Sitka's Energy Potential

A few high-level estimates were used to approximate future loads, including the new Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) hospital, electrified cruise ship docks and buses, and electric heating and vehicles throughout Sitka. Many of these assumptions have been improved in more recent studies.

This report did not assess all possible options for generating electricity in Sitka, such as additional hydropower, home solar, or floating solar. Further investigation of energy efficiency methods and policies could be next steps.

No, but as climate change makes annual rainfall harder to predict and Sitka continues to electrify, the now highly infrequent need to supplement with diesel may become more frequent if Sitka is unprepared. This is expensive and inefficient. Since energy planning takes a long time, this report shows what options Sitka has in the future. 

Learn more about Sitka's energy today

The ETIPP project included grid models and controls upgrades, which can be used to learn more about future scenarios.

Sitka is continuing this work with a focus on the community. With renewed support from ETIPP, the City and Borough of Sitka Planning and Community Development Department and the Sustainability Commission are creating Sitka’s Community Renewable Energy Strategy. This strategy will establish a shared vision of Sitka’s energy future to guide energy-related community decisions and shape a roadmap for community and policy actions that advance the shared energy vision.