Administration watches AK-BC power line debate
Ed Schoenfeld
JUNEAU, ALASKA (2010-03-09) The Parnell administration is not ready to join the campaign to build a power line linking Southeast Alaska to central British Columbia.
But it’s tracking the project and considering its pros and cons.
Gene Therriault, the governor’s energy adviser, discussed what’s called the A-K-B-C intertie at a Southeast Conference meeting earlier this month in Juneau.
The administration of Governor Frank Murkowski pushed for construction of the line. But state support has lessened since he left office.
The most likely route would start at the Bradfield Canal, southeast of Wrangell, and cross the coastal mountains to British Columbia. Canadian officials have taken steps toward extending the province’s electrical grid to a point where it could connect to the cross-boundary line. But construction is not certain.
A private company trying to develop hydroelectric plants northeast of Petersburg wants to sell power across the border. And Wrangell officials have pushed for the project.
Therriault says the governor has not made direct contact with British Columbia about the line. But he says the Alaska Energy Authority has been in touch with provincial power officials.
But it’s tracking the project and considering its pros and cons.
Gene Therriault, the governor’s energy adviser, discussed what’s called the A-K-B-C intertie at a Southeast Conference meeting earlier this month in Juneau.
The administration of Governor Frank Murkowski pushed for construction of the line. But state support has lessened since he left office.
The most likely route would start at the Bradfield Canal, southeast of Wrangell, and cross the coastal mountains to British Columbia. Canadian officials have taken steps toward extending the province’s electrical grid to a point where it could connect to the cross-boundary line. But construction is not certain.
A private company trying to develop hydroelectric plants northeast of Petersburg wants to sell power across the border. And Wrangell officials have pushed for the project.
Therriault says the governor has not made direct contact with British Columbia about the line. But he says the Alaska Energy Authority has been in touch with provincial power officials.
Energy adviser
Gene Therriault.
Hear more of Therriault's energy issues speech to the Southeast Conference.
Hear more of the talk on energy.
© Copyright 2010, CoastAlaska
