Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation is providing a second energy subsidy this year for households in its 15-member communities, citing record-high fuel prices across the region.
The corporation’s board unanimously approved the roughly $1.3 million special Community Benefit Share(opens in new tab) during its second-quarter meeting in Nome earlier this month. The funding will provide another $575 energy credit to the estimated 2,265 eligible households, matching its 2026 Energy Subsidy Program distribution in March.
NSEDC Chief Operating Officer Tyler Rhodes said the action comes as residents see higher fuel costs after seasonal fuel deliveries.
“Residents throughout the region are seeing record-high fuel prices as the initial deliveries of the season have been made and the local prices are adjusted accordingly,” Rhodes said in an email to KNOM.
Rhodes said the one-time relief will come from its general operating fund, which is primarily supported by investments in Bering Sea fisheries. The corporation says the largest and most stable of those investments is its nearly 10% ownership stake in the Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery.
In a press release, the corporation’s Nome representative, James “JT” Sherman, said returns from fishery investments allowed the corporation to provide the aid.
“NSEDC is fortunate to have seen strong returns from our investments in fisheries, such as pollock and crab, which allows us to be able to provide vital assistance to the region,” Sherman said in the press release.
Sherman added that while the subsidy won’t erase the impact of the high fuel prices, the corporation is hopeful “it will help residents this coming winter.”
NSEDC will distribute the Community Benefit Share to municipalities who will then pay local utilities or fuel vendors.
NSEDC says they are not requiring a new application from residents; however, municipalities may decide to use their own application process to verify households.
The City of Unalakleet(opens in new tab) is asking customers to reapply. Forms are available at the city office in Unalakleet and due by September 14.
For Nome Joint Utility Customers, the subsidy will automatically be credited to pre-existing eligible households. No new application is required.
The utility’s General Manager John Handeland told KNOM that 918 households received the March subsidy, and those same accounts will automatically receive the second credit, even if an account holder has moved, as long as the new household is within NJUS’ service area.
In a public statement, NJUS said it plans to offer an opportunity for new account holders to sign up, though neither the utility nor the city has released details on how.
Handeland says NJUS expects to receive the money in September and apply the credit to customers’ bills by the end of the month, in time for the October statement.
Municipalities must submit their local list of verified recipients and other paperwork to NSEDC by Sept. 17.
