November 28, 2009
Ron Loesch Publisher and Editor Petersburg Pilot Box 930 Petersburg, AK 99833
pilotpub@gmail.com RE: Letter to the Editor on Hydropower and connectivity to Kake
Dear Mr. Loesch
I read your November 19 guest editorial. I would like to offer a positive but different perspective for all to consider. Our corporation represents most of the original families of Kake and many in Petersburg. Petersburg, Ketchikan and Wrangell all benefit from heavily subsidized hydropower resources and transmission infrastructure. According to the State of Alaska Department of Revenue, the Tyee and Swan generation facilities and the Swan Tyee Intertie was gifted by large direct State subsidies amounting to $268 million dollars with a small balance coming from government subsidized loans. Theoretically, the government owns these projects to provide subsidized power cost for the benefit of all Alaskans, including the rural communities. Government sponsored socialized power is beneficial when it is equally shared among its citizens, but as you can see by visiting Kake or Angoon this public strategy has failed to bring our people and industry low cost power.
Kake has received promises and waited 40 plus years for an intertie to bring us this cheap power. All SEAPA communities are in the process of converting municipal buildings, businesses and homes from oil to cheap electric heat. Is there a guarantee of SEAPA power to sell Kake from these government subsidized assets? Assuming Kake gets an intertie, is there a guarantee that SEAPA will sell electricity to Kake at the same 6.8 cent per kilowatt rate?
Contrary to your editorial the public and private cooperative developments in Thomas Bay are not unique. Many infrastructure projects around the country have public and private cooperative agreements because this yields lower costs, more efficient management and serves the ratepayer better. Wrangell already has a lucrative power sales agreement from Cascade so there is even a local example. Despite rhetoric, Cascade and the City of Angoon projects appear ready to work with others to deliver low cost power, including Petersburg.
The public and private Thomas Bay projects will provide much needed family wage jobs for Kake residents, Angoon residents, Wrangell residents, and yes, Petersburg residents as well. Each hydropower project expects to produce 130 direct jobs and many indirect jobs. Petersburg’s restaurants and businesses would most likely appreciate the extra business. The public/private Thomas Bay projects would be able to sell lower cost competitive power to Kake so we can rebuild our community with the substantially equal power costs enjoyed by Wrangell and Petersburg. What is wrong with energy self determination and independence from government?
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Further, rational thinking dictates that the Kake to Petersburg Intertie will be constructed along the least expensive route. Everyone understands that the lowest cost route is the route that intersects with the Cascade, Ruth and Scenery hydropower projects that will flood not only Kake but all of Southeast Alaska with low cost hydropower. The south-central route for the Kake Intertie would burden the Kake ratepayer with excessive O&M transmission costs if these costs are not shared with the hydro projects in Thomas Bay on the proposed Northern route. The least expensive route is the one that delivers the lowest cost per kilowatt hour to Kake ratepayer.
Your guest editorial also fear baited the claim that Thomas Bay power will fuel mines and lead to water contamination all because of the public/ private development of Thomas Bay. This statement is baseless and demonstrates a lack of depth of understanding. The power from the projects will be sold locally and then the surplus to the lower 48. Many of the original families of Kake and Petersburg have fought for and served our country. Please explain what is wrong with providing ourselves and our nation with energy security and lessening our dependence on foreign oil supplies while reducing green house gas emissions at the same time?
Your guest editorial suggests that electrical costs will increase with private participation in hydropower and transmission. The comparative cost and associated success of the recent FERC competitive process is a prime example of how private industry brings the public sector superior know-how and competition that pure governmental intervention and management could never match.
Kake Tribal Corporation has invested in Cascade Creek, LLC and wholly supports the City of Angoon’s development of Scenery and Ruth Lakes because these projects will deliver the lowest cost power to the citizens of Kake regardless of politics and that is doing the right thing by our people and our region. The unsuccessful strategy deployed by PMPL has resulted in no Petersburg FERC permit, no Petersburg job creation, nor has it led to lower cost of power for Petersburg now or in the future nor has it helped the region increase its energy security. Your strategy dictates that you have and will continue to buy more diesel generators. Contrary to your editorial, a new tactic might be better serving the needs of Petersburg by beginning to work with your neighbors instead of inciting them. I suggest that you try a fresh approach to constructive engagement and you will find cooperative friends as well as economic and energy benefits for Petersburg and its ratepayers.
