Kodiak Island, off the southern coast of Alaska, offers a remarkable example of localism in practice. Cut off from the mainland and long dependent on imported diesel, the island community took control of its own energy future. Through its local cooperative, the Kodiak Electric Association, the community invested in a mix of hydro and wind power, supported by battery and flywheel storage.

The result is a near-self-sufficient electricity system. Over 99 per cent of Kodiak’s power now comes from local renewable sources. The hydro plant at Terror Lake provides the steady base, while wind turbines on Pillar Mountain meet peak demand. Diesel generators stand by for emergencies but are rarely used.

This transformation was not driven by government decree or corporate ambition but by a local decision to reduce costs and dependence on imported fuel. By acting collectively, the community kept ownership, jobs, and profits within the island.

Kodiak’s success shows what can be achieved when local people take responsibility for essential services. It demonstrates that energy, like food, can be produced and managed within the locality, reducing vulnerability to global markets and reinforcing community resilience.