I am Jim Nordlund and I’m running for my second term on the Chugach Electric Association board of directors. I think the most important question that can be asked of a candidate for this position is:
“What can you do to keep electric rates down while
maintaining the reliability of the system?”
In other words, how can you keep costs down and the lights on? The purpose of my campaign is to answer this question and to layout a blueprint for our energy future.
Electric utilities across the country are at a critical crossroads. The problems of a poor transmission grid, aging equipment and overdependence on fossil fuels are being met by a renaissance in new technologies, new investment and new political will. Both President Barack Obama and Governor Sarah Palin have set ambitious goals to lead our country and state toward a new energy future. For instance, Governor Palin has set a goal that Alaska should achieve 50% renewable energy by 2025. I fully support this goal.
As to the fundamental question of cost and reliability, I’ll summarize my position here, and will go into more detail under the issues tab.
To keep cost down Chugach must:
- Continue to negotiate tough and fair natural gas contracts;
- Use natural gas more efficiently;
- Assist members in keeping bills down through energy conservation;
- Diversify and become less dependent on Cook Inlet natural gas, especially by moving to renewable sources;
- Make improvements to the efficiency of Chugach operations and the Railbelt electrical system.
To maintain reliability Chugach must:
- Continue to make efficient and cost effective investments in plant and equipment;
- Maintain a qualified, professional, and motivated workforce;
- Keep Chugach on sound financial footing.
It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve you on the Chugach board over the past three years. You have my continued support of the cooperative model where you, the ratepayers, own the utility. Chugach has been the leader in Alaska’s electric industry, and I want to keep it that way. I ask for your vote to help keep Chugach reliability powering Alaska toward a bright energy future.
Sincerely,
Jim Nordlund |
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