Alaska Powerline

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, Brian Hickey, the city of Seward's utility director, discusses Seward's electric system, ongoing hydro projects, and future energy opportunities in Alaska, including the potential of hydroelectric power and regional transmission improvements.

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, Sean Skaling, senior manager of business development at Chugach Electric Association, shares insights into Alaska's first community solar project, its development, operation, and future prospects. Discover how community solar works, its benefits, challenges, and the potential for expansion in Alaska.

Learn more about Chugach Electric Association's community solar project at the following website: https://www.chugachelectric.com/energy-solutions/chugach-community-solar

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, Ralph and Paula Eller share the rich history of Tanana Power Company, their family's long-standing involvement in Alaska's rural power and communication infrastructure, and the unique challenges of operating utilities in remote communities. Discover how decades of dedication have shaped their community and the lessons learned along the way.

On this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, Bill Stamm, CEO of Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, talks about the ongoing crisis in rural Alaska caused by soaring fuel prices. Bill covers the impact on electricity costs, community well-being, and potential solutions including legislation and renewable energy initiatives. 

In this insightful interview, Christine O'Connor, Executive Director of Alaska Telecom Association, shares the evolution of telecom in Alaska, the impact of federal funding, and the future of connectivity in the state. Discover how Alaska is bridging the digital divide with innovative projects, satellite technology, and strategic investments, all while navigating unique geographic challenges.

Learn more about Alaska Telecom Association at https://www.alaskatel.org/

On this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, I talk to Gary Hennigh, the longtime city manager of King Cove, Alaska.

Gary and I explore the fascinating story of King Cove, focusing on its hydropower projects, community challenges, and future prospects. Learn how local initiatives and government support have transformed the town's energy landscape and economic future.

To learn more about King Cove, visit the city's website at https://cityofkingcove.com/

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, I talk to Alec Mesdag, CEO of Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) in Juneau. We explore the rich history of Alaska's first electric utility, from its gold rush origins to modern innovations in hydropower. This conversation goes down some interesting side paths as well. Alec is an extremely knowledgeable electric utility CEO, and offers lots of insights in this interview. 

Learn more about AEL&P at https://www.aelp.com/

To read an article about AEL&P from 1961, visit: https://www.alaskapower.org/wp-content/uploads/1961-10...

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline podcast, host Michael Rovito speaks with Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) employees John Della Croce, power systems dispatch manager, and Jennifer Castro, senior manager of co-op communications and community relations, about how the co-op responded to a major windstorm that struck at the beginning of December. 

John and Jennifer discuss the preparation and response strategies employed by the electric cooperative, the critical role of linemen, the importance of backup systems and mutual aid among utilities, and how the co-op keeps the public informed throughout the storm. Both share insights from recent w...

In this episode, Curtis Thayer, executive director of Alaska Energy Authority,  discusses the upcoming Dixon Diversion Project at the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric facility, along with Bradley Lake in general. The conversation covers the history and significance of Bradley Lake, its funding and expansion plans, the importance of grid resilience, and innovative construction techniques for the Dixon Diversion, among many other topics. Thayer emphasizes the Bradley Lake project's impact on the Railbelt Energy System and the future of hydroelectric power in Alaska.

Here is the link to the Dixon Diversion website: https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Railbelt-Energy/Bradley-Lake-Hydroelectric-Project/B...

Kurt Miller is the executive director of Northwest Public Power Association and an all around great guy. On this episode, Kurt and I talk about his long history in the energy industry, issues facing the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, legislative advocacy, and much, much more.

I also make a book recommendation in this episode. Keep reading for more on that.

Book recommendation:  Published on the 80th anniversary of the Grand Coulee Dam, The Grand Promise, by Rebekah Anderson, is a work of literary fiction about the real communities that were impacted by the d...

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, Chris McConnell, Alaska Energy Authority rural programs manager, discusses the challenges and efforts in managing rural energy programs, particularly in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong. The conversation covers the role of the AEA Circuit Rider program, the extensive damage to infrastructure in Western Alaska, and the ongoing recovery efforts as winter approaches. Chris emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and the resilience of the affected communities, while also addressing the future of renewable energy projects in the region.