Sincerely,
Harold Martin President, Kake Tribal Corporation Box 32034 Juneau, AK 99803-2034
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Finding the power grid’s groove | Yukon News
Finding the power grid’s groove | Yukon News
Power outages have almost become an everyday occurrence for Yukoners and their businesses.
In the last eight days, we’ve had three of them. The first, on December 10, lasted for more than 30 minutes and shut down the southern Yukon grid.
Then, on Saturday morning and Monday evening, the power went out again. This time the outages lasted a few seconds and only affected parts of Whitehorse.
There’s been at least seven unplanned outages this year, according to brief survey of news reports.
That’s coming off the heels of a busy 2008, when the lights went out 35 times. Half of the outages were caused by faulty equipment, the rest were caused by nature.
So why do we have so many outages? Why do some last hours while others last seconds?
Power outages have almost become an everyday occurrence for Yukoners and their businesses.
In the last eight days, we’ve had three of them. The first, on December 10, lasted for more than 30 minutes and shut down the southern Yukon grid.
Then, on Saturday morning and Monday evening, the power went out again. This time the outages lasted a few seconds and only affected parts of Whitehorse.
There’s been at least seven unplanned outages this year, according to brief survey of news reports.
That’s coming off the heels of a busy 2008, when the lights went out 35 times. Half of the outages were caused by faulty equipment, the rest were caused by nature.
So why do we have so many outages? Why do some last hours while others last seconds?
Kake Tribal Corp - an ANCSA village corporation - asks why the disparity in the treatment of the Kake Community?
Petersburg PilotKake Tribal clarifies Cascade Creek, LLC partnership - Petersburg Pilot, December 24, 2009
In the continuing discussion regarding delivering low-cost power the communities of Southeast Alaska, President of the Kake Tribal Corporation, Harold Martin, announced the reason for the corporations interest in partnering with Cascade Creek LLC (CCLLC) regarding the Thomas Bay projects; “Our only interest and purpose is to get cheap electricity to our rural communities.”
Martin wrote a letter to the editor in response to the November 17th guest editorial by Charles E. “Ed” Wood. The editorial discussed the current efforts for private development of the Thomas Bay projects by CCLLC. The editorial sided with the need for public development of the Thomas Bay projects and as such, public ownership, thereby eliminating possibilities of profiteering by CCLLC.
In the continuing discussion regarding delivering low-cost power the communities of Southeast Alaska, President of the Kake Tribal Corporation, Harold Martin, announced the reason for the corporations interest in partnering with Cascade Creek LLC (CCLLC) regarding the Thomas Bay projects; “Our only interest and purpose is to get cheap electricity to our rural communities.”
Martin wrote a letter to the editor in response to the November 17th guest editorial by Charles E. “Ed” Wood. The editorial discussed the current efforts for private development of the Thomas Bay projects by CCLLC. The editorial sided with the need for public development of the Thomas Bay projects and as such, public ownership, thereby eliminating possibilities of profiteering by CCLLC.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
CBC News - North - No secret power line investor: Yukon Energy
CBC News - North - No secret power line investor: Yukon Energy
The head of Yukon Energy said Friday there's no mystery investor behind the Carmacks to Stewart Crossing power line.
A document tabled in the legislature suggested a private investor was putting $12 million into the power line project, but David Morrison said Friday there is no private investor.
Morrison said Yukon Energy had thought Western Copper was investing in the project, but he said that investment is not happening.
The head of Yukon Energy said Friday there's no mystery investor behind the Carmacks to Stewart Crossing power line.
A document tabled in the legislature suggested a private investor was putting $12 million into the power line project, but David Morrison said Friday there is no private investor.
Morrison said Yukon Energy had thought Western Copper was investing in the project, but he said that investment is not happening.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Alberta to decide by January on allowing nuclear power - The Globe and Mail
Alberta to decide by January on allowing nuclear power - The Globe and Mail
Albertans will finally find out next month whether their energy-rich province will kick-start Canada's so-called nuclear renaissance.
"I would like to have the issue concluded by the end of January. We will - either way," Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach told The Globe and Mail during an interview.
