However, advocates for PCE were successful in convincing legislators that PCE is important to assuring that rural residents have access to affordable electric service. Legislators responded by restructuring the program to protect its basic function while reducing its cost to the State of Alaska. Legislators came up with that funding this year, and identified some potential sources of long-term funding. Commercial customers statewide, including schools, are no longer eligible for the program. The program will assist on only 500 kWh per month.
Consumers also have to pay more of the base cost of electricity before receiving assistance.
During the last several years, consumers haven't received all of the assistance possible under the old formula, because the Legislature had not authorized full funding. Consumers statewide have been receiving about 85 percent of the assistance they were eligible for under the old formula. Those using more electricity will see a greater increase. Take a look at the kilowatt-hours used portion of your billing statements to see how much electricity you use. Some or all of these costs may have to be passed along to users of these facilities.