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline podcast, host Michael Rovito interviews utility attorney Andy Leman, who discusses the complexities of utility law in Alaska. They explore the regulation of electric cooperatives, the implications of deregulation, current legal challenges facing utilities, and the impact of Supreme Court decisions on regulatory practices. The conversation also touches on advancements in drug testing for utility employees and career pathways in utility law.

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, Lou Florence, President and CEO of Doyon Utilities, discusses the unique role of Doyon Utilities in providing essential services to military installations in Alaska. He shares insights into his background in energy, particularly in nuclear power, and the various power generation methods employed by Doyon Utilities. The conversation also touches on the future of energy in Alaska, including the potential for nuclear energy and the importance of reliability in the state's electric grid.

A Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, is a contract allowing an electric utility to purchase power from a nonutility electricity generator for a predetermined price and period of time. These contracts can help cooperatives increase reliability by having more resources available to meet load demands. However, the decision to enter into a PPA should be made carefully. Travis Million, CEO of Golden Valley Electric Association, discussed how economics, reliability, rates and weaknesses in infrastructure can all affect whether a specific PPA is a good fit for a local cooperative.

Southeast Alaska Power Agency (SEAPA) is a wholesale power provider based in Ketchikan. The communities it serves are remote, and they are connected by the state’s second largest transmission system. Maintaining a reliable and affordable system presents interesting challenges. For example, most maintenance is needed in areas only accessible by helicopter or boat.
 
CEO Robert Siedman talks about SEAPA’s system, its upcoming FERC relicensing, and the balance electric utilities must achieve between reliability and costs.

Inside Passage Electric Cooperative is not connected to an outside electric grid. Furthermore, each community IPEC serves is accessible only by boat or plane, which presents unique challenges. CEO Brandon Shaw shares how the cooperative has been able to integrate hydropower into the local electric systems without losing the reliability that diesel power provides.

Copper Valley Electric Association isn’t connected to any other electric system. Therefore, the utility must be innovative with various projects to reduce the electric rate for its members. CEO Jamie Matthews shares insights into how CVEA manages to keep summer rates low and outlines the utility’s strategic efforts to reduce reliance on fuel-based power.

Barrow Utilities and Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BUECI) is the farthest north electric utility in the United States. The co-op is fortunate to have a large natural gas field from which to generate power but faces vast challenges due to its Arctic location and lack of road access. Yves Brower, CEO of BUECI, talks about how he and the employees of the electric co-op keep the power on and the rates stable amid all the obstacles their location and isolation throw at them.

What if we told you that there is a heat pump in development that will work in -31 F temperatures? Or would you believe that an eco-friendly insulation is being made from spruce trees that have been damaged by the spruce bark beetle? Affordable, reliable energy in Alaska is difficult to achieve. Through the work of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Alaska campus, technological developments have improved energy efficiency in Alaska. Regional Director Bruno Grunau gives our listeners a glance into the work of the Lab in science, technology, analysis and applications that are changing the energy landscape in...

In this episode, Clay Koplin of Cordova Electric Cooperative discusses how Alaska's small communities, like Cordova, can harness renewable energy and digital infrastructure to support data centers in the AI era. He highlights the rising demand for power and the potential of local microgrids, emphasizing how Cordova's approach to energy could transform Alaska into a digital powerhouse. Koplin envisions a future where Alaska's renewable resources sustain data-driven industries while decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. He also underscores the cooperative’s commitment to reducing diesel dependence and scaling renewable power, with the support of state, federal and industry partnerships.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was founded to combat the high rate of lineman deaths on the job. Today, IBEW still focuses on safety as it trains future craftsmen in electrical careers. George McGuan, business representative of IBEW Local 1547 in Anchorage, discusses the process of learning the trade, financial compensation and the need for more electric workers in the industry.

Dave Messier, Infrastructure Division Director for Tanana Chiefs Conference, discusses how his team is working to reduce the cost of energy for tribal villages. Most of Tanana’s members rely on diesel generators to generate power for their microgrids. Integrating solar PV battery systems with the diesel generators has been successful in providing more reliable power in these communities. However, challenges abound to get these systems on line. How are these systems being paid for, and what else is slowing construction? Hear Dave’s thoughts on this podcast episode.

Electric utility rates fluctuate, which is often confusing. Sarah Lambe, CFO at Homer Electric Association, discusses the process of creating electric utility rates, the factors that change rates and how rates affect the entire electric system. 

