Regulatory Commission of Alaska

Public Comment for U-24-036 by Brian Holst

December 4, 2024

John Espindola, Chairman
Regulatory Commission of Alaska
701 West Eighth Ave, Suite 300
Anchorage, AK 99501

RE: U-24-036: In the Matter of the Application by Juneau Hydropower, Inc. for a New Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Dear Esteemed Chairman Espindola and Commissioners,

On behalf of the Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC), I am writing to express support for Juneau Hydropower, Inc. (JHI)’s application to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) for a new Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to provide electric generation, high voltage transmission services, and electrical distribution services in a new service area near Juneau, Alaska. With nearly 40 years of economic development experience, JEDC fosters a healthy and sustainable economic climate in Juneau and throughout Southeast Alaska. In collaboration with other organizations, JEDC implements initiatives to maintain, expand, and create economic opportunities, specifically those that help make Juneau a great (capital) city; strengthen key regional industries; promote entrepreneurship and small businesses; and develop next generation talent.

Isolated and inaccessible by road, Juneau requires enhanced energy security, reliability, and storage capability as Alaska’s Capital City. Depending on the existing hydroelectric facilities at Lake Dorothy and Snettisham, our community is at risk of losing access to these clean energy sources because of avalanches, which notably occurred in 2008 and 2009. JHI's new Sweetheart Lake Hydroelectric Facility and associated infrastructure will expand Juneau’s electrical generation capacity, install 40-plus miles of additional high-voltage transmission lines, and provide battery storage. Furthermore, clean energy infrastructure projects like this one are well in line with our community’s goals and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2032, as outlined in the City and Borough of Juneau’s “Climate Action Plan” adopted in 2011.

JEDC sees positive economic potential from the proposed project during the development phase, as well as long-term benefits from its implementation. The development of JHI’s utility will create new opportunities for local apprentices and tradesmen, including construction contractors and electricians, protect existing jobs, and preserve our tax base. For example, Coeur Alaska’s Kensington Mine, a pillar of our economy, will benefit from the reduced emissions and energy costs, which may extend the mine’s lifespan and continue the flow of substantial local taxes paid by it. The project will also provide long-term dividends to Juneau, enabling new developments such as Goldbelt’s proposed electrification of the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal. Access to utility services in previously unserved areas will open up usable land, allowing for the construction of much-needed housing and infrastructure and contributing to an increased property tax base.

The proposed Sweetheart Lake Hydroelectric Facility can positively contribute to the well-being and future growth of our community. JEDC supports JIH’s application to the RCA for a new CPCN. 

Sincerely,

Brian Holst
Executive Director, JEDC

Type

Comments

Date Filed

12/4/2024

Tracking Number

TR2405289

Filed By

Brian Holst

Entities

Certificate(s)

Means Received

Internet

Related Matters

U-24-036	Application-New Certificate for Juneau Hydropower, Inc.

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	2024 12 04 JEDC Comments on Juneau Hydropower Inc to RCA - final.pdf	Public Comment for U-24-036 by Brian Holst	557401 kb	.pdf

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