A city in the state of Alaska is grappling with an imminent natural gas shortage in Anchorage, a challenge decades in the making, as the city leader warned. Deputy municipal manager Mark Spafford described it as a “train that has been barreling toward the region,” needing urgent action.
Experts predict a significant gas shortfall as early as 2027, threatening residents’ ability to heat homes and power businesses. Anchorage Assembly members recently convened to hear proposals addressing the crisis, focusing on the urgent need for immediate solutions.
Policy advisor Nolan Klouda noted that utilities Enstar Natural Gas and Chugach Electric must drive efforts to mitigate the shortage. Enstar recently secured a contract with a smaller producer, offering partial relief, yet officials agree that larger-scale action is essential.
City officials, including Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s team, stressed the importance of energy conservation while advocating for state-level infrastructure upgrades. Proposed projects include expanding natural gas production and investing in renewable energy initiatives, but no firm commitments have materialized.
The city has already implemented energy-saving measures, such as audits of municipal buildings and switching to more efficient lighting systems. Spafford highlighted the city’s progress, including the waste-to-energy methane project at the Anchorage landfill, which supplies electricity to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Hydropower from the Eklutna River also offers potential increased power generation doubling capacity to help gas reliance. Spafford stated the continued need for innovation and conservation to alleviate the mounting energy crisis.
Assembly vice-chair Meg Zaletel stressed that Anchorage’s energy issues are intertwined with housing affordability and reversing population decline. Keeping homes heated and energy efficient is crucial for housing strategies, according to Zaletel, pointing to ongoing municipal initiatives like switching city vehicle tires to all-weather options.
As the natural gas shortage in Anchorage approaches, city leaders agree immediate actions and long-term strategies are vital to safeguard residents and resources.
This news article was originally published by Alaska Public Media.
