How Hybrid Power Systems Help Tribal Communities Prepare for and Respond to Disasters

When disaster strikes, power is often the first thing lost, and the last thing restored.

For many tribal communities, particularly those in remote or under-served regions, this delay can have devastating consequences. From disrupted emergency communications to halted recovery efforts, the absence of reliable energy makes everything harder.

At HCI Energy, we’re working alongside tribal nations to help address that vulnerability. Through resilient, hybrid power systems designed for off-grid and emergency use, we’re supporting the shift toward energy sovereignty and disaster preparedness.

Why Diesel Generators Fall Short in Tribal Emergencies

Most backup power systems in tribal infrastructure rely on traditional diesel generators. While familiar, these systems come with serious challenges:

• High emissions: Diesel fuel poses environmental and health risks.
• Fuel disruptions: In a crisis, supply chains are often cut, leaving generators useless.
• Unsustainable costs: Maintenance, fuel delivery, and operations add up fast.
• Limited control: Many sites lack visibility in fuel levels or system performance.

For communities already managing strained resources and aging infrastructure, these issues compound during floods, wildfires, storms and other emergencies.

How Hybrid Systems Keep Critical Services Online When the Grid Fails

Hybrid power systems—like HCI Energy’s Hybrid Power Shelter™—combine solar, advanced battery storage, and low-emission generators into a self-contained, smart energy platform.

These systems are:

• Grid-independent: Operate fully off-grid during outages.
• Low-fuel, high-efficiency: Designed to stretch limited fuel supply during emergencies, enabling longer operation during fuel shortages.
• Quiet and clean: Reduce noise and pollution around community installations.
• Remotely managed: Monitor and manage energy use without constant site visits.

While hybrid systems aren’t meant to replace full-scale grid infrastructure, they can provide non-stop prime or back-up power for critical communications and safety systems and can bridge the gap during recovery.

Real-World Impact: Staying Connected in Unalakleet, AK

In Unalakleet, Alaska, HCI Energy’s Hybrid Power Shelter™ helped maintain critical communications during the worst storm to hit Western Alaska in decades. Just weeks before Typhoon Merbok struck in September 2022, HCI partnered with Alaska Tribal Broadband to install a rugged, climate-controlled shelter equipped with solar, advanced battery storage, and a backup generator.

When grid power failed and floodwaters rose as high as 11 feet, the shelter kept the village’s broadband service online for four days straight—powered by lithium-ion batteries for 21 hours a day, with only 3 hours of generator runtime needed to recharge. Fuel consumption was reduced by more than 80%, minimizing both cost and maintenance during a critical moment.

During the storm, power was down, but thankfully HCI's integrated Hybrid Power Shelter was able to power the communications equipment for four days and could have kept running for several weeks. Being able to house our telecom gear and HCI’s critical power backup in a rugged, climate-controlled and secure structure was exactly what we needed to keep essential communications flowing for the Unalakleet villagers.

Harold Johnson, Founder & President

Alaska Tribal Broadband

It’s a powerful example of what proactive deployment can make possible, especially in places where restoration delays can put lives, safety, and recovery at risk.

What it Looks Like to Work with HCI Energy

We believe in long-term partnerships, not a one-size-fits-all solution. While our systems are built on proven, standardized platforms, we tailor each implementation to match the specific needs, priorities, and environments of the communities we serve.

Whether the goal is to strengthen communications, expand broadband access, or ensure resilient backup power for essential services, we work directly with tribal leaders, system integrators/engineers, utility authorities, and emergency management teams to align our systems with local conditions and long-term goals.

This work isn’t just about power, it’s about sovereignty, safety, and sustainable self-reliance.

Hybrid Power as a Step Toward Energy Sovereignty

Disaster preparedness is no longer optional. Hybrid systems are not just emergency tools; they’re a stepping stone toward greater energy independence and sustainability for tribal nations.

Ask us about lessons learned from our work in Unalakleet and Hoopa Valley—every deployment teaches us something new.