Alaska Powerline

Powering Seward: Hydroelectric Growth and Alaska's Energy Future

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.

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Inside Alaska’s First Community Solar Project

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

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Decades of Power: Tanana's Family-Run Electric Utility

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.

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Alaska Fuel Cost Crisis: How Rising Costs Are Impacting Rural Communities

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.

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Bridging Alaska's Digital Divide: The Future of Telecom in the Last Frontier

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/

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Hydropower on the Edge: The King Cove, Alaska Journey

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/

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Gold Rush Hydropower - The History of Alaska Electric Light & Power in Juneau

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/1961-10-24-Daily-Alaska-Empire.pdf

When the Storm Hits: How MEA Responded to a Monster Windstorm

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 windstorms, highlighting the unique challenges faced and the resilience of the team in restoring power. To learn more about MEA, visit https://www.mea.coop/ This episode is brought to you by Professional Computer Solutions, or PCS—a trusted technology partner to utilities across the United States. For over 40 years, PCS has delivered fully integrated ERP solutions designed specifically for the utility industry. From billing and financials to meter data management, GIS, outage management, and customer engagement tools, PCS provides everything a utility needs in one seamless platform. Our mission is simple: empower utilities to operate efficiently, serve their communities, and prepare for the future with secure, scalable technology. Learn more at pcs-csa.com.

Hydropower on the Railbelt: Bradley Lake’s Next Chapter

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/Bradley-Lake-Expansion-Project

Energy Insights with Kurt Miller: Challenges, Advocacy, and the Future of Public Power

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 dam's construction on the Columbia River in the 1930's during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. Called "a gripping debut" by best-selling author Jonathan Evison and "an ambitious saga" by Washington State Book Award winner Peter Mountford, The Grand Promise was the #1 fiction bestseller at Small Press Distribution in its release month. Places to buy The Grand Promise: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Promise-Rebekah-Anderson/dp/1737040859 https://asterismbooks.com/product/the-grand-promise

Resilience in Rural Alaska: The Response to Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska

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.

Legal Currents: Exploring Utility Legal Issues with Andy Leman

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.

Exploring Doyon Utilities: A Unique Utility Provider

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.

Evaluating the Benefits & Challenges of Power Purchase Agreements

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.

Maintaining a Hydro System in Remote Alaska

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.

Keeping Electricity Reliable While Integrating New Generation Sources

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.

CVEA: On the Road System, Electrically Isolated, and Innovating for the Future

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.

Providing Power at the Top of the World

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.

Leveraging Alaska’s Strengths to Develop Energy-Efficient Homes

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 Alaska and the rest of the United States.

Powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution: How Cordova Electric Cooperative is Leading Alaska’s Digital Future

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.