How Alaska Renters Can Benefit from Solar Power Credits

Alaska renters often wonder how renewable energy options like solar power can affect their utility bills or if they can access savings through programs such as solar power credits. While many programs generally favor homeowners, there are still ways for tenants to benefit, especially as Alaska expands its community solar and net metering initiatives. Understanding your rights and available programs can lead to real savings and more transparent utility billing.

Solar Power, Utility Billing, and Renters in Alaska

Alaska offers specific utility programs designed to promote renewable energy and potentially reduce electricity costs. For renters, the most relevant programs include "net metering" and emerging community solar projects. Both can offer cost-sharing or credits when solar energy is generated and delivered to the grid, though direct participation may depend on building ownership and your landlord's involvement.

What Are Solar Power Credits?

Solar power credits are financial incentives or billing mechanisms that allow electricity customers to reduce their bills by contributing solar energy to the grid. In Alaska, this generally occurs through two main mechanisms:

• Net Metering: When solar panels generate more energy than a property uses, excess power feeds into the local grid, and the utility provides "credits" on the bill for the contributed electricity.
• Community Solar: Renters may be able to subscribe to or participate in larger, shared solar installations. These programs distribute "shares" of solar generation and bill credits to subscribers.

While most net metering set-ups require access to a roof or property for panel installation (generally controlled by the landlord), community solar projects are making it easier for renters to participate.

Your Rights as a Renter in Alaska

Alaska’s Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act sets out the responsibilities for landlords and tenants, including how utility payments are handled and what must be disclosed in your lease¹. Here is what you should know:

• Landlords must specify in the lease who pays for utilities.
• If utilities are individually metered and you pay your own bill, you may directly benefit from state solar programs.
• If utilities are included in rent or master-metered, your ability to receive solar power bill credits will depend on landlord participation.

Net Metering and Community Solar: What’s Available in Alaska?

Alaska’s utilities, such as Chugach Electric Association and Golden Valley Electric Association, offer net metering to qualifying customers. Under Alaska law (3 AAC 50.890--3 AAC 50.899 Net Metering Regulations), landlords may install solar systems and receive credits, but the law does not require them to pass those savings on to renters automatically. Community solar programs – where whole apartment buildings or neighborhoods subscribe to receive a share of the power generated – are in early stages but growing.

How Alaska Renters Can Access Solar Savings

• Check Your Lease: Review whether you pay your own electric bill or if it is included in rent.
• Ask Your Landlord: If you're interested in community solar or learning if the property participates in net metering, inquire in writing.
• Monitor Community Solar: Watch for local utility announcements about new community solar projects that accept renters as subscribers. Alaska's utilities often share program details on their official sites (Chugach Electric solar information).
• Request Utility Account Documentation: If you pay for utilities, request monthly usage and billing statements or ask about possible solar billing adjustments.

Community solar and net metering participation for renters is not automatic. Programs vary by utility, and rules may change as interest in renewables grows in Alaska.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Consumer Complaint Form – Utilities (Form No. Not Assigned):
  Utility Consumer Complaint Form
  Use this form if you have a billing dispute related to utilities, including missed solar credits. For example, if your bill does not reflect a promised credit from a landlord’s installed solar, complete this form and submit it to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
  When to use: After attempting to resolve the issue with your landlord and utility first.
• Landlord-Tenant Complaint Petition (Form CIV-720):
  CIV-720 Petition
  Use this form if you have a dispute with your landlord regarding adherence to the lease, including utility arrangements. For example, if your lease entitles you to a share in solar savings and this is not provided, you can file this form with the local district court.
  When to use: After providing written notice to your landlord and no resolution is reached.

Official Authorities and Legislation

All rental matters are governed by the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act¹. Residential tenancy disputes are typically heard in the Alaska District Court (Housing Division).

1. Can I get solar bill credits as a renter in Alaska?
   If you pay your own utilities and participate in a utility’s net metering or community solar program, you may get bill credits. If utilities are included in your rent, credits typically go to the landlord unless the lease specifies otherwise.
2. What should I do if my landlord installs solar panels?
   Ask if there are any lease changes or utility savings for tenants. Request documentation in writing. If your lease promises a benefit you do not receive, you may file a complaint using the official forms provided above.
3. Are there new community solar opportunities for renters in Alaska?
   Community solar projects are expanding in Alaska. Contact your local utility or visit their official website to learn about upcoming programs open to renters.
4. Who do I contact if utilities are not billed as promised?
   Contact your landlord first. If not resolved, file a Consumer Complaint with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska or consider district court mediation.
5. Is there legislation protecting renters’ utility rights in Alaska?
   Yes—the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act outlines responsibilities for utilities, billing, and lease disclosures.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act – Tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities
• State of Alaska Consumer Protection Unit – Utility complaint and consumer dispute help
• Alaska District Court Housing Division – For lease, rental, and utility legal disputes
• Chugach Electric Solar Info – For solar and net metering program details

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1. Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act (AS 34.03)
2. Net Metering Regulations (3 AAC 50.890–3 AAC 50.899)
3. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development – Consumer Complaints
4. Alaska District Court Housing Division

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