Southwest Alaska Energy Task Force
The SWAMC Energy Task Force is an active body made up of utility and co-op managers, community leaders, and active citizens whose primary goal is to work towards lowering the cost of energy in Southwest Alaska. In the past, the Task Force has promoted the development of renewable energy through workshops and conferences, it has advocated for/against issues that directly affect those in the southwest region, it informs relevant groups of available grants and other funding opportunities that will assist in upgrades and renewable energy development, and it works to keep updated information on energy costs and projects within the region.
AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer Katie Abbott serves as the project coordinator.
Recent Issues (Updated 02-10-09):
- 3rd Annual SWAMC Renewable Energy Workshop: On February 3, 2010, SWAMC held a one-day energy workshop focusing on energy efficiency, conservation, and education, as well as updates on renewable energy projects in the region. PDF presentations from this workshop can be found below:
- Energy Resolutions: The SWAMC membership passed two energy related resolutions at its 2010 Annual Conference:
Documents of Interest:
- The SWAMC Comprehensive Energy Policy (6-11-08)
- Energy Related Resolutions passed at the 2007 SWAMC Membership Conference
- PowerPoint Presentation for SWAMC Board of Directors (06/2006)
- SWAMC Power Producers Research Survey (08/2006)- responses from 29 power producers in the SWAMC region, helping to shape the energy future of Southwest Alaska.
Energy Task Force Committee 2010
The Energy Task Force is a by-product of the Southwest Alaska Rural Energy Project (SAREP), which addresses the economic development needs of communities in Southwest Alaska by focusing on efforts to reduce energy costs in the region.
The goals of SAREP are to:
- Maintain and distribute a survey of energy costs in the region.
- Represent the energy issues of Southwest Alaska to all relevant bodies.
- Develop an end-use energy efficiency strategy for the region and seek funding sources for implementation.
- Support and facilitate research and development of alternative energy in the region.
- Develop a comprehensive energy development policy that reduces regional dependence on diesel fuel and lowers energy costs.