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2023 MEA Board Candidates

Candidates AGAINST the proposed Susitna-Watana Dam:

1. Constance "Connie" Fredenberg: "Risks to salmon are too high"

2. Anastasia Buretta: "Risks outweigh the rewards"

3. Joy Condon: "River is a big resource"

4. Bryan Cherry: The dam "would do more harm than good"

5. Gregory A. Hunt Sr.: "Not sure it'll solve the problems MEA faces now"

Candidate Questionnaires

At the Susitna River Coalition (SRC), we think it's important to increase MEA member-owner participation in the board elections. There are two At-Large seats available on the MEA board of directors this spring, and nine candidates are running. We sent out questionnaires to all the candidates, so we could find out more about each one and why they want to be an MEA board director. The more information we have from each candidate, the better decisions we can make when voting. Here are the ones that we have received back so far, and we will continue to post more as we receive them. (In alphabetic order.)

Organizational affiliation, if any:  

Chugach Alaska Corporation (Current Employer) 

What is your experience with utilities in Alaska?  

My current experience with utilities in Alaska has been paying my monthly MEA bill and understanding the impact of the high cost of energy on my ability to buy local goods and heat my home.   

The future of Cook Inlet natural gas is uncertain. This is currently the fuel for 85% of the Railbelt electricity. What do you want the Railbelt energy system to look like 10 years from now? 

My vision for the energy system is that we will establish a reliable and clean energy source that does not rely directly on natural gas. I believe that there are multiple avenues that can and should be explored by the MEA board, such as wind and solar energy. 

What should be the biggest priorities for Alaska energy utilities?  

I believe the two biggest priorities for Alaska are reliability and affordability.

 

What are your thoughts on the development of the Susitna-Watana dam? Is this a project you support?

No

 

What are your considerations when weighing other hydro project developments? 

I believe that hydro energy is a valuable option that should be considered along with its impacts on Alaskan wildlife. 

 

As a member-owned co-op, tell us what you think about board transparency as a form of good  governance? 

I believe board transparency is vital for members to make informed decisions within their co‐op and within their public utilities. 

 

Is there anything else you would like to share with MEA member-owners? 

I hope to bring a unique perspective to the MEA board that helps to push options and possibilities of clean energy forward.  

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2023 Candidate

Anastasia Buretta

Organizational affiliation, if any:  

N/A

What is your experience with utilities in Alaska?  

Professionally I was a Resource Efficiency Manager working for the US Air Force charged with improving energy efficiencies at the Long-Range Radar Sites throughout Alaska. This required interfacing and understanding the relationships and structure of many of the smaller, village-scale utilities.  

The future of Cook Inlet natural gas is uncertain. This is currently the fuel for 85% of the Railbelt electricity. What do you want the Railbelt energy system to look like 10 years from now? 

There isn’t a single solution for the challenges MEA faces in the next decade. Although it’s cliché’ the response is “all of the above”.  Resilience, reliability, renewables.  Concurrently the priorities need to be looking for an alternate fuel source to the Cook Inlet, improving the efficiency of the current infrastructure, all the while managing the inevitable growth.  The projected time from for the loss of Cook Inlet gas is 5 years. It’s not just the electric utilities which are impacted. Enstar Natural Gas will also need to find an alternative.  

What should be the biggest priorities for Alaska energy utilities?  

Improving resilience. This is a multipart effort which would need to include diversification of our fuel supplies and improving the transmission and distribution of power. There is no single solution to the challenges that we face in the years ahead. The solutions will require focus, reason, discipline, consistency, and sustained effort.  We must include all stakeholders: coop members, coop management, and the community to ensure reliable, resilient, and affordable power for everyone.

 

What are your thoughts on the development of the Susitna-Watana dam? Is this a project you support?

If I recall correctly the state has undertaken 3(?) studies on this project in the past 2 decades or so, and no case has been made the project is either necessary or viable. It has been good for a few consultants though. Based on what information is available, it appears the project would do more harm than good. 

What are your considerations when weighing other hydro project developments? 

I like hydro projects as a general statement but it’s site-specific. Juneau, for example, has a hydro-power system that seems to work, has minimal negative impacts, and produces very inexpensive power because it’s well sited and makes sense.  

 

As a member-owned co-op, tell us what you think about board transparency as a form of good  governance? 

Absolutely imperative that the organization is transparent. It builds confidence. 

 

Is there anything else you would like to share with MEA member-owners? 

I would like to be involved in the direction that the MEA takes over the next few years.  Change isn’t always good nor is it always bad, but it is inevitable. My objective in seeking this position is to be part of that change. To have a voice for myself and others in influencing and guiding the inevitable. The MEA is facing challenges as our membership expands and new service areas are added in response to growing demand. 

