AFN urges Alaska to investigate RCA's rural power price management following Antioch rate hike

The Alaska State Legislature's House Resources Committee convened on March 19, 2025, to address pressing issues related to energy regulation and pricing in rural Alaska. The meeting focused on the operations of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) and the implications of recent power price escalations, particularly in Antioch.

The session began with a discussion on a recent public meeting where legislators sought input from the RCA regarding its operations. It was noted that a response to these inquiries would be prepared for future presentation to the legislature.

Representative Fields introduced a resolution passed by the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) in 2023, which called for an investigation into RCA's handling of power prices in rural areas. This resolution highlighted concerns over a significant fourfold increase in electric prices in Antioch, which had caught the community off guard. Fields emphasized the importance of the governor considering this resolution when appointing new RCA commissioners.

In response, RCA Chair DeVries acknowledged the situation in Antioch, explaining that the abrupt price increase was likely due to a fuel cost change that was inadequately communicated to the community. He assured the committee that the RCA has since implemented measures to improve notification processes for any future rate changes, ensuring that communities are adequately informed and that requests for rate increases are thoroughly reviewed for reasonableness and legality.

The discussion underscored the need for effective communication and regulatory oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The committee expressed appreciation for DeVries' insights and the steps taken by the RCA to enhance transparency and community engagement regarding energy pricing.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the RCA and the legislature to address the challenges faced by rural Alaskan communities in energy regulation. Further actions and follow-ups on the AFN resolution are anticipated as the legislature continues to navigate these critical issues.