Many Southeast Alaska homeowners are converting to electric heat pumps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve air quality. But in some of Southeast’s smallest communities, the high cost of electricity makes operating them unaffordable.
Erin McKinstry, Alaska's Energy Desk - Sitka
Sitka fish and game committee speaks out about climate change
The group signed off on a letter to other advisory committees around Alaska urging them to take action on climate change.
Residents free entangled humpback whale near Southeast Alaska community
A 40-foot humpback whale was caught in tanner crab pot gear that, resident Gordon Chew said, came from Kodiak around 630 miles away.
New Gunnuk Creek hydro plant reduces Kake’s reliance on diesel
The hydro project’s proponents hope it will lower the cost of energy and bring the community one step closer to energy independence.
Warming rivers are melting Arctic sea ice, new study shows
A team of international researchers found that heat from rivers melted as much as 10% of Arctic sea ice between 1980 and 2015.
Tongass Roadless Rule exemption leaves subsistence users feeling left behind
Southeast Alaskans who rely on the Tongass National Forest for food say the Trump administration’s decision to lift the Roadless Rule threatens their way of life.
In a quest for cheaper energy, Kake turns to biomass heating
If Kake’s system becomes a reality, it could heat the school, senior center and other public buildings while saving the community nearly $100,000 a year.
In a down market, Alaska fishermen avert disaster by feeding families in need
A seafood donation program started by a Sitka organization is helping bring some stability to fishermen and consumers during an uncertain time.