INN Electric Cooperative provides safe and reliable hydropower to three remote Alaskan villages; however, delivering the electricity to the meters comes with unique challenges since its grid isn’t connected to a larger transmission system. How does the small co-op deal with harsh winters, remote living, and the high cost of electricity production? General Manager George Hornberger explains how the power cooperative keeps achieving its electricity goals on this podcast episode.

Safety is a top priority in the electric industry. That’s why Frank Adams, safety manager for Matanuska Electric Association, continually reviews policy procedures, accesses risks and ensures MEA is meeting compliance standards. But power safety is not only about lineworkers. The general public also needs to know how to respond to the dangers of electricity. On this podcast, Frank discusses industry advancements that have improved safety over the years and best practices for the public when a faced with a dangerous situation involving electricity.

With rising pressures to diversify generation and deploy renewable energy sources, balancing the grid and integrating new technologies has proved challenging. Some resources are dispatchable, while others aren’t. The cost to consumers must also be taken into consideration. Dustin Highers, vice president of corporate programs at Chugach Electric Association, discusses the progress needed to integrate variable energy sources and achieve a clean energy future.

Will Chaney, CEO and General Manager of Nushagak Cooperative, talks about the Nuyakuk River Hydroelectric Project, a proposed run of a river hydroelectric facility that will generate up to 12 MWs of electricity in an area long dependent on diesel fuel for power. As part of the project, electricity and optical fiber would be provided to the communities of Dillingham, Aleknagik, Koliganek, New Stuyahok, Ekwok and Levelock. Will talks about where the project is, the co-op’s goals, and the potential future of power in the Bristol Bay region.

The Alaska Energy Authority’s mission is to “reduce the cost of energy in Alaska.” Executive Director Curtis Thayer tells us how the energy office diversifies and maintains power sources in both urban and rural communities. The office has also received $206.5 million grant to update transmission lines, purchase batteries, and provide much needed redundancy in the Railbelt power system.

Terri Harper, CFO at INN Electric Cooperative, discusses the ins and outs of the Power Cost Equalization Program. PCE has been making electricity affordable for rural Alaskans for decades. However, the reporting can seem overwhelming at times. Why is the program so important, and how can cooperatives streamline their reporting efforts?

The similarities between Iceland’s and Alaska’s power grids are striking. What can Alaska learn from Iceland’s successful energy transition to renewables? Gwen Holdmann, associate vice chancellor for research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, shares her thoughts and reminds our listeners to look at not just the end results, but also the journey Iceland took to reach a 100% renewable energy market.

In this episode, Director Erin Whitney provides an overview of the Arctic Energy Office and informs our listeners about the new Arctic Energy Ambassador program. The ambassadors will focus on Alaska's regional priorities and help move those priorities to fruition through the DOE. Only twelve ambassadors will be selected. Deadline to apply is November 22.

Joe Waggoner, of Golden Valley Electric Association, has been a journeyman lineman for 16 years. He discusses the education and training requirements for the job and gives our listeners a peek into the daily and exciting life of Alaska’s linemen.

Relying on diesel energy is costly, logistically difficult, and unsustainable in the Arctic Circle. Tom Atkinson, general manager and CEO of Kotzebue Electric Association, discusses how Kotzebue is utilizing renewable energy sources to power its isolated and remote service area.

Manny Lopez, Land Services Manager, discusses how Matanuska Electric Association works hard to keep power lines safe and reliable year after year. Issues surrounding rights of way can be complex, but tree trimming and maintenance is vital for dependable electricity.

Alec Mesdag, president and CEO of Alaska Electric Light and Power, discusses how electric companies can encourage and support their customers' electric vehicle adoption through lowering charging rates during certain hours and providing charging equipment at homes.

Bill Stamm, CEO of Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, discusses the complexities of keeping the lights on in rural Alaska. While the cooperative has integrated some renewable technologies into their system, the need for diesel powered energy will remain in place for years to come. 

Brian Hickey, Executive Director of Railbelt Regional Coordination, discusses the history of the Railbelt grid, the need for an upgrade, and the benefits of enhancing the system.

In rural Alaska, reliable electricity is key. Travis Million, CEO at Copper Valley Electric Association, discusses how micronuclear technology may provide affordable, reliable and clean electricity to remote areas of Alaska.