City, MEA should work together for the common good

To the editor:

Discussion concerning Matanuska Electric Association’s proposed high-voltage transmission lines along the Parks Highway in Wasilla has been interesting.

At this point, it appears MEA management is saying the city of Wasilla must approve the overhead lines (as opposed to underground high-voltage lines or alternative overhead line locations) or MEA will take the issue to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and attempt to force the residents living within Wasilla city limits to pay a special rate. The city of Wasilla has apparently stated that the proposed overhead high-voltage transmissions lines in the location proposed is in conflict with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

MEA has noted that Eagle River and south Anchorage (both areas are located within the Municipality of Anchorage) have similar special rate areas. What MEA doesn’t say:

• Is there an approved municipality code that requires undergrounding of high-voltage transmission lines within the municipality?

• Is there a code requirement for similar transmission lines for the Mat-Su Borough?

• What were the special reasons and conditions required for the special rates in Eagle River and south Anchorage?

Personally, I am opposed to undergrounding of high-voltage transmissions. It’s very expensive; however, I believe there are alternative routes, which have been mentioned, that could accomplish MEA’s area-wide service responsibilities.

Other issues to consider are:

• MEA, as a member-owned cooperative, is responsible for area-wide service within their approved service area.

• How can MEA members living within the city of Wasilla be penalized when the proposed transmission line will be part of a grid that provides electrical service to a much larger service area?

• If MEA were successful in charging members within the city of Wasilla a special rate, would it then be possible for MEA members living near the Ekultna hydroelectric plant to seek much lower rates because of their close proximity to the hydroelectric plant?

As a side note — a much larger issue may be looming with the addition of the new Ekultna Generation Station (and associated transmission lines). What happens if MEA rates become substantially higher than the rates charged by the Anchorage Municipal Light and Power?

Could the residents of the Eagle River and Chugiak areas potentially request service from ML&P because they are located within the Municipality of Anchorage versus the Mat-Su Borough? That could have an even greater impact on the remaining MEA members.

The city of Wasilla should not be bullied by MEA. Both the city and MEA should be working together for the common good of the overall area.

Jim Palin

Wasilla