CEA Candidate Question: Bernie Smith
Voting for the Board election at Chugach Electric Association is now underway. Members have three options for voting. Electronic voting will continue until 2 p.m. on May 20. Members wanting a paper ballot must call 907-563-7366 before May 6 to request one. And members will have the option to vote at the CEA Member Appreciation Event starting at 3 p.m. on May 20. CEA members are voting to fill two Board seats. More information on voting can be found at https://www.chugachelectric.com/system/files/2022%20Election%20pamphlet%20Final%20for%20web.pdf
Here are the responses to AETP’s questions from Burnell “Bernie” Smith. Smith is a retired engineer who has worked for, and served as a Commissioner on, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Smith has also worked for the Alaska Energy Authority. He is currently a member of CEA’s Bylaws Committee and Member Advisory Council. His candidate profile can be found at: https://www.chugachelectric.com/system/files/2022%20Board%20of%20Directors%20Election%20Bernie%20Smith%20Bio%20%26%20Statement.pdf
Bernie Smith, from his CEA candidate profile.
1. Why do you want to be a CEA Board member?
I have been involved with the Alaska electric utilities for decades as a Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) Commissioner, project manager with Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), RCA Utility Engineering Analyst and as RCA Engineering Manager. Also, I am a member of the Chugach Electric Association Bylaw’s committee and the Member Advisory Council. I believe with my past and present experience and knowledge with electric utilities, I could help guide the Chugach Board through the most exciting times for the very promising future for Chugach Electric Association.
2. Are there any particular projects or ideas you would champion as a CEA Board member? Are there any you would oppose?
I support the upgrade of the transmission line from Bradley Lake to Anchorage, the Dixon Diversion to Bradley Lake Hydro, new small hydroelectric power plants, battery storage plants and new wind and solar projects.
3. If you are elected, you would serve a four year term, and be eligible to serve up to three consecutive terms. What challenges and opportunities do you believe CEA will face in the next 4 years? What about in the next decade?
I would serve as long as the Chugach’s members elect me. One of the biggest challenges that face Chugach is their debt and the Rate case to be filed with RCA in 2023. A long term challenge would be integrating the Renewable standards into the Grid at a reasonable cost to the ratepayers.
4. Do you support the passage and implementation of the Renewable Portfolio Standards legislation (HB 301 and SB 179) proposed by Governor Dunleavy? Why or why not? If the bill passes, what would you do as a CEA Board member to help the cooperative prepare to meet the RPS goals?
Yes, I do support the Renewable Energy Standards because we need to move to cleaner forms of energy to help save our planet. As a Board member I would used my expertise as a project manager to assist the board with what projects would best fit for Chugach.
5. The proposal for the creation of the Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC) was submitted to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska at the end of March. What potential problems or opportunities will participating in the RRC create for CEA?
The RRC will define and enforce electric reliability standards, coordinate joint planning through an integrated resource planning process and ensure consistent interconnection protocols for utilities, independent power producers and others who would like to use the grid. The RRC is applying to the RCA to become the designated Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for the Railbelt interconnected electric system will allow the Utilities to work together to address Railbelt-wide regional electric system issues to ensure grid resilience and reduce long term costs. Chugach will have a great opportunity to continue working with the other Railbelt utilities to complete the above goals.
6. CEA has seen a steady decline in residential and commercial energy sales since 2017 (a trend exacerbated by the impacts of Covid-19 over the past two years). Do you view this as an issue about which the Board should be concerned? If so, what role do you think the CEA Board has in addressing this trend?
Yes, it is a big concern for the Board, management and the rate payers. Chugach will have a rate case before the RCA in 2023, and the Board will need to be out front with the information to its members, because I believe our rates will increase.
