Remote Alaskan Microgrids

In this episode, I speak with Aimie Servant, a licensed professional engineer at the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC), about what it really takes to keep the lights on in some of the most remote communities in North America. While much of Alaska relies on the Railbelt grid, AVEC operates independent microgrids serving rural villages—small “electrical islands” powered close to the people they serve. We explore how these systems depend largely on diesel generation, sometimes supported by wind power and battery energy storage, and why fuel logistics drive electricity costs to around 40¢ per kilowatt-hour. With fuel and equipment delivered by barge during short seasonal windows, reliability requires careful planning, large storage capacity, and a layered maintenance model involving local operators, traveling technicians, and engineers. The conversation also looks forward, discussing the role of lithium iron phosphate batteries, potential thermal energy storage, and why diesel remains essential in extreme cold. Aimie reflects on the charge of her faith to be “the light of the world” in very tangible ways. Main Points: Alaska’s roughly 200 microgrids operate as isolated electrical systems. Diesel remains central to reliability despite growing renewables. Fuel logistics and seasonal access shape system design and cost. Power Cost Equalization supports energy equity in rural communities. Multiple energy systems work best as complements, not competitors. See www.justiceandmercy.energy for extra content including episodes that explain electrical terms in accessible ways.