The provincial government has been studying for more than two years whether to allow nuclear power generation. Earlier this year, it completed public consultations into the controversial energy source.
Albertans will finally find out next month whether their energy-rich province will kick-start Canada's so-called nuclear renaissance.
"I would like to have the issue concluded by the end of January. We will - either way," Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach told The Globe and Mail during an interview.
The provincial government has been studying for more than two years whether to allow nuclear power generation. Earlier this year, it completed public consultations into the controversial energy source.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Alaskans Eye B.C. Powerline - Terrace Standard
Click to read Terrace Standard story
A COALITION OF Alaskan politicians and business leaders can’t wait for the Northwest Transmission Line to be built up Hwy37 North, saying the line is the key to wealth and jobs in the Alaskan Panhandle.
The line is to terminate at a substation at Bob Quinn just off of the highway and a mere 70 miles from where an American transmission system now stops on the other side of the border with the Panhandle.
A COALITION OF Alaskan politicians and business leaders can’t wait for the Northwest Transmission Line to be built up Hwy37 North, saying the line is the key to wealth and jobs in the Alaskan Panhandle.
The line is to terminate at a substation at Bob Quinn just off of the highway and a mere 70 miles from where an American transmission system now stops on the other side of the border with the Panhandle.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Draft plan suggests merging utilities - AP Juneau Empire
Click to read story and blog response
FAIRBANKS - A draft plan on statewide electrical generation in Alaska suggests savings by consolidating six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and the Southcentral region.
The Regional Integrated Resource Plan, released last week, analyzed Alaska's electrical infrastructure and suggested that consolidation could make it easier to shift the state toward more renewable power.
FAIRBANKS - A draft plan on statewide electrical generation in Alaska suggests savings by consolidating six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and the Southcentral region.
The Regional Integrated Resource Plan, released last week, analyzed Alaska's electrical infrastructure and suggested that consolidation could make it easier to shift the state toward more renewable power.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Report says Fairbanks, Southcentral could see big savings with central utility - Newsminer
Click here
A draft plan on statewide electrical generation suggests big savings are to be found if six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and Southcentral consolidate.
Directors at the Fairbanks utility, Golden Valley Electric Association, generally agree, though they and their counterparts across the state have yet to agree on how to get there without saddling customers with higher short-term electricity prices.
A draft plan on statewide electrical generation suggests big savings are to be found if six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and Southcentral consolidate.
Directors at the Fairbanks utility, Golden Valley Electric Association, generally agree, though they and their counterparts across the state have yet to agree on how to get there without saddling customers with higher short-term electricity prices.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Blowing in the Wind | BCBusiness
Blowing in the Wind | BCBusiness
Posted using ShareThis
There are few places on Earth where the forces of nature are on such violent, chaotic display as Hecate Strait, the narrow stretch of shallow ocean that separates the Queen Charlotte Islands from the B.C. coast. Winter low-pressure systems born over Alaska can push winds to 160 km/h, driving waves over 30 metres high; opposing northeasterly winds gather similar speeds as they funnel across the strait hemmed in by the Queen Charlottes and the jagged mainland. When two such weather systems collide, amid tides that can rise and fall seven metres, anything in their path is trapped between a hammer and anvil.
Posted using ShareThis
There are few places on Earth where the forces of nature are on such violent, chaotic display as Hecate Strait, the narrow stretch of shallow ocean that separates the Queen Charlotte Islands from the B.C. coast. Winter low-pressure systems born over Alaska can push winds to 160 km/h, driving waves over 30 metres high; opposing northeasterly winds gather similar speeds as they funnel across the strait hemmed in by the Queen Charlottes and the jagged mainland. When two such weather systems collide, amid tides that can rise and fall seven metres, anything in their path is trapped between a hammer and anvil.
Wrangell Sentinel - the oldest continuously published paper in Alaska.
Wrangell Sentinel - the oldest continuously published paper in Alaska.
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell was expected to briefly tour Wrangell this Wednesday during part of his visit to the Southeast. The governor had a scheduled meeting in Ketchikan and decided to make a brief stop in Wrangell as part of an unplanned visit, according to the governor’s office.
