The bill amends AS 42.05.431 to allow electric cooperative utilities organized under AS 10.25 to include certain costs related to renewable energy and battery energy storage in their rates, provided these costs are approved by the utility's board of directors. Specifically, the bill stipulates that costs associated with new or purchased renewable energy facilities or battery energy storage systems with a nameplate capacity of less than 15,000 kilowatts, as well as power purchased from such facilities, can be included in the rates charged by the utility.

Additionally, the bill defines "renewable energy facility" to encompass facilities that generate electricity from various renewable sources, including geothermal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, hydrokinetic, tidal, or biomass energy. This legislative change aims to support the integration of renewable energy resources into the electric grid by providing a framework for cost recovery for electric cooperative utilities.

Statutes affected:
SB0032A, AM SB 32, introduced 01/10/2025: 42.05.431