As Alaska’s Seasons Change, Energy Workers Move to the Forefront

September 8, 2021

Alaskans recognize that the seasons are changing.  A stunning summer is transitioning to what could be a brilliant fall.  Schools are back in session, the State Fair is over, Pumpkin Spice lattes are being served at Starbucks, and the leaves are turning – and soon falling – from our deciduous forests.

Families across the state know this transition means three things regarding energy: First, whether provided by natural gas, tidal, coal, heating oil or wood, our homes will soon need the heat turned on to assist in staying warm.

Second, with daylight waning by a few minutes each day, electricity use increases, as lighting, cooking, family time and various forms of entertainment all move from front yards and parkland, indoors for the foreseeable future.  The electric grid for most of Alaska is driven by the same key sources (gas, coal, hydro) as our heating.

Last, but certainly not least, our energy community – the men and women who choose to work to provide our state with the above items – become even that much more important to our daily lives.  As we’ve seen over the years, workers in both natural resource development and energy creation are nearly forgotten by many people, until something happens to bring their jobs to the forefront (earthquake, windstorm, cold snap).

Power The Future believes energy workers should be championed daily, and not just when a crisis happens.  We’ll continue to advance their interests in the public sphere, continue to fight for their futures and continue to say “thank you” to each of them for their efforts to keep Alaska – and America – powered on.