Alaska News

Senate panel advances energy vouchers

JUNEAU -- The Senate Finance Committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would give every adult recipient of an Alaska Permanent Fund dividend this fall a voucher to help address high energy costs.

After changes made Wednesday, the bill would provide vouchers for 250 gallons of heating oil, 35,000 cubic feet of natural gas, 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity or 31 million BTUs of hot water or steam district heat. Adults or emancipated minors who would have been eligible for a dividend but didn't apply could separately apply for a voucher.

Vouchers aren't to count against benefits Alaskans would otherwise receive for certain public assistance or veterans' benefit programs.

The voucher program is intended to be a short-term fix, coming after an especially harsh and cold winter across much of the state, and provide the equivalent of up to two months of energy, based on estimates of average statewide residential consumption. The bill also seeks a longer-term fix and calls on the governor to evaluate other alternatives to provide energy assistance.

Gov. Sean Parnell has said he doesn't understand why Alaskans who aren't suffering from high costs should receive the same benefit as those who are. He said he is focused on longer-term solutions, and says he has spoken with legislators about regional solutions. The estimated cost of the vouchers is $328.3 million to $465 million.

Associated Press

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