During his visit the governor was anticipated to meet with the borough assembly to discuss five of 42 projects selected as priorities by the assembly. Those projects included the completion of paving for both Cassiar and Weber streets, the continued expansion of Wrangell’s medical facilities, the Alaska/British Columbia intertie, and improvements for the Marine Service center.
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell was expected to briefly tour Wrangell this Wednesday during part of his visit to the Southeast. The governor had a scheduled meeting in Ketchikan and decided to make a brief stop in Wrangell as part of an unplanned visit, according to the governor’s office.
During his visit the governor was anticipated to meet with the borough assembly to discuss five of 42 projects selected as priorities by the assembly. Those projects included the completion of paving for both Cassiar and Weber streets, the continued expansion of Wrangell’s medical facilities, the Alaska/British Columbia intertie, and improvements for the Marine Service center.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Balancing act a thing of beauty - The Globe and Mail
Balancing act a thing of beauty - The Globe and Mail
In negotiating a potentially groundbreaking land management deal with the province, the Taku Tlingit are fighting to find the right balance between development and protection
In negotiating a potentially groundbreaking land management deal with the province, the Taku Tlingit are fighting to find the right balance between development and protection
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Gold Glitters in BC's Last Intact Watershed - BC Local News
Gold Glitters in BC's Last Intact Watershed - BC Local News
Negotiations are underway to set land use rules for B.C.’s last pristine coastal watershed, the remote Taku River valley near the Alaska and Yukon borders.
In talks similar to those that established the so-called Great Bear Rainforest agreement on B.C.'s central and northern coast three years ago, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation is moving beyond court challenges over mining to a plan that would share the resources and tourism potential of their vast traditional territory.
Negotiations are underway to set land use rules for B.C.’s last pristine coastal watershed, the remote Taku River valley near the Alaska and Yukon borders.
In talks similar to those that established the so-called Great Bear Rainforest agreement on B.C.'s central and northern coast three years ago, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation is moving beyond court challenges over mining to a plan that would share the resources and tourism potential of their vast traditional territory.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Nov. 25, 2009 Whitehorse Yukon - Policies to Support Increased Renewable Energy to be Developed
Click here for press release
A public consultation for developing Yukon policies for independent power production (IPP) and net metering was announced today by Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Archie Lang.
“As a key initiative of Yukon’s Energy Strategy, these policies will encourage the development of new small scale sources of renewable energy to help meet our future energy needs while limiting green house gas emissions and improving electrical system reliability,” Lang said.
A public consultation for developing Yukon policies for independent power production (IPP) and net metering was announced today by Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Archie Lang.
“As a key initiative of Yukon’s Energy Strategy, these policies will encourage the development of new small scale sources of renewable energy to help meet our future energy needs while limiting green house gas emissions and improving electrical system reliability,” Lang said.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Sea of Potential in Alaska « Mendo Coast Current
A Sea of Potential in Alaska « Mendo Coast Current An older, but relevant article by Brian Yannity on the ocean energy potential off Alaska's coast
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
SitNews - Opinion/Letter: Heating and power generation By A.M.Johnson
SitNews - Opinion/Letter: Heating and power generation By A.M.Johnson Energy News out of Ketchikan? One Citizen's Viewpoint
Monday, November 16, 2009
Yukon News
Yukon News
Anti-privatization bill on ice
Yukon - Premier Dennis Fentie shut down debate on the Liberals’ Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act on November 4.
The draft law would require the government to hold a referendum before selling the utility’s assets. However, the bill would still allow what’s called rationalization: a proposed asset-swap between Yukon Energy and the Yukon Electrical Company to detangle the roles of energy production and distribution.
The government supports the spirit of the bill, said Fentie, but it’s currently hobbled by several flaws. click on story to read more
Anti-privatization bill on ice
Yukon - Premier Dennis Fentie shut down debate on the Liberals’ Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act on November 4.
The draft law would require the government to hold a referendum before selling the utility’s assets. However, the bill would still allow what’s called rationalization: a proposed asset-swap between Yukon Energy and the Yukon Electrical Company to detangle the roles of energy production and distribution.
