The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) was created in 1976 by the Alaska Legislature.  The Authority is a public corporation of the state with a separate and independent legal existence.  AEA's original mission was to construct, acquire, finance, and operate power projects and facilities that utilize Alaska's natural resources to produce electricity and heat.

1993: Under comprehensive energy legislation, oversight of AEA's existing state hydroelectric projects and the Alaska Intertie (Railbelt) was transferred to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA).  Programs addressing the energy needs of rural communities were transferred to a newly-created Division of Energy within the Department of Community and Regional Affairs. 1999: Rural energy programs were integrated into AEA.  Division of Energy staff became AIDEA employees.  AEA contracts with AIDEA for staff to oversee AEA programs.

It was done by the Legislature as part of a larger reorganization of state agencies. Benefits include: 1) a coordinated state energy policy encompassing rural energy programs and state-owned hydroelectric projects; 2) AIDEA oversight to foster a business-oriented attitude toward finance and development; and 3) a focused approach to work with the federal Denali Commission on rural energy issues.

Sara Fisher-Goad is the Executive Director of AEA.  AEA has a 7-member board of directors consisting of Mike Felix, Interim-Chair (Public Member);  Susan Bell - Commissioner, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; Bryan Butcher, Commissioner, Department of Revenue; Ron Arvin (Public Member); Robert Sheldon (Public Member); Hugh Short (Public Member); and Gary Wilken (Public Member).