HB369
Alaska Energy Policy: Solar Rules, Clean Power Goals, and Utility Costs
In one sentence
This bill sets state goals for energy efficiency and clean power by 2036 while changing rules for portable solar devices, utility costs, and large energy projects.
What it does
- Sets a legislative goal to increase per capita energy efficiency by 15 percent between 2026 and 2036.
- Sets a legislative goal for the state to receive 40 percent of its electric generation from diversified energy sources by the end of 2036.
- Exempts portable solar devices under 1,200 watts that meet safety standards from utility approval and fees.
- Allows electric utilities to sell excess renewable power at a lower economic development rate if regulations are adopted.
- Permits certain costs for new renewable energy or battery storage projects up to 15,000 kilowatts in cooperative utility rates.
- Requires large energy facilities to meet the diversified portfolio standard before getting approval.
Who it affects
- Residents who use portable solar generation devices
- Electric utilities and cooperatives operating in Alaska
- Companies planning to build new large energy facilities or transmission lines
- The Department of Environmental Conservation
Limits and unknowns
- The bill states legislative intent but does not specify how much money will be spent to reach these goals.
- Specific regulations for economic development rates must still be created by the commission before they take effect.
- The effective date of this law is listed as blank in the provided text.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Portable solar generation device
- A moveable solar power unit designed to connect to a standard wall outlet and offset part of an electric bill.
- Diversified portfolio standard
- A rule requiring the state to get 40 percent of its electricity from diversified energy sources by 2036.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
ENERGY, ELECTRIC UTILITIES An Act relating to energy; relating to regulation of residential solar energy generation and portable solar generation devices; relating to generation of electricity from diversified energy resources; relating to a diversified portfolio standard; relating to costs incurred by certain electric utilities for renewable energy and battery energy storage; relating to preapproval for large energy facilities; relating to the renewable energy grant fund; relating to the duties of the Department of Environmental Conservation; relating to the state energy policy; and providing for an effective date.
Official activity
Bill history
- (H) Heard & HeldText
- (H) ENERGY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
- (H) Heard & HeldText
- (H) ENERGY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
- (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>Text
- (H) ENERGY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
- (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --Text
- (H) ENERGY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
- (H) Heard & HeldText
- (H) ENERGY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
- (H) Heard & Held -- Please Note Time Change --Text
- (H) ENERGY at 01:30 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
- (H) REFERRED TO ENERGY1694
- (H) ENE, FIN1694
- (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1694