Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAEA Board Meeting March 2022Alaska Energy Authority BOARD MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Anchorage, Alaska 1. CALL TO ORDER ALAS KA ENERGY AUTHORITY Chair Pruhs called the meeting of the Alaska Energy Authority to order on March 2, 2022, at 8:31 am. A quorum was established. 2. ROLL CALL BOARD MEMBERS Members present: Chair Dana Pruhs (Public Member); Vice -Chair Julie Sande (Commissioner DCCED); Albert Fogle (Public Member); Bill Kendig (Public Member); Anna MacKinnon (SOA-DOR); Bill Vivlamore (Public Member); and Randy Eledge (Public Member). Chair Pruhs welcomed Mr. Eledge as the newest Board member. Mr. Eledge briefly discussed his personal background and professional background. 3. AGENDA APPROVAL Curtis Thayer, Executive Director, suggested the addition of an Executive Session under Item 9F. to include the AIDEA/AEA Organizational Chart and an update on staffing. There was no objection to the friendly amendment to the agenda. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Kendig to approve the agenda as amended adding an Executive Session under Item 9F. to include the AIDEA/AEA Organizational Chart and an update on staffing. Motion seconded by Mr. Fogle. The motion to approve the agenda, as amended adding an Executive Session under Item 9F. to include the AIDEA/AEA Organizational Chart and an update on staffing, passed without objection. 4. PRIOR MINUTES — January 27, 2022 MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Kendig to approve the prior minutes of January 27, 2022, as presented. Motion seconded by Mr. Fogle. The motion to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2022, minutes passed without objection. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (2 minutes per person) Chair Pruhs informed that each person is allowed two minutes to comment. He requested that REDUCING THE COST OF ENERGY IN ALASKA O. O. 813 West Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage, Alaska 99503 T 907.771.3000 Toll Free 888.300.8534 F 907.771.3044 each person clearly state their name and affiliation. Chair Pruhs asked Jennifer Bertolini, AEA, to give directions for public comments. Ms. Bertolini directed that anyone online who wishes to make a public comment press star -nine and they will be notified when it is their turn to speak. There were no apparent members of the public online who wished to make a public comment. There were no members of the public in -person who wished to make a public comment. Chair Pruhs closed the public comment session. Chair Pruhs reminded staff to ensure that a microphone is set up at the back table to use for potential in -person public comments. 6. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Moved to Item 9F. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Presentation Chair Pruhs requested Mr. Thayer begin the presentation. Mr. Thayer stated that Governor Dunleavy has introduced two pieces of legislation for the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Ms. Bertolini apologized for interrupting and indicated that there is a member of the public who has their hand raised for public comment. Chair Pruhs noted that the public comment period is closed. Mr. Thayer continued that an RPS has been adopted in 30 states and two territories. Each RPS is different for a different market. Governor Dunleavy has introduced one bill in the House and one bill in the Senate. One hearing has occurred and two hearings are scheduled next week. Mr. Thayer discussed that the original bills were drafted without participation from the Regulatory Commission, AEA, or the utilities. Since then, meetings have occurred with the Governor and the Governor's Office and the entities to review suggested amendments. Mr. Thayer explained that the presentation before the Board today was given to the Senate Energy Committee and promotes the independent long-term cost reduction with competitive markets. The goal is to transition to 30% renewable power by 2030 and to transition to 80% renewable power by 2040. Mr. Thayer discussed that the best way to diversify the supply is to expand the renewable energy portfolio, thus increasing Alaska's energy security. Mr. Thayer noted that the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) developed five scenarios and determined that the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project would reach the goal for the railbelt average from Homer to Fairbanks to utilize 80% renewable power by 2040. This is not a statewide program. Issues are being addressed as to how the utilities will share renewable energy in the different service territories. Mr. Thayer discussed that there are 90 days left in the session and the bill is highly complex. He commented that there are impassioned beliefs regarding renewables and indicated that 85% of the state's energy needs come from one company in Cook Inlet. Mr. Thayer suggested that Alaska Energy Authority Page 2 of 12 diversification is necessary in Cook Inlet. He noted that other companies in the market left Cook Inlet due to regulatory actions by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) who did not approve gas contracts for seven years. Mr. Thayer reviewed that the Dixon Diversion Project would increase renewable power by about 6% to 7%. Other projects include wind, solar, and