistance through
the Denali Commission START program, and 4) strengthening AEA’s data collection and
analysis processes.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND: REGIONAL PLANS & AKAES
The Alaska Affordable Energy Strategy (AkAES) was a comprehensive research and analysis
project that produced a suite of recommended policy, regulatory and funding changes that
collectively could improve energy affordability in non‐Railbelt communities. This project
was initiated by 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 delivered the final report to the legislature in December
2016.
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 data, and ensuring that it continues to be meaningful for available to
stakeholders (see http://www.akenergyinventory.org/energymodel). University partners,
federal and state agencies, and private contractors performed research that generated
valuable insight into practical project and program development best practices that AEA is
currently implementing.
Previous to the AkAES, the Alaska Energy Authority contracted with Alaska Regional
Development Organizations (ARDORs) and other regional entities to provide regional
energy planning to identify energy priorities and sustainability solutions. 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. Implementation of the plans is ongoing and long‐term work which AEA will
continue to support by providing technical, financial and evaluation assistance.
ONGOING PARTNERSHIPS
Through a pilot project, partially funded by the USDA, to develop curriculum for a utility
business management program, AEA is collaborating with the RCA, DCRA, Denali
Commission, REAP, Department of Energy, APA, and other stakeholders.
APRIL 2019
QUICK FACTS
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CONTACT:
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REDUCING THE COST
OF ENERGY IN ALASKA