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Bryan Cherry

2023 Candidate

Organizational affiliation, if any:

N/A


What is your experience with utilities in Alaska?

I spent some time in my youth working for Chugach Electric in line operations and maintenance. I also spent time with United Utilities/GCI that focused on rural internet connectivity but the remote stations did provide their own power generation. While working for Alyeska Pipeline at Pump Station we did generate our own power, additionally while in the Navy Reserves deployed to Iraq in a Construction Battalion unit (SeaBee), again we generated our own power.


The future of Cook Inlet natural gas is uncertain. This is currently the fuel for 85% of the Railbelt electricity. What do you want the Railbelt energy system to look like 10 years from now?

I would like to see a majority of our power to come from sustainable, renewable resources.  I think that becoming like Kodiak at 100% wind might be a stretch I think we need to set goals so at least we have a target. 10 years from now I want to see competitive kwh rates, and know that our system is working towards being completely sustainable.  There is no magic fix for power generation on the scale that we need to provide to everyone, but small steps over time I think we will be surprised at what we can achieve. 


What should be the biggest priorities for Alaska energy utilities?

I believe the priorities should be reliability, sustainability and affordability. Natural gas will not last or be affordable forever. Not all that is sustainable is the right fit for the utility. It will be a careful balance on investment and affordability.


What are your thoughts on the development of the Susitna-Watana dam? Is this a project you support?

No, I am not a supporter of the Susitna-Watana dam. I am not against the use of hydro, but there needs to be a fine balance with resources. The Susitna is a very important resource in this area and as fish numbers are already in decline I believe it would be walking on thin ice to do anything that could have the potential to jeopardize those numbers. 


What are your considerations when weighing other hydro project development?

I am not against hydro project development, but I think it needs to be thoroughly vetted as to the overall impact on the environment as a whole.  We need to evaluate not only the possible impacts of today but look at the potential impacts in the future.  

As a member-owned co-op, tell us what you think about board transparency as a form of good governance?
It is only through transparency that good governance can occur. All members should have a voice through the elected board member so that all voices and concerns can be heard and addressed. 


Is there anything else you would like to share with MEA member-owners?

I believe that I have a varied background in utilities and government, non-profit and volunteerism to be an asset to the MEA board.  I am excited to assist MEA transition into the next chapter that will affect both the members, and the State of Alaska.  

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Joy Condon

2023 Candidate

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2023 Candidate

Constance "Connie" Fredenberg

Organizational affiliation, if any:

N/A


What is your experience with utilities in Alaska?
For the past 20 years I have worked with Independent Rural AK utilities. I have initiated renewable resource assessments, obtained environmental permits for development, written grants for funding to develop promising projects, installed pre-pay electric meters in 43 villages, and assisted administrative staff to maximize their Power Cost Equalization in over 40 communities. I have worked on and solved several line loss mysteries for utilities. I currently provide technical assistance to small, independent Rural utilities through the Alaska Energy Authority.


The future of Cook Inlet natural gas is uncertain. This is currently the fuel for 85% of the Railbelt electricity. What do you want the Railbelt energy system to look like 10 years from now?
I would like to see far more renewable energy generation developed – small run of the river hydro, wind
and solar installations, and batteries utilizing the new graphene battery in development by Blue Planet
now. I would like to see many more rooftop solar installations and/or small wind systems for residential
customers. Electric air source heat pumps work well even under Arctic conditions as demonstrated in
Northwest Arctic Borough communities. Utilizing heat pumps would help conserve Cook Inlet natural gas
for making electricity.


What should be the biggest priorities for Alaska energy utilities?
Finding alternative sources of energy to natural gas that are safe, affordable, and sustainable.


What are your thoughts on the development of the Susitna-Watana dam? Is this a project you support?

No. The risks to salmon are too high.
 

What are your considerations when weighing other hydro project development?
My first thoughts are always of salmon – I fully approve of the smaller run of the river projects that are proven to operate safely along with fish runs.

As a member-owned co-op, tell us what you think about board transparency as a form of good governance?
Even when not a member owned co-op, I always encourage the utilities I work with to hold an annual community meeting to inform customers how rates are set and to inform ratepayers of any upcoming projects that might affect rates.


Is there anything else you would like to share with MEA member-owners?
I would consider it an honor to be a part of the team that helps MEA transition away from natural gas. I believe my work history with rural utilities, successful grant writing skills, and environmental permitting experience are useful skills that I can bring to the MEA BOD.

Organizational affiliation, if any:

I am a Mat-Su resident and a small business owner. 


What is your experience with utilities in Alaska?

