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

A discussion is presented of Alaska´s new energy program which, at a cost of over $7 billion dollars, is designed to deliver electric power to an extremely scattered population in a rugged environment without disrupting Alaska´s natural resources or disfiguring the natural environment. The project includes such engineering tasks as tapping a glacial lake from below to generate hydropower and stringing power transmission lines by helicopter.