Kreiss-Tomkins and Bronson Debate Alaska's Rural Energy Strategy

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Dave Bronson outlined competing visions for rural Alaska energy at the final session of the Alaska Rural Energy Conference in Fairbanks on Thursday. The two candidates for governor addressed questions on diesel costs, nuclear power, and state spending during a panel that marked the close of the three-day event. Treg Taylor and Bernadette Wilson, the other two candidates in the race, were not present to answer the questions.

The candidates agreed on the need to protect the Power Cost Equalization program, a state initiative that lowers electricity bills for rural households. Kreiss-Tomkins stated he would veto any legislative attempt to draw down the program's endowment. Bronson supported the program but argued the state should forward fund it and secure federal money. He cautioned that the program should not serve as a reason to delay building new generation capacity or fuel storage.

Bronson identified diesel as the primary issue for rural communities. He cited nearly $300 million in deferred maintenance for older diesel generators and approximately $1 billion for fuel storage. To reduce costs, he proposed a 400-mile ice road on the Yukon River to allow truck delivery of fuel during winter months. He described this method as safer and cheaper than barging fuel from the lower 48 states. Kreiss-Tomkins focused on a statewide energy bond to help communities transition away from diesel.

The candidates also discussed infrastructure priorities. Kreiss-Tomkins advocated for technical institutions to assess needs based on merit and analysis rather than political influence. He noted that the Renewable Energy Fund and the Alaska Energy Authority have handled prioritization reasonably well. Bronson argued for immediate action on villages facing imminent equipment failure. He remarked that some generating facilities are older than the workers who operate them and that many fuel tanks are leaking.

On energy sources, Kreiss-Tomkins described an approach that includes natural gas, coal, and renewables. He said diesel is not a long-term solution for villages. Bronson stated he does not believe carbon dioxide is a major driver of climate change and that this belief should not dictate energy policy. Kreiss-Tomkins called their difference on climate change drivers respectful.

The panel turned to small modular reactors. Kreiss-Tomkins said he supports nuclear power but believes the technology is not yet proven for rural use. He pointed to delays in the Eielson Air Force Base pilot project authorized by Congress. Bronson countered that most large U.S. Navy capital ships run on small modular reactors. He asserted that nuclear power is the future of electrical generation in rural Alaska.

A moderator noted the state spent over $500 million on household weatherization after the 2008 oil price spike, which resulted in a near 25 percent drop in household costs. Both candidates said they would prioritize weatherization now. Kreiss-Tomkins called the measure a real slam dunk, while Bronson identified it as the most immediate way to save energy costs.

In response to a closing question about their most ambitious idea, Kreiss-Tomkins rejected the notion of a single silver bullet. He described a strategy involving many changes, including investment in renewables, protecting the Power Cost Equalization program, and embracing new technologies like plug-in solar. Bronson said his approach is to continue current efforts but execute them better. He proposed placing new generators where the oldest units are located and expanding fuel storage areas. He cited his experience managing the $2 billion Port of Alaska project during his tenure as Anchorage mayor as preparation for such capital work.

Kreiss-Tomkins said he has not settled on a final answer for equalizing heating fuel costs in communities where prices reach $15 or $20 a gallon. Bronson said he would consider his first years in office a success if villages with failing generators receive new equipment and larger storage facilities.