Alaska Powerline

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....

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 K...

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 offer...

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 a...

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 Di...

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 80t...

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 wint...

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 adv...

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 t...

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 Val...

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 S...

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 s...

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...

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. Ko...

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 industr...

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,...

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...

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 indust...

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 integra...

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 Stuya...