Transition The Interior to Renewable Energy
FCAC works to see Fairbanks and surrounding communities transition to a majority carbon-neutral energy production system. We strive for costs to be equitably shared by residents and for community ownership of energy systems to be prioritized.
We are moving Fairbanks towards a just transition to renewable energy through community organizing, outreach, and engagement with our local utility cooperative.
Deploying affordable, clean, renewable energy is not a luxury – it's a necessity for the economic prosperity and human welfare of all Fairbanksans. To overcome high energy costs throughout our region, an air quality crisis where we are national leaders in overall and short-term concentrations of fine particulates, and sustainable business model challenges, FCAC activates volunteers to pressure the Golden Valley Electric Association to become a statewide leader in renewable energy generation, transmission, and storage.
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FCAC hopes to move Fairbanks, Interior Alaska, and all of Alaska toward clean, affordable, and resilient energy to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis and our air quality crisis by achieving net-zero carbon emissions as soon as practicable. We aim to support our local electric cooperative, GVEA, in becoming a powerhouse that builds a clean energy economy for all and a statewide leader in renewable energy generation, transmission, and storage.
We also know that we cannot wait for GVEA and must take action as a community to increase efficiency and build resilient systems of clean, community-controlled renewable energy. We must also take the lead in building energy democracy within our community.
Over the past decade, the world has undergone a renewable energy revolution. Costs for solar photovoltaics, wind energy, and battery storage have plummeted by as much as 80%. There is no doubt today that a transition to a renewable energy economy is economically superior, ecologically essential, and socially beneficial. But without robust and proactive efforts, there is no assurance this energy transformation will be just, democratic, or equitable.
We take a long-term perspective on transforming the energy economy of Interior Alaska. We know that change will not come quickly or easily. We must organize the residents of Interior Alaska to make long-term change beyond regular election cycles and the boom-bust cycles of our extractive economy. We also know that energy democracy is essential for empowering people and allowing our community to weather the coming social and environmental stresses.
Transitioning The Interior to Renewable Energy means:
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With a sustained, long-term effort, FCAC can move the needle on public opinion surrounding energy issues by showing GVEA, our local electric utility cooperative, member-owners how to engage with their cooperative. Our organization educates members on how they can engage with decision makers. We also alert members when important decisions are being made and how they can make their voices heard.
We’ve had a track record of success with GVEA recently voting to develop a new wind project, looking into additional renewable options and increasing transparency. Advocacy within GVEA is a key way that our community can move toward our clean energy future!
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FCAC educates and mobilizes members around renewable energy policies. These have included a statewide Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), community solar and funding for the statewide Renewable Energy Fund, among other things. We have built and maintain relationships with Alaskan legislators who champion innovative solutions at the state level.
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FCAC provides information for Fairbanksans about opportunities to support energy efficiency and renewable generation, reduce energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve our air quality. We create more awareness in the community of the value of renewables and their viability for the interior and amplify the voices and stories of successful people & projects.
We host educational events, such as a local Energy Efficiency Fair and panel discussions on renewable energy options in the Interior, run social media campaigns and find other creative ways to share the viability of renewables with our community.
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Climate activists and community members in Juneau created an innovative program which directs carbon offset funds towards clean energy investment in underserved households. “Juneau Carbon Offset” uses donations from visitors and local residents to invest in carbon reductions. They purchase air-source heat pumps for local low-income residents. These heat pumps displace oil-burning furnaces to provide low-carbon heating. Juneau’s electricity comes primarily from hydroelectricity, so each air-source heat pump displaces an average of 17,000 pounds of carbon per year.
FCAC created a similar program for the Interior. In partnership with a local organization, Interior Weatherization, Inc, funds go to carbon-reducing projects that promote a just transition. Since the program started, we have raised over $30,000 and are working with Interior Weatherization to increase community outreach about their services.
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FCAC is working to develop a program to educate about and distribute plug-in or balcony solar to the residents in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. In a time when energy prices are skyrocketing and local utilities are warning of rolling blackouts, having access to small-scale solar is an equity and safety issue. Plug-in solar systems lower barriers to reliable, affordable and clean energy because they are small, affordable, and easy to install and move. FCAC will build equity guidelines into the program, collaborate with local organizations and faith communities and carry out educational programming about solar energy. The program will keep metrics on cost and energy savings to demonstrate that plug-in solar is a viable option for our community and can be scaled-up to reach more people.
Fund the Fight:
Any amount helps. By donating, you enable us to:
Train community members as renewable energy advocates
Host educational events to spread awareness about local energy issues
Organize direct actions
Fund artists to spread the message
Get community-owned renewable energy into more hands
And so much more!
