As a resident of Fairbanks, Alaska, I’ve watched my electricity bills skyrocket without warning or justification, and I know I’m not alone. In September 2025, my bill was a manageable $241 for 811 kWh of usage during mild weather. But by January 2026, it jumped to $469 for 1,556 kWh, nearly double, amid a historic cold snap, with no changes in my winter habits. That’s over a 95% increase, and it’s approaching a  mortgage payment for some. Attached are my actual bills showing this drastic spike: one from a typical month and one from this winter’s extreme conditions.

This isn’t just my story, it’s a crisis affecting thousands of Fairbanks families. GVEA, our member-owned cooperative, implemented a 7.4% interim rate hike on January 15, 2026, while their rate case is under review by the RCA. Combined with volatile Fuel and Purchased Power (F&PP) charges that rose due to generation outages and expensive imported power, our total rates are now about 28.67¢ per kWh: 60% higher than the national average of 17.98¢ per kWh. In a place like Fairbanks, where winters can drop to -50°F and we rely on electricity for running heating appliances, vehicle plugs, and survival, these costs are unsustainable. Residents are reporting bills as high as $2,000, forcing tough choices between power, food, or heat. As a monopoly, GVEA has a responsibility to its members, but complaints go unanswered, and the RCA’s oversight feels inadequate.

We deserve better. High rates aren’t just about weather; they stem from mismanagement, lack of transparency in F&PP adjustments, and failure to invest in reliable, affordable generation like renewables. Nationwide, similar communities have fought back through petitions, leading to investigations, refunds, and reforms. It’s time for Fairbanks to do the same.

Our Demands:

1.  Immediate Rate Freeze and Refunds: Roll back the 7.4% interim hike and refund overcharges collected since January 2026 if the RCA approves lower rates. Cap F&PP volatility to prevent future spikes.

2.  Independent Audit and Transparency: Conduct a full, independent audit of GVEA’s expenses, generation outages (like recurring Healy Unit issues), and executive compensation. Publicly disclose how profits are used and why costs are passed to members.

3.  Expanded Assistance and Reforms: Strengthen financial aid programs, offer more energy efficiency grants, and accelerate shifts to cheaper renewable sources. Give members stronger input through open board elections and town halls.

4.  State Intervention: Urge the RCA and Alaska government to investigate GVEA’s practices, expand Power Cost Equalization (PCE) to include Fairbanks, and protect consumers from monopoly exploitation.

Why This Matters: Affordable electricity is essential in Alaska’s harsh climate, high bills threaten families’ health, homes, and livelihoods. By signing, you’re standing with hardworking Fairbanks residents against corporate greed and for fair, sustainable energy. Together, we can force change, just as other communities have done.

Sign this petition today and share it with your neighbors, friends, and on social media. Let’s make our voices impossible to ignore and bring relief to our community!