I have enjoyed using power from MEA for the past decade. Like most of us, the majority  of my experiences have centered around paying my utility bill every month. What I bring  to the MEA board is a willingness to listen to member needs and bring those needs to  the table. For me, it’s about collective representation, not partisanship or agendas. MEA  needs good decision-makers on the board who are concerned not only about its  member-owners, but this beautiful state and its families. 


The future of Cook Inlet natural gas is uncertain. This is currently the fuel for 85% of the Railbelt electricity. What do you want the Railbelt energy system to look like 10 years from now?

Ten years is but a few minutes in long-range planning. The biggest change I see is the  evolution of the transportation sector to electric vehicle use. How and when vehicle charging will occur, where will stations be placed, how power demand will be affected, etc.  There is already an important and concerted effort to use and promote renewable  resources in place of fossil fuels. It is important that MEA is prepared for these changes  while continuing to provide affordable, reliable, safe, and accessible energy.


What should be the biggest priorities for Alaska energy utilities?

Two words: renewable energy. I don’t think any Alaskan would argue against having an  unending source of clean, efficient power, whenever needed. I believe the challenge lies in making power safe, reliable and affordable while not destroying the way of life that is  uniquely Alaskan. Maintaining a good working relationship with all Railbelt utilities will be key in developing collaborative, innovative solutions for tomorrow’s power needs. 


What are your thoughts on the development of the Susitna-Watana dam? Is this a project you support?

What are your considerations when weighing other hydro project development?

As it is currently being considered, I am not sure it will solve the problem facing Railbelt  power users: clean, affordable power to keep lights on and homes warm. Add the uncertain future of available natural gas and the problem becomes complex. Energy use  and production will continue to change, particularly as electric vehicle use continues to expand. MEA members and the community will need to work together to find solutions that are clean, affordable and least impactful to our state. Hydro power is just one of several clean energy possibilities.  

As a member-owned co-op, tell us what you think about board transparency as a form of good governance?

The primary responsibility of any board is to serve the organization; its vision, mission,  goals and members. I believe in a servant leadership approach to governance. In other  words, “What can I do for you, the member, so this organization better serves you?”  Board decisions should rarely be made in a vacuum, behind closed doors. This only  breeds distrust. Transparency is a fundamental quality every board should possess and  practice regularly through its communications. 


Is there anything else you would like to share with MEA member-owners?I believe MEA faces some difficult decisions in the next 5-10 years and those decisions  will have a lasting effect for generations to come. Because of my background in  technology and experience in governance, I believe I am a good fit for this important  position. I appreciate your consideration and rest assured, your voice will be heard.

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2023 Candidate

Gregory A. Hunt Sr.

Organizational affiliation, if any:
Presently Secretary/Treasurer of the MEA Board


What is your experience with utilities in Alaska?
I’ve been a Member/customer of MEA since 1977; involved with interactions, including running for the Board (in 2007); active member of the MEA Bylaws Committee from 2008-2021 (wrote/sponsored the major elections process rewrite for Bylaws; also intensely involved, from the initiation of the action, in the [adopted by vote, 2022] ‘Restated Bylaws’); active member of the MEA Elections Committee from 2009-2021; Appointed as a member of the MEA Board 2021; Elected as Sec’y/Treas, 2022. Of note, I’ve spent more than 200 hours in classes from NRECA and achieved CCD (Credentialed Cooperative Director), BLC (Board Leadership Certificate), and DG (Director Gold) – the highest certification in NRECA’s multi-level education program. I’ve also interacted with many individual Board and Staff members of Alaska Cooperatives, especially the Railbelt Coop’s. I’ve also attended a few state conferences inre Electrification of Alaska.

The future of Cook Inlet natural gas is uncertain. This is currently the fuel for 85% of the Railbelt electricity. What do you want the Railbelt energy system to look like 10 years from now?
First, I want all of us to be able to flip a switch and not give a second thought to the fact that the lights will turn on. So, 10 years from now, that’s what I want all of us to be able to do – affordably and reliably. Next, technology is not yet to the stage, and alternatives are not yet to the stage to be able to substitute for carbon-based energy production. Until that is clearly on the horizon, and affordably available, we’ve got to be realistic. We cannot substitute our current means and methods of producing dependable, reliable electricity with pipe dreams (not be confused with a possible gas pipeline from the North Slope). The sun is not out enough, and the wind doesn’t blow enough; there isn’t enough battery storage potential (BESS – Battery Energy Storage Systems) – and it’s not affordable in the quantity/capacity that we’d need to ‘carry us over’; and our current infrastructure (specifically the Bradley Lake-to-Fairbanks extension cord) is not capable of getting us there yet either. However, this does not mean that we should not study and embrace any and all potential carbon-alternative/free efforts. I recognize that the proven, reasonably reliable, usually cost-effective option of hydro power is one of the best possible solutions – but hydro can have environmental and cost handicaps. New/now discussion of ‘small modular nuclear reactors’ is interesting but remains to be fully vetted. The same can be said for Hydrogen-based solutions. Solar is a great thing – if the sun is out. Working around that unfortunate necessity is the problem with it, and it requires huge advances in technology, tremendous environmental impact for construction materials for them, and high-cost outlays for BESS. And the development/installation cost subsidies are very deceptive; getting ‘grants’ that come from anywhere means that someone (else) is still footing the bill for the whole project. It’s a Chilkoot Charley situation “Cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to…you.” Wind is very like solar in almost every way; substitute “wind” for “sun” above. So, my final assessment is that we’re all working hard to anticipate what we know is pending, using the best – developing and constantly changing/advancing – information we’ve got. I and you both want that light to turn on, and we know it’s not magic.

