House Slashes Energy Check To $650 As Rural Alaskans Struggle

 House Cuts Senate's $1,300 Energy Proposal In Half, Bringing Final Package To $3,200 

Alaskans, especially rural Alaskans, have been dealing with extraordinarily high costs of energy this year. Paradoxically, the state has been selling North Slope oil at 62% more than last year. 

Last week the Senate proposed a $1,300 energy package, to help Alaskans pay for fuel. In the Copper Valley, electricity costs are so high – reaching $500 a month for a single family – that CVEA is investigating switching to nuclear power. Gas and oil prices are over $5 per gallon. 

On Wednesday night, May 18th, just before midnight, the Alaska House couldn't muster enough votes to match the Senate's generous proposal of a $1,300 energy package. It ended up being cut in half, to $650. 

Still, the energy package plus the PFD of $2,550 will give every eligible Alaskan $3,200 each. 

The Senate had earlier proposed a total package of $5,500. As recently as several days ago, there was talk of a $3,850 package.