tidal options. Both the wind and solar solutions need to utilize batteries. Staff is working with the utilities to determine the placement location of batteries. He discussed that the battery technology has changed. Mr. Thayer noted that there is no nuclear energy included in the bill. He stated that nuclear energy is technically not renewable. Per discussions with the Governor, nuclear will be included as clean energy in a separate bill. The State and military are reviewing the possibility of nuclear energy at Eielson Air Force Base. Mr. Kendig asked how this bill will affect rural communities and Power Cost Equalization (PCE). Mr. Thayer discussed that the prices of Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau set the floor for the PCE. There is also a cap included in the legislation. Mr. Thayer noted that the goal for the RPS is not to raise the cost to the consumer. If the consumer cost is raised, that would affect the PCE. This is one of AEA's concerns and AEA has recommended amendments to address these types of issues. There were no additional questions of comments. Chair Pruhs suggested that if the person in the public who has their hand raised is still on the line after Item 7. is completed, then Chair Pruhs will return to Item 5. for public comment. B. Annual Report Mr. Thayer discussed that the 2021 Annual Report has been provided to members and was due to the Legislature on March 11. All electronic copies were sent on Monday. The hard copies are in the process of being mailed. Mr. Thayer expressed appreciation to the team, especially Brandy Dixon, AEA, for the in-house efforts in developing the annual report. Mr. Thayer discussed that the Annual Report walks through the last year's activities, including financials, owned assets, work in rural Alaska, PCE Program, alternative energy, energy efficiency, and different technologies. The State's electrical hydropower has been increased by 27% on a statewide basis. Wind energy capacity has increased 400% in the last decade. Mr. Thayer mentioned the Power Pledge Challenge (PPC), the Remote Alaska Communities Energy Efficiency Challenge (RACEE), the Village Energy Efficiency Program (VEEP), and the winding down of the Volkswagen Settlement funding. Mr. Thayer discussed the Alaska Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE) will be migrating to the Municipality of Anchorage. He thanked T.W. Patch, AEA, for moving the program forward. Mr. Thayer noted that the Annual Report includes information regarding the electric vehicles (EV) infrastructure. He noted that the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes over $50 million for electric vehicles. AEA is working with DOT on a Memorandum of Understanding for their assistance with the back -office work and AEA's work on the front -office side in order to secure and distribute the funds. A report with DOT is due by August 1' Alaska Energy Authority Page 3 of 12 Chair Pruhs discussed the mention of changing battery technologies. He asked what timeframe is utilized by the co-ops who are fully engaged in the placement of these batteries, and what timeframe is the asset depreciated. Mr. Thayer stated that he would have to get and provide the depreciation schedule information to Chair Pruhs at a later date. Chair Pruhs asked if the batteries were lithium, lead -acids, or NiCd batteries. Mr. Thayer discussed that the batteries that are removed from vehicles are recycled into other types of electrical needs. Mr. Thayer noted that a battery for a car probably has a true life cycle of 20 years, which includes being recycled once. He noted that the Department of Energy is reviewing and studying the recycling and disposal aspects for these batteries. Mr. Thayer discussed that Tesla is beginning to replace batteries and to recycle the batteries into a secondary market. Mr. Thayer indicated that a Tesla battery has been recently brought online in Homer. Chair Pruhs asked for the total price. Mr. Thayer noted that the cost was close to $115 million. The service territory includes approximately 60,000 customers. Chair Pruhs requested additional information regarding the type of batteries, the lifespan of the batteries, the depreciation schedule, and the cost per meter. Mr. Thayer discussed that Chugach Electric Association (CEA) and Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) are reviewing the possibility of utilizing a battery at CEA's offices located at International Airport Road and Minnesota Drive. The battery would be portable and would have a small footprint. There were no additional questions. Chair Pruhs noted that the meeting will return to Item 5. Public Comment. S. PUBLIC COMMENTS (2 minutes per person) Ken Castner from Homer stated that he continues to have difficulty connecting to the meeting, even though he presses star -nine repeatedly. He thanked Chair Pruhs for letting him speak. Mr. Castner commented that the previous minutes indicated that after the Board returned from Executive Session, Chair Pruhs stated that no "official" business had been done and the minutes state that no "formal" business had been done. Mr. Castner commented that those two words may mean the same for the Board, but that the two words do not mean the same thing to him. Mr. Castner noted the discrepancy for the record. Mr. Castner provided his second comment for the previous