Juneau Power Crisis Brings Stark Savings Measures

One month after an avalanche knocked out its connection to a hydroelectric dam, much of Juneau, Alaska, is still relying on diesel back-up generators. Residential electricity rates have gone up about 400 percent.

As a result, residents and the city have embarked on an extraordinary conservation campaign. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are common; restaurants routinely dim the lights.

Host Renee Montagne talks to Kate Golden, a reporter at The Juneau Empire

Listen to it all from NPR.

Posted in * Economics, Politics, Energy, Natural Resources

2 comments on “Juneau Power Crisis Brings Stark Savings Measures

  1. Chris says:

    Juneau (accesible only by boat and plane) should really not exist in its current form – it is due primarily to the asinine decision to put the State Capitol there that it has grown to where it is. And has energy needs that can’t be conventionally met.

  2. Cennydd says:

    I thought that they were planning to move the capital to Anchorage. It’s insane to keep it in Juneau!