Alaska Powerline Alaska Power Association

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.