What Rural Alaska Can Teach the World about Renewable Energy

March 6, 2017

Residents of many remote Alaskan villages pay some of the highest electricity rates in the United States, as much as $1 per kilowatt-hour in some communities (the national average is 12 cents per kilowatt-hour). The high prices are a result of hauling fossil fuels (primarily diesel) by plane or barge to these remote areas. Author David W. Shaw visits a wind project in Unalakleet and explores how "small, remote, economically challenged communities have successfully integrated renewable energy into their existing, diesel-based power grids with more success than just about anywhere else in the world" and the lessons that can be learned from their experiences. Learn more about renewables and remote and islanded grids from the Islanded Grid Resource Center, which receives funding support from the Energy Department.