Powering Alaska from Within: HEX and the Cook Inlet Comeback

On this episode of Energy and Business from Must Read Alaska, host Todd sits down with John Hendrix — President and CEO of HEX LLC, Homer native, civil engineer, and recently named Outstanding Alaskan of the Year — for a clear-eyed conversation about Alaska’s energy future. In “Powering Alaska from Within: HEX and the Cook Inlet Comeback,” John explains how HEX LLC, the only 100% Alaskan-owned and operated natural gas producer in the state, is delivering reliable, affordable energy to Railbelt homes, businesses, and military bases right now. Headquartered in Anchorage, HEX operates critical offshore and onshore infrastructure in the Kitchen Lights Unit and recently unified its operations under one strong HEX brand while committing to new drilling and continued investment. Listeners will hear the story behind HEX’s acquisition of the once-struggling Kitchen Lights Unit, how local ownership and disciplined investment turned declining production around — including doubling output from the Allegra Leigh platform in 2025 — and why Cook Inlet’s estimated 19 trillion cubic feet of natural gas represents a generational opportunity for Alaska energy security. John connects the dots between local resource development, keeping the lights on and heat flowing during critical winter months, and building a stronger, more self-reliant Alaska. He also shares an encouraging message for young Alaskans considering careers in energy and for policymakers who want to see more homegrown investment succeed. If you care about affordable energy, Alaska’s resource sovereignty, and practical solutions that keep money and jobs in-state, this episode delivers straight talk from the operator proving that Alaskan solutions work best for Alaskans.   HEX LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hex-ak/posts/?feedView=all   SPONSORS: Must Read Alaska: https://mustreadalaska.com/subscriptions/ Promo Code: energy for 10% off all our annual plans DRB Productions: https://centertix.com/events/beatles-vs-rolling-stones-musical-showdown Promo Code: London for MRAK subscribers