The Alaska Energy Authority announced that it is seeking applications for Renewable Energy Fund grants to help Alaskans reduce the cost of energy through the development of renewable energy projects. The AEA will evaluate the applications received and will consult with the REF Advisory Committee before submitting final recommendations to the Legislature. AEA then will submit a report summarizing each application and make recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2023 funding. All funding decisions will be made by the Governor and the Legislature.
AEA Executive Director Curtis Thayer told KSRM:
“The State Legislature and Governor Parnell back in 2009 created what we call the Alaska Renewable Energy Fund. What that allows for is to have grant funding through development of qualifying and competitively selected renewable energy projects. To date, we’ve done 244 grants, which is about $275 million. Of that we have 95 operating projects. We have collectively saved well over 30 million gallons of diesel fuel.”
Thayer explains who can apply:
“We have an open period and we just opened it up and it closes on January 18th. What we’re looking for is people to apply for these grants. It’s for electric utilities holding a certificate of public convenience or an independent power producer. That could be a solar, wind, a local government, or government entities such as a tribal council, or housing authority. It’s pretty broad in that sense. If people have projects that are in the feasibility study stage or even construction, there’s various areas that we can fund and depending on where the project is, it’s $1 million to $2 million is what these grants would be, but they are competitive.”
To learn more about the Renewable Energy Fund and to apply for a Round 14 grant, visit Renewable Energy Fund, then click on the 2021 REF Application. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Applicants who need assistance are encouraged to contact AEA Grants Coordinator by email at [email protected] or by phone at (907) 771 – 3081.