meeting that Chair Pruhs stated, "That was a great presentation this morning from the utilities. I learned a lot." Mr. Castner commented that it was good for the Board to learn a lot and that the public ought to hear the information as well. Mr. Castner does not know why AEA is taking presentations in Executive Session. Mr. Castner believes things of that nature need to be shared with the public. Mr. Castner provided his last comment regarding the vehicle batteries and noted that the oldest batteries are in the RAV 4 and are 30 years old. Mr. Castner has a friend in San Francisco that is still driving his car and his total maintenance bill over the course of 30 years is $52 dollars for a third -year capacitor burn out. Otherwise, he noted that it should be considered that these vehicles Alaska Energy Authority Page 4 of 12 are really maintenance free. Mr. Castner commented that HEA owns a big Tesla battery located in Soldotna and not in Homer. There being no other members of the public online or in -person wishing to make a public comment, Chair Pruhs closed the public comment period again. C. AEA Cash Movement Analysis and Insights Chair Pruhs indicated that his agenda does not include Item 7C. Mr. Thayer suggested reviewing AEA Cash Movement Analysis and Insights during Directors Comments. There was no objection. Chair Pruhs suggested to take a five-minute at -ease. There was no objection. Chair Pruhs returned the meeting to order and requested Mr. Thayer move to Item 9. Directors Comments. There was no objection. 8. OLD BUSINESS — None. 9. DIRECTOR COMMENTS A. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Mr. Thayer noted that the information provided is the latest living document spreadsheet on the ILIA. Mr. Thayer stated that he is in meetings at least twice a week with the Governor's Office reviewing the nuances of the bill and receiving guidance from the Federal Government on an irregular basis. Clarification and a path forward have been provided for the electric vehicle infrastructure program. The funding is available to Alaska through the Department of Transportation. Mr. Thayer discussed that there appears to be qualified funding available for infrastructure upgrades from Bradley Lake to Anchorage. AEA has submitted the request to the Governor's Office as a potential program. Mr. Thayer discussed that there is money available to rural Alaska that needs a pass -through agency in which AEA can serve as that pass -through agency. Some of the funding requires a 20% match. AEA received a clarification regarding the utility match and noted that the money the utilities have allocated to Bradley Lake and others for the O&M, that becomes State money and will serve as a match. These issues are being reviewed by Legal and guidance is being sought from the Federal Government. Mr. Thayer indicated that every state has similar questions and clarifications. He noted that AEA staff members have been assigned different sections of the bill to track and update. A meeting on Friday will review the possibility of funding for tidal research for Cook Inlet power. B. Owned Assets Update Mr. Thayer discussed the provided Railbelt Owned Asset Update included in the packet. Staff has been working with the Intertie Operating Committee (IOC) on the Systems Studies Subcommittee Alaska Energy Authority Page 5 of 12 and the consultant to tune the Static VAR Compensator Power Oscillation Dampers. AEA is also working with Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) to transfer Cantwell Substation distribution equipment to GVEA. Snow Load Monitoring has continued to be an issue. The FY23 budget preparation is beginning for the Alaska Intertie. Work continues with MEA and GVEA on vegetation management plans that are due on April V. AEA is working with MEA in response to a section line easement road building request by DOT. Mr. Thayer reviewed that Bradley Lake is running at normal snowpack for the winter. He noted that Bob Day, Superintendent, has retired and a new Superintendent will begin in mid -March. The lake level was at its lowest point for this time of year in the last decade. Additional information is included in the report regarding normal year lake levels for Bradley Lake. Mr. Thayer noted that today is Kirk Warren's last day with AEA, and he will begin his new role with the DOT as a Regional Supervisor of Maintenance and Operations. Mr. Thayer discussed that Bryan Carey, AEA, will step in as the Director of Owned Assets. Mr. Thayer informed that Mr. Carey has been with AEA for over 20 years. Mr. Thayer looks forward to working with Mr. Carey in his new role. There were no questions. C. Renewable Energy Fund (REF) i. Round 13 Update ii. Round 14 Mr. Thayer provided the update on Round 13 and 14 for the REF. The Legislature funded 11 projects in Round 13. There are 39 applicants for Round 14 for a total ask amount of $19.2 million. The Governor's Budget includes $15 million for the round. Mr. Thayer believes that amount will be sufficient after the technical and economic analyses are completed and qualifications are reviewed. The Renewable Energy Fund Advisory Committee (REFAC) will then be consulted. The REFAC consists of four legislators and five public members and will provide recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature in early April. Mr. Thayer discussed that the process