Southeast Energy Plan Released for Public Comment

A new plan has been released recommending a number of positive steps for Southeast Alaska's Energy Future.  The plan was developed by the engineering firm Black and Veatch and guided by the Alaska Energy Authority and an advisory committee, on which SEACC held a seat and participated actively.

The draft plan--which is available for public comments through March 19th--recommends that Southeast should significantly increase demand side management and energy efficiency programs in order to reduce the draw on existing hydro resources and improve the quality of life in our communities (and save the region about $137 million in 50 years). It also recommends a number of small hydro projects and two short intertie segments to address high energy costs in our diesel dependent communities.  The plan also studied the region-wide intertie plan that has long been pushed by Southeast Conference and a relatively newer plan to build an intertie to Canada.  Both were not recommended due to cost and other issues.

Space heating was addressed via the plan, and the recommendations focused on wood pellet-based heating.  We also think efficient electric heating, such as heat pumps and other technologies, should be included and emphasized in this section.

This plan is a huge step forward for creating consensus around a progressive energy plan for Southeast, eliminating distracting and expensive options and focusing efforts on doable ways to solve our energy problems and manage our public resources.  SEACC is largely supportive of this plan, but know it always has room for improvement. Please visit http://www.akenergyauthority.org/seirp-comments.html to read the draft plan and submit your comments.