Poll finds University of Alaska the most trusted source for energy information
A view of Cook Inlet from Flattop Mountain near Anchorage.
February 4, 2025
Key findings of a recent poll of Alaskans found that the University of Alaska is the most trusted organization for the public on the topic of energy supply.
The survey of 600 registered Alaskan voters was conducted by Strategies 360, with a margin of error of +/- 4%. The survey results can be accessed below:
- Key findings from a survey of registered voters in Alaska, Oct. 2024
- ACEP 2024 Statewide survey toplines
Alaska has significant potential for geologic storage of carbon dioxide and recently passed legislation directing state agencies to develop regulations for leasing pore space and managing state lands for carbon storage. The poll was commissioned to test Alaskans on their familiarity and position on carbon capture and storage, or CCS.
It found that less than 50% of respondents were familiar with CCS, and the opinions of those that had some familiarity were split (19% favorable, 16% unfavorable, 12% neutral).
The poll was conducted ahead of public town hall meetings hosted by ACEP and state agency partners on CCS in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Kenai, which included a combination of presentations from ACEP and collaborators at the University of North Dakota , followed by a panel discussion with state agencies including the Alaska Department of Natural Resources , and and Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development . An additional town hall will be held on March 3 in Utqiagvik.
The poll also included a number of other energy-related questions, including Alaskans’ perspectives on the affordability of energy and their positions on other energy technologies such and coal and nuclear.
When these results were compared with previous polling results, they indicated that Alaskans across the state feel their energy is becoming less affordable, with the most acute change in Fairbanks, where 63% of respondents felt their energy costs were unaffordable.
This is consistent with a recent , which indicated that the average Fairbanks expends 10% of their household income on electricity and heating. Anything over 6% is considered a high energy burden by the U.S. Department of Energy.
In the area of advanced nuclear — an emerging class of small nuclear reactors with enhanced safety features compared to legacy nuclear technology, Alaskans awareness of and support for nuclear as a potential for Alaska has increased significantly since 2023.
ACEP has completed several studies and analyses related to advanced nuclear as a potential option for Alaska. They are available as below:
- Small-Scale Modular Nuclear Power: An option for Alaska? - Update (2021)
- Small-Scale Modular Nuclear Power: An Option for Alaska? (2011)
Visit here to learn more about and sign up for the nuclear energy working group.