timeline normally begins earlier, but was delayed this year because the Department of Revenue (DOR) provided the information regarding the excess earnings later than anticipated. Ms. MacKinnon asked Mr. Thayer to provide the names of the four legislative representatives who serve on the REFAC. Mr. Thayer listed Representative Adam Wool, Representative Tiffany Zulkosky, Senator Natasha Von Imhof, and Senator David Wilson. Ms. MacKinnon asked who was placed on the Finance Committees for consideration for the projects. She noted that Mr. Thayer does not need to provide any additional information. Chair Pruhs asked if there is a procedure to assist the applications on the next round if they were found ineligible for qualification for this round. Mr. Thayer agreed. Chair Pruhs asked what AEA does to assist those applicants and help facilitate them to meet the criteria for the next round. Alaska Energy Authority Page 6 of 12 Mr. Thayer noted that staff initially reviews timeliness and completeness of the application. Staff works with communities to get to that point. If there is an economic or technical analysis needed, staff will work with communities to identify their weaknesses. AEA is very generous in trying to make projects work, especially for the smaller communities. There is also an appeal process available. Mr. Thayer explained that there were three out of the 39 applicants this year that were other State agencies looking for funding for solar or waste energy for their buildings. Those applicants were disqualified because of the concern that a State agency has a State budget approval process to follow through the Governor's Office and Legislature. Mr. Thayer believes that the REF monies are available to communities and State agency requests are an inappropriate fit for the program. There were no additional questions. D. Power Cost Equalization (PCE) Statistical Report Mr. Thayer reviewed the PCE Statistical Report dated March 1, 2022. It has been provided to the Legislature. This is a public document and is posted on the website. This statistical report data is listed by community and there is also a report that is listed by utility. There were no questions. E. EURP Update Mr. Thayer discussed the Electric Utility Relief Program Update included in the Board packet. The program was established during the Governor's declaration and at the request of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) for AEA to distribute approximately $7 million to reimburse the utilities for residential debt associated with COVID-19. Approximately $3 million has been distributed. There were 35 applicants in Round 1. The program does not apply to commercial customers. Mr. Thayer noted that approximately 200 communities were anticipated to qualify for the program. Round 2 has begun and only one applicant has submitted. The deadline is March 15th. Staff will meet with the Governor's Office and DCCED after the deadline to determine disposition of the balance of the funds. Ms. MacKinnon commented that she believes that the deadline for the original COVID-19 funding is possibly at the end of 2022. She noted that others should verify the specific timing. Mr. Thayer discussed that AEA was asked to administer the program and it has been successful with no issues. Included in the Board packet are letters to AEA thanking staff for their efforts in distributing the funds. Mr. Thayer explained that other COVID-19 funds were available to assist with residential debt and that entities could not apply twice for the same assistance. He gave the example that the City of Seward paid off bad debt with other COVID-19 utility relief monies and therefore, could not apply for this program. Mr. Thayer gave other similar examples. He stated that most of the electrical utilities' bad debt from COVID-19 has been made whole. There were no additional questions. Alaska Energy Authority Page 7 of 12 MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Fogle to enter into executive session to discuss confidential matters related to confidential personnel matters of the Authority. This is supported by the Open Meetings Act, AS 44.62.310, which allows a Board to consider confidential matters in executive session. In this case, the Board believes that these personnel matters are required by law to be confidential. Motion seconded by Mr. Kendig. The motion to enter into executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters passed without objection. F. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 9:14 am Discuss confidential matters related to personnel matters. FY2022 AIDEA / AEA Org Chart The Board reconvened its regular meeting at 9:57 am. Chair Pruhs advised that the Board did not take any formal actions on the matters discussed while in executive session. Mr. Thayer invited Dona Keppers, AEA, to discuss the one -page report entitled AIDEA & AEA Cash Movement Analysis and Insights that is included in the Board packets. Ms. Keppers reviewed the amounts and timing of AIDEA's and AEA's cash flows into the Alaskan economy. She commented that this is important to the mission of the agencies and the impact throughout the state. In FY21, both AIDEA and AEA generated approximately $200 million in cash movement, of which 96% was to Alaska vendors. There was approximately $97 million in AK CARES funding during the same time. Ms. Keppers