Energy

SB 92 establishes a 9.4% income tax on oil and gas producers and transporters in Alaska with annual "qualified taxable income" exceeding $5 million. The tax applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and certain pass-through entities filing under IRS Section 1361-1379, calculated on income from oil/gas production or pipeline transportation (minus dividends, gifts, and owner compensation). Revenue from this tax will fund energy and electrical grid projects through a dedicated state fund. The bill defines "qualified taxable income" as gross oil/gas revenue before deducting specific payments to owners or partners.

SB 32 allows certain electric cooperatives in Alaska to include costs for small-scale renewable energy projects (under 15,000 kilowatts) and battery storage systems in their utility rates, provided the projects are approved by the utility's board. It specifically covers facilities using geothermal, wind, solar, hydro, tidal, biomass, or other renewable energy sources. The bill directly affects electric cooperatives organized under Alaska law that participate in utility reliability organizations. This change enables these utilities to recover eligible costs through customer rates rather than bearing them entirely themselves.

HB 153 requires utilities to include renewable energy options in their integrated resource plans, ensuring these plans evaluate cost-effective ways to meet customer needs while advancing renewable energy goals. It prohibits new "large energy facilities" (like major power plants or transmission lines) if they would hinder a utility’s ability to meet Alaska’s renewable portfolio standard. The bill also exempts renewable energy projects from preapproval requirements, streamlining their development. This directly affects utilities and developers by mandating renewable consideration in planning and reducing barriers for clean energy projects. The law aims to accelerate renewable electricity generation without altering existing renewable energy definitions or standards.