The government supports the spirit of the bill, said Fentie, but it’s currently hobbled by several flaws. click on story to read more
International Water Power and Dam Construction
International Water Power and Dam Construction Brian Yanity presents a review of regional hydro power development strategies involving proposed international transmission lines connecting the US state of Alaska and Canada
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fairbanks Daily Newsminer Commentary - Dermot Cole
Click here to read article Dermot Coles insightful commentary on railbelt energy issues. In the comment section are some informative remarks by Charlie Bussel, a former legislator and Alaska Energy Authority Executive Director. Also some further third party commentary on Southeast's dubious performance on energy policy.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Energy plan calls for unifying (Railbelt) electric utilities
Energy plan calls for unifying electric utilities The most interesting portion of this article is some commentary which relates to Southeast Alaska and it's organizational difficulties and promises because of it's verdant supply of alpine lake tap hydroelectric energy.
AltaGas short-circuits BC Hydro
AltaGas short-circuits BC Hydro
This action by AltaGas, the owner of nearby BC run-of-river hydro project proposals, would short circuit the process to get the east of Wrangell Northwest Transmission Line moving in an expedited manner. It makes a connection to Southeast Alaska even more tangible.
This action by AltaGas, the owner of nearby BC run-of-river hydro project proposals, would short circuit the process to get the east of Wrangell Northwest Transmission Line moving in an expedited manner. It makes a connection to Southeast Alaska even more tangible.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Greg Brown, World Energy Expert - Lecturing on energy at the University of Alaska Southeast
This is a lecture by Greg Brown, an international energy expert who presented this lecture at the University of Alaska - Southeast's Auke Lake Campus in November of 2008. In this lecture Mr. Brown presents portions of an energy solution for America and Alaska. A highly recommended view.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Man of the North - BC Business Online
Click here to read story As a youth, Tom Albanese fled a small industrial New Jersey town for Alaska. Albanese, now 50, is the first American CEO of the venerable London-based mining giant Rio Tinto PLC (RTP-N), which last year took over Alcan Inc. in a $38-billion deal. He went to university in Fairbanks, Alaska, for degrees in mineral economics and mining engineering.
Boom and Bust in B.C.'s Northwest - BC Business
Click here to read story How a proposed power line is reviving a centuries-old dream
of economic prosperity for
B.C.’s beleaguered northwest
Native tribe will petition Ottawa to remove its Indian status - Globe & Mail
Click here to read story Gitxsan people from northwest British Columbia willing to relinquish reserves, tax exemptions, Indian Act housing and financial supports in exchange for a share of resources
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Notes on this site
Updates to this site will be made from time to time. The news feed site will help alert us to pertinent breaking news stories. Please click on the regional news feed topics to see the news for the various regions within our subject area. Any ideas for additions or changes will be happily received and made if at all possible. Please post your ideas or communicate them to us. Thank you.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Aside from the obvious - how will this help First Nation communities?
I realize that I am traveling on untrammeled ground as an Alaskan author of this posting. Please to those more knowledgeable on BC utility law - feel free to correct any factual errors.
Our Northern First Nation communities in non-grid connected communities in both Northern BC and Southeast Alaska pay an extraordinary cost for energy. In Alaska, the first 500 kilowatt-hours of energy is equalized, in BC there is a much higher level of equalization for diesel dependent communities.
Nonetheless, our diesel dependent communities of Angoon, Hoonah, Iskut, Kake, and Klukwan pay a huge premium and a high economic cost for not being interconnected to the "grid". In BC if a community is interconnected, they pay an equalized rate for residential, business and commercial electric rates respectively. In Alaska, it's the first 500 kilowatt-hours - that's it! It won't change immediately or significantly with a community's grid interconnection in Alaska, but it will make a big difference and should lead the way to rethinking how electric rates are established there.
Consequenly by not being interconnected in BC, those rural communities are on their own in terms of commercial energy rates. And like Alaska's First Nation communities, those communities suffer a tremendous cost in terms of a local economy. Interconnections are good for business and sustainable living!
Our Northern First Nation communities in non-grid connected communities in both Northern BC and Southeast Alaska pay an extraordinary cost for energy. In Alaska, the first 500 kilowatt-hours of energy is equalized, in BC there is a much higher level of equalization for diesel dependent communities.
