05/30/2026
In the remote Alaskan city of Nome, where winter dominates much of the year and the nearest road system is hundreds of miles away, the Nome Joint Utility System (NJUS) plays a vital role in keeping the community running.
Owned by the City of Nome, NJUS provides electricity, water, and wastewater services to approximately 3,500 residents. Despite challenging conditions — including harsh weather, frozen ground, and limited supply routes — NJUS maintains critical infrastructure year-round.
Behind NJUS’s success are the dedicated members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302. These highly skilled workers operate and maintain the utility’s power generation systems and fill in where needed to assist with the water plants and wastewater facilities. Whether they're repairing diesel engines, servicing wind turbines, or maintaining underground utilities, Local 302 members are essential to Nome’s day-to-day operations and long-term resilience.
While Nome traditionally relied on diesel generators for electricity, NJUS has made notable strides toward sustainability by incorporating wind power and a battery energy storage system (BESS). This hybrid system helps reduce fuel costs and environmental impact, setting an example for other rural communities.
Governed locally, NJUS reflects the needs of Nome’s residents. It supports local jobs — including union positions — and invests in community development, reinforcing its role as both a service provider and a cornerstone of resilience in one of Alaska’s most isolated cities.
