Alaska Power Association

12/18/2025

Bright up the dark days in Alaska with a new episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast!

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.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

12/09/2025

The seventh and eighth cooperative principles are Cooperation Among Cooperatives and Concern for Community, respectively. As the wind still rages in the Mat-Su on Monday evening, MEA’s neighbor to its south, Chugach Electric Association, exemplifies those principles by sending crews to help out.

It’s big wind in the Mat-Su, but the comradiere and care are bigger.

12/08/2025

The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is on day three of a violent winter windstorm. Gusts of nearly 90 mph have been recorded and there is damage across the Valley. With the storm has come widespread power outages as trees are blown from outside the right-of-way into powerlines, debris flies through the air, and utility poles snap under the strain of constant gales.

Through it all, linemen from Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) have been out in the maelstrom, up in bucket trucks, working in ground equipment, and patrolling lines amid hurricane-force winds. They risk their safety to bring the power back so homes are warm and lights glow.

Thank you to all the linemen still facing the storm. And thank you to MEA for your relentless commitment to restoring power and keeping our communities safe, warm, and connected—no matter the conditions.

12/03/2025

Big opportunity at one of APA's member electric utilities! Kotzebue Electric Association, in Alaska's Arctic, is hiring for a general manager. Click the link below to learn more about this opportunity. Kotzebue is an amazing place with wonderful people.

https://www.alaskapower.org/jobs/general-manager-kotzebue-electric-association/

11/26/2025

We are grateful for our incredible members and the dedicated people who keep Alaska powered year-round. Wishing you a safe, joyful holiday filled with warmth and gratitude.

11/24/2025

Alaska electric co-op directors: APA is bringing another NRECA Director Training to Alaska in conjunction with our 2026 State Legislative Conference in Juneau.

Director Training 947.1 - Providing Feedback to Your CEO: This course will discuss the importance of first establishing clear goals and expectations with the CEO that align with the cooperative’s mission. Directors will explore why regular feedback is critical to the CEO’s success.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.alaskapower.org/calendar-events/nreca-director-training-947-1-providing-feedback-to-your-ceo/Director

11/22/2025

APA's annual State Legislative Conference brings together electric utility leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to learn about emerging energy issues and regulatory trends, and engage with state legislators and administration officials on matters of importance to Alaska's electric utilities.

Mark your calendars for February 4-5, 2026 at Centennial Hall in Juneau. You won't want to miss this important advocacy event!

For more information, visit https://www.alaskapower.org/calendar-events/state-legislative-conference/

11/19/2025

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

There's also a book recommendation in this episode, an Alaska Powerline first 😀

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

11/15/2025

Looking for something to do on those cold Alaska nights? Why not catch up with the entire backlog of the Alaska Powerline Podcast!?

From discussions on hydropower in Rural Alaska, data centers, the Power Cost Equalization program, and even an interview with a real live lineman, the Alaska Powerline Podcast has something for everyone.

Check out all 28 episodes at this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alaska-powerline/id1680590987

Happy listening!

11/05/2025

New episode just dropped! 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.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

10/28/2025

Want to come work at a great organization? Alaska Power Association is seeking a Full Charge Bookkeeper. You'll be part of the statewide trade association for electric utilities in Alaska, and you will get to work with some of the best people you will ever meet!

Click the link below to learn more.

APA is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Full Charge Bookkeeper to join our Finance and Administration team. This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting core accounting...

10/25/2025

Need a break from Halloween movies? Check out the latest episode of the Alaska Powerline Podcast!

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.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.