What should be the biggest priorities for Alaska energy utilities?
Studying, planning, and developing strategies to ‘survive’ the time between now and when technology and construction can ensure that our lights will come on when we flip that switch. Per the discussion above, I know that technology has not yet stabilized on the solution/answer to this question. For those who don’t agree, think back to the complete ruckus we went through from 33 1/3RPM/45’s to Blu-Ray. Those who jumped on Beta got eaten alive by those who settled on VCR. But all lost out to DVD. Substitute Carbon, solar, wind, thermal, hydro, hydrogen, and nuclear in that discussion.
a. Strengthen/improve, make-redundant the Railbelt extension cord – No ONE of the current utilities (except MEA) can withstand a break in that line. MEA’s membership in the Railbelt Reliability Council is big part of this.
b. Stay on top of the industry/technology changes and be ready-to-act as soon as a true ‘end game-that-will-work’ becomes apparent. Shotgunning in six different directions – carbon-based, hydro, solar, wind, nuclear, hydrogen – is sure to cost far more than carefully planning, and, also sure to create a hydra that will not be reliable. Other than already proven-for-reliability carbon-based and hydro, nothing is a ‘sure bet’ yet, and it would take about as much time to develop more of that tried-and-true generation as it will to confirm and deploy the potential alternatives.
c. Reality has it that some people think they have THE ANSWER to all of these questions. But I believe one last thing all utilities must have as a priority is to vet all options, do what they can to review all options, and avoid being ramrodded to do SOMETHING, even if it is wrong; because at this point, it just could be. I do believe that these are times for aggressive patience.

What are your thoughts on the development of the Susitna-Watana dam? Is this a project you support?
I was a fishing guide on the Susitna during the height of the studies on this project (1986-2000). In fact, I took at least a couple of the waterflow engineers/hydrologists out onto the river in my boat so they could conduct some of their studies. And I am a strong supporter of hydro power, versus some of the other alternatives. However, I am not for ‘building it regardless of any implications or cost’, nor am I ‘against it regardless of any arguments.’ Having said that, there are huge considerations/decisions that come into play with S-W (or any hydro) in the environmental areas. I’m willing to give up a far-out-in-the-wilderness valley for the greater public good if the benefits to society are greater than the problems that it creates. The cost/benefit ratio of construction/production are big considerations; the impact on the Susitna River (and the influence on the tributaries also) and fisheries is a huge consideration.

 

What are your considerations when weighing other hydro project development?
Among other things:
 Fisheries
 Environmental impact
 Flooding/adequate instream flow
 Recreational impact
 Benefit to society
 Cost/benefit
 Long-term viability
 Somewhere in here, location – specifically, it should be located close enough to the
use for the source to be considered viable.

As a member-owned co-op, tell us what you think about board transparency as a form of good governance?
I’m all about transparency at all levels. I believe that MEA’s Board and Coop policy is clear and well followed on this. See my comments under #7 in re the Bylaws.

Is there anything else you would like to share with MEA member-owners?
I have been around MEA since the late 70’s. It was a very politicized organization back then. The GM and Board were anything but transparent, honorable, and fair. I’m proud and pleased to say that I have been very integral with the change from the ‘then’ MEA to the ‘now’ MEA. I’ve known, supported, and voted for all of the progressive and ‘change’ Board members who, along with GM Joe Griffith, began the transformation from the Dark Ages. In 2007, I proposed/wrote the complete revamp of the elections bylaws that helped enable some of those ‘change’ candidates get elected, then spent a few more years working toward the present election process. I was also very active in proposing/supporting and making changes to the Bylaws; I doggedly fought to ensure that the new “Restated Bylaws…” came to the Board. Then, since by that time I had been appointed to the Board to fill a vacancy, I ensured it got to the members to be voted on. The change was adopted by an overwhelming majority. I want to continue this positive direction.

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Dan Tucker

2023 Candidate (Incumbent)

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