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
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Alaska Rural Schools Fight Off Extinction - New York Times
Alaska Rural Schools face extinction
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NIKOLSKI, Alaska — This distant dot in the Aleutian Islands needed just 10 students for its school to dodge a fatal cut from the state budget. It reached across Alaska and beyond but could find only nine.
Built by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1939, the little Nikolski School will not be the last in Alaska to close. Four others have closed this fall and at least 30 more are at risk because of dwindling enrollment; one school in remote southeast Alaska survived only by advertising on Craigslist for families with school-aged children.
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NIKOLSKI, Alaska — This distant dot in the Aleutian Islands needed just 10 students for its school to dodge a fatal cut from the state budget. It reached across Alaska and beyond but could find only nine.
Built by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1939, the little Nikolski School will not be the last in Alaska to close. Four others have closed this fall and at least 30 more are at risk because of dwindling enrollment; one school in remote southeast Alaska survived only by advertising on Craigslist for families with school-aged children.
The curious case of BCRIC: How not to privatize - Vancouver Sun
The curious case of BCRIC: How not to privatize
We shouldn't let 2009 end without noting that it marks the 30th anniversary of an important, if failed, Canadian innovation. The B.C. Resources Investment Corporation (or "Brick" -- as it was known to all British Columbians)was the world's first large-scale privatization of government assets. The Social Credit administration of Bill Bennett decided to transfer to the private sector a motley collection of Crown corporations and other assets that had been brought under provincial ownership by a previous NDP government. However, they did so in a manner that has since become an important reference point for other jurisdictions, a lesson in how not to privatize.
We shouldn't let 2009 end without noting that it marks the 30th anniversary of an important, if failed, Canadian innovation. The B.C. Resources Investment Corporation (or "Brick" -- as it was known to all British Columbians)was the world's first large-scale privatization of government assets. The Social Credit administration of Bill Bennett decided to transfer to the private sector a motley collection of Crown corporations and other assets that had been brought under provincial ownership by a previous NDP government. However, they did so in a manner that has since become an important reference point for other jurisdictions, a lesson in how not to privatize.
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
Friday, December 11, 2009
Terrace Standard - Alaskans eye B.C. power line
Terrace Standard - Alaskans eye B.C. power line
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 about Southeast Alaska
FAIRBANKS AP - 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 AP - 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.
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 - Governor Parnell visits Wrangell
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
Smithers Interior News - The Bulkley lost some fish too...
Smithers Interior News - The Bulkley lost some fish too...
Prince Rupert’s city council is asking that the North not be forgotten when the federal government conducts a review of Fraser River to figure out just where all the fish have gone.
In a motion they asked that the Skeena River also be looked at.
Prince Rupert’s city council is asking that the North not be forgotten when the federal government conducts a review of Fraser River to figure out just where all the fish have gone.
In a motion they asked that the Skeena River also be looked at.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Looks like Hart, sounds like Fentie | Yukon News
Looks like Hart, sounds like Fentie
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Yukon News
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Yukon News
Glenn Hart can split hairs like the best of them.
The Riverdale South MLA is widely considered to be one of the more decent and forthright members in cabinet.
But he, along with the rest of his colleagues in government, finds himself backed into the same corner over the ATCO scandal. So, asked to explain the mess to constituents at a meeting last week, he didn’t sound like his usual self.
YTG plans to open power grid | Yukon News
YTG plans to open power grid | Yukon News
The Yukon government is considering dramatically altering the way power is produced in the territory.
It’s asking the public about how to introduce independent power producers and net metering to the grid.
There are few details in a discussion paper released last week, just general questions on how a policy should be written.
Who should regulate these power generators?
What kind of power should be allowed?
What financial incentives should be included?
The Yukon government is considering dramatically altering the way power is produced in the territory.
It’s asking the public about how to introduce independent power producers and net metering to the grid.
There are few details in a discussion paper released last week, just general questions on how a policy should be written.
Who should regulate these power generators?
What kind of power should be allowed?
What financial incentives should be included?
YTG plans to open power grid | Yukon News
YTG plans to open power grid | Yukon News
The Yukon government is considering dramatically altering the way power is produced in the territory.
It’s asking the public about how to introduce independent power producers and net metering to the grid.
There are few details in a discussion paper released last week, just general questions on how a policy should be written.
Who should regulate these power generators?
What kind of power should be allowed?
What financial incentives should be included?
The Yukon government is considering dramatically altering the way power is produced in the territory.
It’s asking the public about how to introduce independent power producers and net metering to the grid.
There are few details in a discussion paper released last week, just general questions on how a policy should be written.
Who should regulate these power generators?
What kind of power should be allowed?
What financial incentives should be included?
YTG plans to open power grid | Yukon News
YTG plans to open power grid | Yukon News The Yukon government is considering dramatically altering the way power is produced in the territory.
It’s asking the public about how to introduce independent power producers and net metering to the grid.
There are few details in a discussion paper released last week, just general questions on how a policy should be written.
Who should regulate these power generators?
What kind of power should be allowed?
What financial incentives should be included?
It’s asking the public about how to introduce independent power producers and net metering to the grid.
There are few details in a discussion paper released last week, just general questions on how a policy should be written.
Who should regulate these power generators?
What kind of power should be allowed?
What financial incentives should be included?
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