2010 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Legislators hear plans for alternative energy

With some legislators fuming over the pace of in-state gas development and broadly supporting energy diversification, a special House committee summoned the promoters of six large Railbelt projects last week to explain whether they should be subsidized with public funds.

Enstar can't recoup error money

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska has denied a request by Enstar Natural Gas to recoup a $5.7 million billing error.

Chakachamna hydro project asks state for $5 million

The profile of Chakachamna Lake hydropower, a project proposed for the west side of Cook Inlet, has risen a lot in the last two months.

Alaska students sign on to wind energy program

The U.S. Department of Energy is adding Alaska to its Winds for Schools program.

Alaska coal exports up in 2009

Alaska's coal exports have increased after a two-year slump and the state's sole producer is optimistic they will remain strong despite international efforts to regulate fossil fuel use.

Savings seen in consolidated electric utilities

A draft plan on statewide electrical generation in Alaska suggests savings by consolidating six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and the Southcentral region.

UAF grant will help geothermal exploration

A $4.6 million grant will help University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers study geothermal exploration techniques.

Report favors smaller of 2 hydro projects

The much touted, multi-billion-dollar Susitna River dam makes less sense for Alaska than a smaller hydro project at Chakachamna Lake across Cook Inlet from Anchorage, a new state-funded study found.

Wind turbines beginning to energize Alaska

Two spinning turbines dot the sky above Palmer, putting the quaint colony-era town on the forefront of a grass-roots make-your-own energy movement sweeping Alaska.

Fire Island wind farm still on despite loss of partner

Cook Inlet Region Inc. recently lost its key partner in the Fire Island wind project, but the company plans to spend millions to get the wind farm built and generating electricity in Anchorage by the end of 2011.

Alaska Newsreader: Kenai City Council OKs residential wind turbines