Nonetheless, our diesel dependent communities of Angoon, Hoonah, Iskut, Kake, and Klukwan pay a huge premium and a high economic cost for not being interconnected to the "grid". In BC if a community is interconnected, they pay an equalized rate for residential, business and commercial electric rates respectively. In Alaska, it's the first 500 kilowatt-hours - that's it! It won't change immediately or significantly with a community's grid interconnection in Alaska, but it will make a big difference and should lead the way to rethinking how electric rates are established there.
Consequenly by not being interconnected in BC, those rural communities are on their own in terms of commercial energy rates. And like Alaska's First Nation communities, those communities suffer a tremendous cost in terms of a local economy. Interconnections are good for business and sustainable living!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
OK, but what benefit is an Alaska-Canadian link for BC and Canada?
Canada and British Columbia have taken the giant steps necessary for a potential interconnection to Alaska. Canada and BC benefit in a number of ways.
First, an interconnection to Alaska brings a measure of insurance to BC rate-payers whom presumably are making this investment. BC Hydro had a power-line project built years ago, but after it was completed the mine which it was to serve closed due to the volatility of mineral prices. The province and rate-ratepayers were stuck with a cost that yielded no benefit. Having an interconnection to Alaska ensures there will be a payback on the investment regardless of the status of loads in Northwest BC.
Second, interconnection to other generation sources such as Wrangell and Petersburg's Tyee Lake Hydro lends stability to an otherwise radial power-line extension. Electrical energy behaves better when it is connected to other generating sources. So, such an interconnection benefits the proposed Northwest Transmission Line (NTL)
Such an interconnection makes power projects and commercial development in Northwest BC more sustainable. Having another sources of energy in the region adds to the reliability of commercial enterprise in the Northwest BC region of Canada.
First, an interconnection to Alaska brings a measure of insurance to BC rate-payers whom presumably are making this investment. BC Hydro had a power-line project built years ago, but after it was completed the mine which it was to serve closed due to the volatility of mineral prices. The province and rate-ratepayers were stuck with a cost that yielded no benefit. Having an interconnection to Alaska ensures there will be a payback on the investment regardless of the status of loads in Northwest BC.
Second, interconnection to other generation sources such as Wrangell and Petersburg's Tyee Lake Hydro lends stability to an otherwise radial power-line extension. Electrical energy behaves better when it is connected to other generating sources. So, such an interconnection benefits the proposed Northwest Transmission Line (NTL)
Such an interconnection makes power projects and commercial development in Northwest BC more sustainable. Having another sources of energy in the region adds to the reliability of commercial enterprise in the Northwest BC region of Canada.
How would a link between these two regions benefit Alaska?
There are quite a number of benefits a link between Alaska and British Columbia provides Southeast. First, because British Columbia abides by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rules, it's energy transmission entity BC Transmission Corporation charges the same wheeling (transmission) rate from Prince Rupert to Vancouver as it charges from Vancouver to the border near Blaine, Washington. This means that if a Washington utility wanted to sell power to someone in Alaska the transmission rate would be a minor component of the cost.
What the above means to a utility in Alaska is that it could purchase power from a U.S. power producer or utility at a very low cost for use in Alaska. An Alaska power producer might sell it's renewable power at a much higher cost to some lower forty-eight entity at the same time. So Alaskans may benefit from the interconnection in seeing a reduction in their costs because lower forty-eight utilities wish to purchase renewable energy - even at a higher cost.
What the above means to a utility in Alaska is that it could purchase power from a U.S. power producer or utility at a very low cost for use in Alaska. An Alaska power producer might sell it's renewable power at a much higher cost to some lower forty-eight entity at the same time. So Alaskans may benefit from the interconnection in seeing a reduction in their costs because lower forty-eight utilities wish to purchase renewable energy - even at a higher cost.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Northwest BC Transmission Line/Southeast Alaska Transmission Line - a symbiotic relationship
"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings." from The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll
This came to mind when I started this blog, it's a quote which seemed appropriate to this first entry in the North Coast Mountain Energy blog - the basis for this blog is that there needs to be some understanding of how this region of Northwest British Columbia, Southern Yukon and Southeast Alaska is tied culturally, geographically and historically - that a closer economic relationship between these two countries and numerous First Nations is positive, necessary and inevitable given the renewable energy resources which envelop this region of North America.
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