Energy Subsidy Program

NSEDC's Energy Subsidy Program provides direct financial assistance to households in member communities to offset energy and heating fuel costs.

Eligibility:

• Households in NSEDC's 15 member communities
• Those connected to electrical grid receive utility credit
• Those off-grid receive heating fuel credits to local fuel vendors

Geographic Scope:

• All 15 NSEDC member communities in the Bering Strait region of Northwestern Alaska

Award Amounts:

• 2008, 2012, 2014: $500 per household
• 2015: $575 per household

Funding History:

• 2015: Nearly $1.5 million paid to utility companies, benefiting 2,655 households
• Since 2008: Total of $5.3 million issued in energy subsidies
• 2015 application: "Applications now being accepted for the 2026 Energy Subsidy"

Delivery Method:

• Payments made directly to utility companies
• Credits applied based on utility billing cycles, typically starting May 1st
• Off-grid residents receive heating fuel credits applied to local fuel vendor accounts

Contact:

• Community Benefits Director Paul Ivanoff III
• Phone: (907) 624-3190
• General NSEDC Phone: 800-650-2248

Application Process

1. Application Period: Announced annually (2026 applications now being accepted)
2. Where to Apply: Click link on nsedc.com to apply
3. Household Registration: Register household address and utility provider information
4. On-Grid vs. Off-Grid: Specify if household is connected to electrical grid or off-grid with heating fuel needs
5. Processing: NSEDC processes payments to utility companies or fuel vendors

Application Materials

• Online application portal on nsedc.com
• Household utility account information
• Confirmation of on-grid or off-grid status

Payment Distribution

• Direct to utility companies for on-grid households
• Heating fuel credit to local fuel vendors for off-grid households
• Credit applied based on utility billing cycle (typically May 1st or later)