HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEDA_Support LetterS FtlA ;JJfR, -' :,:, ),"#i :,,: :,x,' L,? ;,H i,l,,i il,?,'i*l i,:j
September 19,2012
Alaska Energy Authority
813 West Northern Lights Boulevard
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Dear Sir or Madam:
The Sitka Economic Development Association wishes to express strong support for the City and
Borough of Sitka's request for funding to assist with the costs of the Blue Lake dam
hydroelectric expansion project. SEDA's mission is economic development, and the availability
of reliable energy is vital to this mission.
The expansion of the Blue Lake hydroelectric dam is the top priority for Sitka. Raising the
height of the dam and adding a third turbine is the most f-easible option for increasing Sitka's
capacity for generating electricity. Economic development in Sitka will cease to exist without
stable, reliable, affordable energy. A significant investment of money and time has already been
made by both the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) and the State of Alaska to move this project
forward.
On January 17 ,2012, Sitka electricity consumers set a record at 24 MW for a peak load at
6:00pm. In the past year the CBS has had to burn over $1 million worth of diesel fuel to provide
supplemental power generation at times when the electric demand exceeded they capacity of the
hydroelectric system.
Affordable, renewable energy not only serves the basic needs of Sitka's residents and our current
economy, it is an important attractant for new businesses and supports expansion of existing
business. Sitka has already lost new job creation opportunities due to capacity issues and rate
uncertainty.
Clean, renewable hydroelectricity is essential to maintaining the viability of current businesses
such as three major seafood processors, attracting private sector investment, and supporting the
creation of long-term jobs and economic stability in the community.
Sincerelv-
n' ll
/\ A ll t .
Do,"r\.' WYJ/vr
Garrv White. Executive Director