Best Alaska Power Association Podcasts (2025)

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Resilience in Rural Alaska: The Response to Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska 26:53

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13d ago26:53

26:53

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 Wester…

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Legal Currents: Exploring Utility Legal Issues with Andy Leman 32:39

25d ago32:39

32:39

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 regulato…

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Exploring Doyon Utilities: A Unique Utility Provider 33:27

2M ago33:27

33:27

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 D…

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Evaluating the Benefits & Challenges of Power Purchase Agreements 31:24

3M ago31:24

31:24

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…

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Maintaining a Hydro System in Remote Alaska 26:44

5M ago26:44

26:44

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 heli…

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Keeping Electricity Reliable While Integrating New Generation Sources 24:08

6M ago24:08

24:08

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 …

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CVEA: On the Road System, Electrically Isolated, and Innovating for the Future 26:02

7M ago26:02

26:02

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 …

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Providing Power at the Top of the World 27:56

9M ago27:56

27:56

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 th…

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Leveraging Alaska’s Strengths to Develop Energy-Efficient Homes 26:58

12M ago26:58

26:58

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 Lab…

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Powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution: How Cordova Electric Cooperative is Leading Alaska’s Digital Future 26:54

1y ago26:54

26:54

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 transf…

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The Journey to Electrical Careers through IBEW 29:53

1y ago29:53

29:53

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…

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Tanana Chiefs Conference Lowering Energy Prices in Tribal Communities 29:44

1+ y ago29:44

29:44

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 m…

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All About Electric Utility Rates 27:11

1+ y ago27:11

27:11

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.By Alaska Power Association

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Providing Electricity Through Hydropower in Remote Alaska 25:34

1+ y ago25:34

25:34

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? …

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Power Safety For Lineworkers and the Public 25:42

1+ y ago25:42

25:42

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 el…

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Understanding the Challenges of Variable Energy with Dustin Highers 33:30

1+ y ago33:30

33:30

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 Ass…

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Nuyakuk River Hydroelectric Project: Pursuing New Energy in Bristol Bay 31:20

1+ y ago31:20

31:20

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 communit…

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Overview of the Alaska Energy Authority 33:02

2y ago33:02

33:02

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 re…

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The Power Cost Equalization Program 29:48

2y ago29:48

29:48

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?…

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Learning from Iceland’s Successes in Its Energy Transition 35:47

2y ago35:47

35:47

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 journe…

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Arctic Energy Office and Alaska's Regional Energy Goals 28:29

2y ago28:29

28:29

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 Novemb…

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The Education and Work of a Lineman 31:03

2y ago31:03

31:03

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.By Alaska Power Association

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Displacing Diesel and Utilizing Wind and Solar Energy in the Arctic Circle 31:14

2y ago31:14

31:14

Relying on diesel energy is costly, logistically difficult, and unsustainable in the Arctic Circle. Tom Atkinson, general manager and CEO of Kotzebue Electric Association, discusses how Kotzebue is utilizing renewable energy sources to power its isolated and remote service area.By Alaska Power Association

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Maintaining Safe and Reliable Power Lines 29:47

2+ y ago29:47

29:47

Manny Lopez, Land Services Manager, discusses how Matanuska Electric Association works hard to keep power lines safe and reliable year after year. Issues surrounding rights of way can be complex, but tree trimming and maintenance is vital for dependable electricity.By Alaska Power Association

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Supporting EV Adoption with Rate Incentives and Equipment 28:03

2+ y ago28:03

28:03

Alec Mesdag, president and CEO of Alaska Electric Light and Power, discusses how electric companies can encourage and support their customers' electric vehicle adoption through lowering charging rates during certain hours and providing charging equipment at homes.By Alaska Power Association