Renewable energy working group

We galvanized public support for our local energy utility co-op - Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) - to pass a Strategic Generation Plan, which they eventually did in the summer of 2022, committing to shut down the biggest coal plant in the state and replace it with alternative energy sources, including large-scale wind projects and upgrades to energy storage systems. Although their timescale has since been lengthened, the board still remains committed to transitioning as quickly as possible.

In the 2024 GVEA election cycle, we supported GVEA get out the vote efforts with FCAC’s first door to door canvassing campaign and saw the election of two pro-renewable board members.

In the 2024 legislative session, FCAC’s volunteer legislative rapid response team helped to demonstrate public support for the Community Solar bill and the Green Bank bill, both of which ultimately passed.

In coordination with other local groups, we helped to establish the Solarize BRITE program which increases access to affordable energy upgrades for low-income housing & nonprofits.

We started FBX CRF, The Fairbanks Carbon Reduction Fund, directing over $26,000 in individual donations to help provide low and moderate income households with energy efficient upgrades through Interior Weatherization.

Largely spurred by pressure from FCAC members and other community members, in 2024 the GVEA board published a letter supporting the general concept of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, despite expressing concerns with some of the specifics in that session’s particular RPS legislation.

After much public pressure from FCAC members and other community members, GVEA has acquired 2 major funding sources, which will add significant capacity to accelerate energy transition.