Juneau Power Bills Could Jump 20 Percent This Summer

Juneau households are looking at an electric bill that climbs 18 to 20 percent — and the first jump could land as soon as June 26.

Alaska Electric Light & Power has asked state regulators to raise rates in two stages, the first this summer and a second around August 2027. For a typical home using about 850 kilowatt-hours a month, the company estimates the combined increase at roughly a fifth more on the monthly bill. In concrete terms, the residential energy charge would rise from about 12.3 cents per kilowatt-hour to 15.2 cents, and the flat monthly customer charge — what you pay before using any power at all — would go from $10.08 to $14.57.

The first increase, about 12.5 percent, would take effect on a refundable basis if regulators open an investigation, meaning customers pay the higher rate now and get money back later if the commission ultimately approves a smaller hike. AEL&P says that review can run about 450 days.

The company's case is that its rates are built on an outdated test year and no longer cover what it costs to keep the lights on. "AELP anticipates the request will take effect in two stages," it said, with the first this June and the second in 2027.

For Juneau, where AEL&P is the only game in town and there's no road out to a cheaper grid, the question regulators now weigh is whether that cost recovery is justified — and how much of it lands on households. Customers who want to weigh in can file comments with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska through June 30.