Editor’s Note: Free-market energy advocate Todd M. Lindley is running for a board position at Anchorage-based Chugach Electric Association, the largest power distributor in the state.
On April 29, voting opens for Chugach Electric to elect two board members who will determine the future of the utility. A reset in the name of energy exceptionalism is needed.
Much of the policy adopted in recent years has favored organizations that invest in alternative energy. For an electric utility that serves more than 90,000 rate payers, this strategy is shortsighted and heavily reliant on regulation to even the playing field with traditional energy sources. This is not a sustainable path, nor does it provide an economy of scale to address risks associated with generation and transmission in Alaska. After voting opens, rate payers have a chance to accept the status quo and get more of the same or take a risk and make a change at the May 29 election.…