Rep. Bryce Edgmon at this point doesn't expect a groundswell of support for his proposal, HB294. But he does see the bill as a way to have a broader discussion on rural energy costs and the Power Cost Equalization program, or PCE.
Edgmon says energy costs are a major concern for his constituents. He says he hasn't seen any other proposal that would provide immediate relief for rural Alaskans paying high energy costs.
The Alaska Energy Authority says the kilowatt-hour charge for electricity can be three to five times higher in rural Alaska than in more urban areas. PCE helps rural electric utility customers by paying a portion of their electricity costs.
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