Alaska plans a big switch: Most of its electricity is oil-generated, but the construction of new hydroelectric stations is expected to increase electrification throughout the state

One of the largest reservoirs of hydroelectric power in the United States " nearly 170 gigawatts " remains largely unexploited. This power, almost half of the country's potential, is available in Alaska. Yet 88 percent of the electricity actually generated in the state comes from the burning of fossil fuels. The state government is implementing an ambitious plan to change that. The plan will use some of Alaska's enormous, present-day oil income to build hydroelectric power plants, which, it is hoped, will shield Alaskan residents from electric-rate increases for decades.