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.

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

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

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.