In this insightful interview, Christine O'Connor, Executive Director of Alaska Telecom Association, shares the evolution of telecom in Alaska, the impact of federal funding, and the future of connectivity in the state. Discover how Alaska is bridging the digital divide with innovative projects, satellite technology, and strategic investments, all while navigating unique geographic challenges.

Learn more about Alaska Telecom Association at https://www.alaskatel.org/

On this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, I talk to Gary Hennigh, the longtime city manager of King Cove, Alaska.

Gary and I explore the fascinating story of King Cove, focusing on its hydropower projects, community challenges, and future prospects. Learn how local initiatives and government support have transformed the town's energy landscape and economic future.

To learn more about King Cove, visit the city's website at https://cityofkingcove.com/

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast, I talk to Alec Mesdag, CEO of Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) in Juneau. We explore the rich history of Alaska's first electric utility, from its gold rush origins to modern innovations in hydropower. This conversation goes down some interesting side paths as well. Alec is an extremely knowledgeable electric utility CEO, and offers lots of insights in this interview.

Learn more about AEL&P at https://www.aelp.com/

To read an article about AEL&P from 1961, visit: https://www.alaskapower.org/wp-content/uploads/1961-10-24-Daily-Alaska-Empire.pdf

In this episode of the Alaska Powerline podcast, host Michael Rovito speaks with Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) employees John Della Croce, power systems dispatch manager, and Jennifer Castro, senior manager of co-op communications and community relations, about how the co-op responded to a major windstorm that struck at the beginning of December.

John and Jennifer discuss the preparation and response strategies employed by the electric cooperative, the critical role of linemen, the importance of backup systems and mutual aid among utilities, and how the co-op keeps the public informed throughout the storm. Both share insights from recent windstorms, highlighting the unique challenges faced and the resilience of the team in restoring power.

To learn more about MEA, visit https://www.mea.coop/

This episode is brought to you by Professional Computer Solutions, or PCS—a trusted technology partner to utilities across the United States. For over 40 years, PCS has delivered fully integrated ERP solutions designed specifically for the utility industry. From billing and financials to meter data management, GIS, outage management, and customer engagement tools, PCS provides everything a utility needs in one seamless platform. Our mission is simple: empower utilities to operate efficiently, serve their communities, and prepare for the future with secure, scalable technology. Learn more at pcs-csa.com.

In this episode, Curtis Thayer, executive director of Alaska Energy Authority, discusses the upcoming Dixon Diversion Project at the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric facility, along with Bradley Lake in general. The conversation covers the history and significance of Bradley Lake, its funding and expansion plans, the importance of grid resilience, and innovative construction techniques for the Dixon Diversion, among many other topics. Thayer emphasizes the Bradley Lake project's impact on the Railbelt Energy System and the future of hydroelectric power in Alaska.

Here is the link to the Dixon Diversion website: https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Railbelt-Energy/Bradley-Lake-Hydroelectric-Project/Bradley-Lake-Expansion-Project

Kurt Miller is the executive director of Northwest Public Power Association and an all around great guy. On this episode, Kurt and I talk about his long history in the energy industry, issues facing the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, legislative advocacy, and much, much more.

I also make a book recommendation in this episode. Keep reading for more on that.

Book recommendation: Published on the 80th anniversary of the Grand Coulee Dam, The Grand Promise, by Rebekah Anderson, is a work of literary fiction about the real communities that were impacted by the dam's construction on the Columbia River in the 1930's during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. Called "a gripping debut" by best-selling author Jonathan Evison and "an ambitious saga" by Washington State Book Award winner Peter Mountford, The Grand Promise was the #1 fiction bestseller at Small Press Distribution in its release month.

Places to buy The Grand Promise: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Promise-Rebekah-Anderson/dp/1737040859

https://asterismbooks.com/product/the-grand-promise

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 Western Alaska, and the ongoing recovery efforts as winter approaches. Chris emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and the resilience of the affected communities, while also addressing the future of renewable energy projects in the region.

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 regulatory practices. The conversation also touches on advancements in drug testing for utility employees and career pathways in utility law.