"Duff Mitchell"

Participants at a town hall forum discussed Southeast Alaska infrastructure projects — like energy projects and ferry funding — that could become possible with new funding.

The deal between Hydro One and the City and Borough of Juneau over the purchase of Juneau’s utility has been mostly accepted by state regulators. Full approval is still more than a month away.

Duff Mitchell has a big vision for a small rectangular plot in downtown Juneau. He envisions it as the future site for a district heating facility. 

The voluntary targets encourage Juneau to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses and fuel transportation using 80 percent renewable energy by 2045. Juneau currently relies on fossil fuels for about 77 percent of its energy needs.

Electric vehicles may soon be required to have a pay-and-display permit use city-owned charging stations. Electric vehicles are popular in the capital city with about 200 on the road and two being added each week.

It was revealed at a Juneau Assembly meeting that local investors want to bring AEL&P back under local control. The Juneau utility’s parent company is itself being acquired by the Canadian energy firm Hydro One.

Juneau Hydropower Inc. was recently awarded a federal license for Sweetheart Lake Dam. It could power a gold mine and supply heat to the downtown core of the capital city with an innovative system.

Juneau Hydropower’s environmental impact statement was approved by a federal regulatory agency. The company is waiting for a license to build and operate a new hydroelectric plant.

Recently, the Alaska House passed a bill that could make it easier for one hydro project to get off the ground. If the Juneau Hydropower Inc. gets built, the company wants to bring sustainable heat to some residents from an abundant source.

Local businesses and nonprofits raised $50,000 to install a network of electric vehicle charging stations on the Juneau road system