I’d like to respond to the misstatements in Rick Sinnott’s recent commentary about the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project and the recent Proposed Final Fish & Wildlife Program sent to the governor for his consideration and approval.
Foremost, the Eklutna Hydro Project is not a “cash cow” for the utilities. Both Chugach Electric Association Inc. and Matanuska Electric Association Inc. are not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives. Eklutna Hydro is a low-cost, renewable generation resource, which means we reduce carbon emissions and help keep rates low. We do not make a profit like investor-owned utilities. Any lower-cost generation is a direct benefit to all members with lower rates.
The process outlined in the 1991 Agreement, which was the contract the utilities, state and federal agencies signed when buying the project, is very specific to dates and timelines.
Contrary to Mr. Sinnott’s assertions, we did not “jam through a plan,” but rather spent five years and nearly $8 million on studies, field work, dozens of meetings with interested stakeholders, public meetings, alternatives analysis and a variety of other pieces that led us to our proposed recommendation for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of fish and wildlife affected by the hydroelectric project. We didn’t strongarm state or municipal employees, nor did we browbeat our board members. To the contrary, there were dozens of meetings with the Native Village of Eklutna and multiple agencies, including our own boards of directors and the Anchorage Assembly, over the course of five years. The Municipality of Anchorage provided both a lawyer and the manager of the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility to be part of the project team.
The Proposed Final Program submitted to the governor is a careful balance of protecting the city’s water supply, allowing for the continued use of low-cost hydropower at a time when Southcentral Alaska is facing a gas shortage, and putting water back into the Eklutna River to create fish habitat. It was a thoughtful, inclusive and transparent process. Anything short of that description is false.
We are looking forward to the decision on the Final Program and the opportunity to get to work putting water back into the Eklutna River, with the goal of protecting, mitigating and enhancing fish and wildlife, including the salmon populations in the Eklutna River, in the years ahead.
— Julie Hasquet
Senior manager of corporate communications, Chugach Electric Association
Anchorage
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