Electric Rates
Dear Editor: Re: Assembly Informed About Rate Increases, Feb. 19.
I agree with Assembly member Valorie Nelson that we do not need an electric rate increase. What we actually need is a Load increase. As I recall, Blue Lake Expansion had two major objectives. First was to minimize the need for supplemental diesel generation, and the second was to provide an opportunity for economic growth and prosperity.
The first goal has been a complete success while the second has been an abject failure. A quick glance at the lake rule curves for the past several years shows we are operating well above the rule curve and spilling virtually every year. That’s energy we can never get back or save for future large customers.
In the referenced Sitka Sentinel article several Assembly members asked what could be done to help with that. Here are a few ideas they could consider.
1 – Establish a low-cost Commercial Agricultural Rate. There are many hobby farmers who may be interested in pursuing a for-profit business. A published rate allows one to quickly figure the economics without incurring costs. For example, how many chickens would it take to provide Sitka with fresh eggs every day?
2 – Establish a Commercial Fleet Electric Rate. This may encourage the growth of electric vehicles for commercial fleets. To be clear, this is not about our carbon footprint but an effort to increase system electric load.
3 – Street and Security Light Service - SGC Section 15.01.020G. Conduct a street/security light campaign by eliminating the labor charge and encouraging customers a chance to improve their neighborhood security. Between the reports from the police blotter, bears on the loose, and our dark, rainy winter nights turning into dark, rainy summer nights, improved lighting would benefit our community.
4 – Energy Assistance Fund - SGC Section 15.01.020K. Instead of a direct appropriation, create a round-up policy whereas customers could have their bills raised to the next whole dollar with the difference funding this program. With over 5,000 accounts, if at least half participate it would provide funding between $25 and $2,500 per month. Sitkans take great pride in how our community helps our neighbors and this is an easy way to accomplish that.
In total would be a small incremental increase but every new kilowatt-hour we use reduces the need for future rate increases. All it takes is a 4-3 vote by the Assembly to implement any or all these options.
Christopher Brewton, Sitka
Fishermen’s Expo
Dear Editor: Building on the success of past Fishermen’s Expo, the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association and Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust hosted our second virtual Fishermen’s Expo on Feb. 22 to provide educational workshops to local fishermen. ALFA’s Expo goal is to cover topics of interest and importance to our members. Thanks to our sponsors, all events were free and open to the public.
Commercial and subsistence fishermen of all gear types had the opportunity to attend free and interactive trainings and presentations on bathymetry mapping updates, loan and financing opportunities for fishermen, how to deal with sleep deprivation while fishing, fisheries policy and sablefish management updates, Sitka community boatyard update, skipper training for ALFA’s Crewmember Training Program and more. Presenters included Daniel Joram from Nobeltec, Lea Klingert from Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank, Jerry Dzugan from AMSEA, Misty Dorhn, loan officer from the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development, Linda Behnken, executive director of ALFA, and Jeff Farvour, ALFA board member and local fisherman. A link to the presentations can be found on the ALFA website.
Providing resources and educational opportunities for local fishermen, especially young fishermen, is part of ALFA’s and ASFT’s missions. ALFA and ASFT are also celebrating the passage of the Young Fishermen’s Development Act, which will support education and training for young fishermen around the country. This is the first federal program dedicated to America’s young fishermen, and an Act ALFA helped draft and champion with our Fishing Communities Coalition.
Huge thanks to Senators Sullivan and Murkowski (and their outstanding staff!) and Congressman Young for all their help advancing this sct through Congress!
On behalf of ALFA and ASFT’s staff and membership, we would like to thank our mid-Winter Virtual Expo sponsors and partners for their generous support: First National Bank of Alaska, Beak Restaurant, Daily Sitka Sentinel, KCAW and KIFW. We also want to thank all of the participants who attended the trainings.
ALFA and ASFT are glad to be able to provide these resources to local and regional fishermen and is open to hearing from others on topics of interest for future trainings. Please visit our websites for more information on our programs. www.alfafish.org and thealaskatrust.org
Natalie Sattler, Program Director, ALFA and ASFT
Linda Behnken, Executive Director, ALFA
Willow Moore, Executive Director, ASFT