discussed the specific accounts payable information for AEA, including the work for Bradley, the Intertie, PCE, and others grants and projects. For FY21, about 38% of the accounts payable activities is grant and project related. Ms. Keppers reviewed the general ledger entries shown at the bottom of the page. She noted that AEA's activity each year is both high volume and high dollar. Ms. Keppers reiterated the importance of understanding the impact of the accounts payable section for shared services of AEA and AIDEA. Chair Pruhs asked what the typical time is to turn around an accounts payable invoice. Ms. Keppers explained that some of the accounts payable invoices have terms and sometimes it takes about three weeks. She discussed that staff reviews the accounts payable aging and utilizes metrics to measure performance and the size of the staff based on the volume. Ms. Keppers reviewed the increased shift in electronic banking for deposits and payments, and other pieces of automation. This has decreased the amount of time it takes for activities. The accounts payable are received both electronically and in paper form. Chair Pruhs asked if purchase orders (PO) or some types of authorization are primarily utilized when funds are spent. Ms. Keppers agreed. Chair Pruhs asked if the system allows AEA to attach the invoice to the payment authorization. Ms. Keppers agreed. She noted the goal is to continue to reduce the amount of paper invoicing received in accounts payable. The majority of the Alaska Energy Authority Page 8 of 12 invoices are received through an email address, which includes all supporting documentation. The information then moves through the business workflow and processes, including procurement, PO, and contract services. The information is archived electronically as it moves through the processed. Once the physical documents are archived, they are categorized in either record retention or to shred. Ms. Keppers discussed that the goal is to reduce the paper footprint and increase the electronic workflows within the systems. Mr. Vivlamore asked for the definition of an Alaskan vendor. Ms. Keppers explained that Alaskan vendors are defined as those that have Alaskan addresses. The AK CARES program included this requirement. Ms. Keppers noted there are vendors that have out of state corporate addresses, but their businesses are located in Alaska. Chair Pruhs asked if there is a goal to shorten the three-week turnaround for POs. Ms. Keppers discussed that staff is in the process of establishing the appropriate metrics and has the responsibility to pay on or before the terms that are agreed to within the contracts. The goal is to reduce the number of late payments. Chair Pruhs asked if there are any account payables (AP) that are related to the account receivables (AR) that cannot be paid until AEA gets the receivables. Ms. Keppers agreed and noted that the vendors are aware of those circumstances. There were no additional questions. G. Legislative Update Mr. Thayer discussed that the Legislature is in session and AEA was required to update the Legislature on the Capital Reserve Funds, Round 14 of the REF, Capital Project Status Report, and the Susitna-Watana Project. Also included in the Board packet is a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding Electric Vehicles (EV) Charging Program funds. Nothing in rural Alaska qualifies because it is for the highway system and the marine highway system. This is a cause of concern for AEA because it is exclusionary to rural areas including Bethel, Dillingham, Nome, Kotzebue, and others. Mr. Thayer noted that presentations that have been given or submitted to the Legislature are also included in the Board packet. Mr. Thayer reviewed that staff is currently tracking eight active bills and he is scheduled to testify on five bills this week and approximately the same amount of testimony next week. Mr. Thayer discussed that the Renewable Portfolio Standards is a Governor's bill and AEA is carrying that legislation and responsible for participating in the hearings. There is a bill in the House and in the Senate regarding the Renewable Energy Fund extension that requests expiration in 2033. AEA is averaging two to three hearings a week on that legislation, and it should move through the process without any issues. Mr. Thayer stated that the Railbelt Energy Fund from the Legislature had $3.4 million of the funds swept in 2021. Mr. Thayer noted that the balance is now zero and some legislators see this fund as one that could be erased off of the books of the State. AEA has raised this issue and the sponsor will introduce to Committee to keep the Railbelt Energy Fund because the Power Sales Agreement for Bradley Lake was tied to the Railbelt Energy Fund in 1991, and is tied for another Alaska Energy Authority Page 9 of 12 20 years. Bradley Lake excess payments can go to required project work and if the required project work is not completed, the excess payments go into the Railbelt Energy Fund. If the Legislature eliminates the Railbelt Energy Fund, then AEA and the utilities have to reopen a 30-year-old document, and nobody wants to do that. Mr. Thayer discussed that the Legislature did not ask AEA if the fund was still active or the purpose of the fund, but now that the Legislature knows, staff anticipates they will maintain the