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Lecturer will discuss rural electric cooperatives and energy democracy

Energy historian Abby Spinak will discuss the history and future of rural electric cooperatives in a virtual talk hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks from 3:40-5:10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27.

Spinak, a lecturer at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, will explore how rural electric cooperatives can be revitalized to ensure community-driven decisions in the face of pressing energy and climate challenges.

Since the 1930s, millions of Americans have owned voting shares in their electric utilities through rural electric cooperatives. Today, nearly 900 cooperatives serve over 42 million Americans, including those in Alaska.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants can join via Zoom at.

The lecture is sponsored by the UAF Department of History and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Phil Wight, assistant professor of history and Arctic and Northern studies, pawight@alaska.edu

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