Dear Editor: The recent article in our Sentinel (Aug. 26, 2026), from the Wrangell Sentinel, contained excellent information regarding switching household heating to efficient, electrified heat pumps, including financial options and assistance for that transition. Sitka has a much higher median income than Wrangell, $101,727.
Households making up to 80% of that median ($81,382/year) can get $8,500 for a heat pump and its installation. Households making from 89-150% ($81,382-$152,585) can get $6,000 toward a heat pump. Households making more than $152,585 can get $4,000 with no income cap. These amounts exceed the tax credits previously available for heat pumps. With uncertainty ahead in fossil fuel prices due to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz and tariffs, efficient cold-weather heat pumps can lower the cost of living. This Alaska Heat Smart program is funded for 4 more years. Perhaps our Assembly would consider on-bill financing for heat pump water heaters and other electrification not covered by Alaska Heat Smart.
Transition Sitka,
Toby Campbell, Kay Kreiss
and Carol Voison