Railbelt Energy Fund as an active fund with the State. Mr. Thayer stated that AEA is working with Representative Thompson in support of the bill regarding the PCE Endowment and community assistance, and up to $25 million for Rural Powerhouses, Renewable Energy Fund or to capitalize the Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Fund. In the Governor's budget this year, of that $25 million, there is $15 million for the Renewable Energy Fund and $10 million for Powerhouses, which is being federally matched with another $10 million. Mr. Thayer explained that Representative Thompson's bill eliminates the cap of $25 million and includes Bulk Fuel within the qualifying definition. Mr. Thayer noted that bulk fuel in the state currently has $800 million in deferred maintenance. Mr. Kendig asked if Senator Hoffman is supportive of the Representative Thompson's bill. Mr. Thayer noted that he does not know the answer and there is not a companion bill in the Senate. Mr. Thayer informed that another bill, H13371, was introduced to change Alaska Energy Authority's name and duties. The bill would change the name to Alaska Energy and Broadband Authority. The bill sees the Authority as a vehicle for putting in a billion dollars of broadband and creating a broadband cost equalization program similar to PCE. Staff has been working on a bill analysis and the fiscal note would require at least a dozen new people to maintain and distribute funding for the new program. There have been no hearings held on the bill and there is no companion bill in the Senate. AEA has been responsive to the analysis, but AEA neither planned nor anticipated the bill. Chair Pruhs noted that Mr. Thayer mentioned $800 million in deferred maintenance for bulk fuel and asked what solution is planned. Mr. Thayer discussed that the solution is State funding. The last two years' of the Governor's budget included $5.5 million for bulk fuel. Both the powerhouses and bulk fuel qualify for federal matches. The $5.5 million in the budget this year was federally matched by $7.5 million, which means approximately $13 million went toward the $800 million in deferred maintenance. The number now is approximately $790 million. Chair Pruhs asked if there are hard facts behind the estimated amounts. He discussed that with 5% inflation, the cost would be $840 million with no real depreciation on the asset for the year, and with 7% inflation this year, the cost increases to about $900 million. He noted that Alaska is seeing a considerable increase in the cost of construction, as well as increased inflation across the country. Chair Pruhs expressed his concern about giving out a number that may not be accurate. He asked for the plan on how the funding of $5 million is going to affect the total cost. Mr. Thayer stated that the number given to the legislators is in excess of $800 million, so that they could understand the size of the problem. He noted that the match of $7.5 million is Alaska Energy Authority Page 10 of 12 approximately 1% of the problem. Mr. Thayer commented that the Governor or the Legislature needs to add a significant 'amount of money to this issue. He believes that Representative Thompson's bill is trying to offer another revenue source so that the match of federal dollars can be utilized. Chair Pruhs reiterated the importance that staff be very clear regarding the accuracy of the number, that includes defendable information, inflation, and depreciation. Mr. Thayer discussed the amount is defendable. There is $400 million in bulk fuel in rural Alaska that is Coast Guard code compliant. The statute requires that the top 25 communities identified have a defined budget that is revised every year. There is a 10-year outlook of work that maintains an active estimate. There were no additional questions. H. Community Outreach Mr. Thayer discussed that community outreach is increasing now that mask mandates have lifted. The Governor is conducting an energy sustainability conference in May and AEA will participate. I. Articles of Interest Mr. Thayer introduced and welcomed Audrey Alstrom as the new Director of the Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency Programs. He discussed her professional background. Mr. Thayer noted the articles of interest included in packet. J. Next Regularly Scheduled AEA Board Meeting Wednesday, April 13, 2022 Mr. Thayer advised that the next scheduled AEA Board meeting is Wednesday, April 13, 2022. 10. BOARD COMMENTS Chair Pruhs expressed appreciation to Mr. Thayer and staff. Chair Pruhs requested that Board business be conducted regarding Mr. Kendig becoming Vice - Chair. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Fogle to elect Mr. Kendig as Vice -Chair of the Alaska Energy Authority Board. Motion seconded by Mr. Vivlamore. The motion to elect Mr. Kendig as Vice -Chair of AEA was approved without objection. Chair Pruhs appointed Mr. Vivlamore to AEA Audit and Budget Subcommittee. Chair Pruhs thanked Mr. Vivlamore for taking the responsibility. There was no objection. Alaska Energy Authority Page 11 of 12 Chair Pruhs thanked Ms. Bertolini and the staff for their efficient work. 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business of the Board, the AEA meeting adjourned at 10:22 am. './� ?- a"-� Curtis W. Thayer, Exceutive Director / Secretary Alaska Energy Authority Page 12 of 12