– Senate Bill 152, “Saving Alaskans Money with Voluntary Community Energy,” has passed the Alaska State Legislature and awaits Governor Dunleavy’s signature.
– The bipartisan bill allows Alaskans to subscribe to community-owned solar arrays, benefiting those in rental housing and below the Federal poverty level.
– The bill aims to provide 10 to 20% savings on monthly electric bills and expand access to solar energy to all Alaskans.
Senate Bill 152, “Saving Alaskans Money with Voluntary Community Energy,” has passed the Alaska State Legislature and is awaiting Governor Dunleavy’s signature to become law. This bill will allow Alaskans to subscribe to community-owned solar arrays not located on their own property, providing access to clean energy for over 260,000 Alaskans living in rental housing and 79,000 who are below the Federal poverty level. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by several Senators and Representatives.
The legislation comes after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $62.5 million to organizations in Alaska to expand solar projects across the state, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. Community solar allows multiple customers to share credit for power produced, providing equal access to solar energy benefits regardless of property ownership. If signed, subscribers can expect savings on their electric bills.
Community solar is seen as a way for Alaskans to participate in the clean energy economy while saving money, and it offers an opportunity to diversify energy sources and make the electric grid more resilient. The Alaska Center supports the reform, noting that it will allow all Alaskans on the Railbelt to access low-cost renewable power and create a more equitable energy environment. The trend of states enacting policies to support community solar is growing, with predictions of significant growth in generation capacity over the next decade.