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.

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 mus...

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.

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 liste...

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.

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.

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 publi...

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 th...