Alaska Powerline

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 the electric co-op keep the power on

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 Laboratory Alaska campus, technologic

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 transform Alaska into a digital powerhou

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 the need for more electric worker

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 more reliable power in these comm

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.

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? General Manager George Hornberge

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 electricity. On this podcast, Fran

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 Association, discusses the progress

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 communities of Dillingham, Aleknagik, Koli