By Roger Maynard, on November 24th, 2011  Connelly Lake outlet, photo by Danny Gonce Paid commentary:
As you all probably know, AP&T has filed an application for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Connelly Lake Hydroelectric Project (Project). We have read all of the comment letters that have been submitted to FERC as of November 21, 2011, and it seems like there are a few misconceptions about our plans. We’d like to take this opportunity to clarify a few matters regarding our interest in the Connelly Lake site. We have structured this as a series of questions and answers. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on November 19th, 2011  Alaska Power and Telephone Manager for Power Operations in Haines, Danny Gonce, reports that the sudden onset of cold weather has made it necessary to begin providing supplemental power with diesel generators. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on October 27th, 2011  AP&T Manager of Power Operations for Haines, Danny Gonce HAINES–The Connelly Lake hydro issue always draws a crowd in Haines, and last Friday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Chilkat Bakery & Restaurant was no exception.
AP&T’s Manager of Power Operations for Haines, Danny Gonce, said that AP&T has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for additional permits to continue studying the Connelly Lake hydro site, and the comment period for that permit is now closed. Several comments were received, both for and against. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 29th, 2011  Haines Mayor Jan Hill Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill was unable to attend the Chamber of Commerce candidates forum on Friday, September 23, at the library. Hill had prearranged meetings with Yukon officials in Whitehorse. She asked Chamber of Commerce officials if she could have a statement read at the candidates forum while she was away on borough business, but her request was denied–a departure from the way the Chamber handled similar situations in past years.
Mayor Hill apologized for her absence, but said the benefit to Haines was worth the trip. The following is her report from those meetings:
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 15th, 2011  Google Earth rendition of the Chilkoot Valley, looking north from Chilkoot Lake, showing Connelly Lake. Notes by Roger Maynard HAINES has an energy crisis. A little town in the middle of coastal Alaska with high mountain lakes and running water everywhere, we should be rolling in surplus hydroelectric power, but we’re not. Instead, we periodically burn diesel to smoke up our valley at a premium cost to consumers. Even without the diesel surcharge, electrical (IPEC) business customers in the upper Chilkat Valley are getting soaked up to $0.61 per kilowatt hour. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 11th, 2011  Mayor Jan Hill and assembly candidates Jerry Erny and Karen Hess
HAINES–Candidates for assembly, Karen Hess and Jerry Erny held a “Meet and Greet” at the Captain’s Choice Hotel Lounge on Saturday afternoon. Turnout was good, with the lounge packed for a couple of hours as Haines residents drifted in and out, and the candidates took time to speak with them about their concerns. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on August 3rd, 2011  The Fourth Southeast Alaska Integrated Resource Plan (SE IRP) Advisory Work Group met in Haines on Tuesday, July 26, 2011. The group, working under the authority of the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), is focused on development of a 50-year Regional Integrated Resource Plan (RIRP) for Southeast Alaska from Yakutat to Metlakatla. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on June 30th, 2011  Congressman Don Young addresses Alaskans at Dyea while District 5 Republican vice-chair Kathy Hosford looks on. SKAGWAY–Bright, sunny weather greeted Congressman Don Young when he visited Skagway and Dyea Monday afternoon. After a tour of the ore terminal and newly constructed waterfront facilities with city officials, he made an appearance at a District 5 Republican fundraiser at the Chilkoot Trail Outpost in Dyea.
Speaking to a crowd of about 60 people, Young covered subjects from federal control over Alaska and its residents to natural gas, oil and the economy.
Read more->
By Editor, on March 9th, 2011 SKAGWAY–At a joint Haines and Skagway Borough Assembly work group meeting Monday evening, members of both bodies discussed subjects of mutual interest, including upper Lynn Canal port development, tourism, the shuttle ferry service, hydropower and the Skagway-Haines energy intertie.
Though the meeting only lasted a little over an hour, there was general agreement that it was a good start toward the two boroughs working together for mutual benefit. Read more->
By Editor, on March 2nd, 2011  Rolls Royce The 102EX is also known by the name Phantom Experimental Electric and is intended to test the opinion and reaction to alternative power configurations with stakeholders, enthusiasts and the media. The vehicle is a pure test bed at this time and there are no plans for a production version of the vehicle.
Read more at DailyTech.com.
By Roger Maynard, on December 28th, 2010 The Chilkoot Lake Recreational Use Area Meeting scheduled for January has been cancelled until further notice.
If you have questions please call Representative Thomas office at 766-3581
For more info about the Chilkoot Lake Recreational Use area proposal, read the following from the Haines Alaska News: “Chilkoot Corridor Meeting” (12/4/2010)
By Roger Maynard, on December 4th, 2010  Present aerial view: Chilkoot recreation area. Alaska DNR photo HAINES–Representative Bill Thomas and Alaska Department of Natural Resources representatives discussed proposed changes to the Chilkoot recreation area with a crowd that filled the Assembly chambers on Friday evening. DNR representatives included Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Director James King, Park Superintendent Mike Eberhardt, and Park Ranger Preston Kroes.
Thomas explained to the crowd that the proposals are conceptual at this point. The maps are not drawn with accuracy, and there is not yet any land ownership, archaeological or wildlife data taken into account. The purpose of the meeting is to exchange ideas. Some of the proposals at the start of the meeting included road realignment, changes in public access and parking.
Read more->
By Editor, on November 29th, 2010  Sow and two cubs at the fish wier. Photo by Roger Maynard This just in from Representative Bill Thomas’s office:
HAINES–You are cordially invited to attend a public meeting concerning the Chilkoot corridor, Friday, December 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Haines Borough Assembly Chambers.
State of Alaska, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Director, James King and local staff will be in attendance. Read more->
By Gary Lidholm, on September 29th, 2010 By Gary Lidholm
HAINES – “Abundant Energy for a Strong Economy” was the campaign slogan I used in an unsuccessful bid for a Haines Assembly seat last year. As a member of the Haines Energy Sustainability Commission I was convinced that Haines was in an enviable position for major renewable energy opportunities such as hydro and wood heat that were necessary for a viable economy. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 26th, 2010
 - Candidates for Haines Borough Assembly (left to right), Karen Hess, Greg Goodman, Linda Geise, Steve Vick, John Winge and Dave Button
by Roger Maynard
The Haines Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, on Friday, September 24 at the Library featured all of the local candidates running for the Haines Borough Assembly. This annual event allows each candidate a short (3-minute) introduction, then members of the audience are allowed to ask questions. Read more->
By Gary Lidholm, on February 26th, 2010 
There is much talk in the Haines community about the adverse impacts on the world-class fishery and wildlife resources of the Chilkoot River if Connelly Lake Hydro were to be built. Certainly these resources deserve first-rate protection. But how much would a hydro at Connelly really adversely affect the environment? Or perhaps, as some have suggested, could the hydro even enhance the resources?
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on February 14th, 2010 Three weeks ago the Alaska Alliance for Commerce published a paid commentary in the Chilkat Valley News, comparing proposed hydro projects at Connelly and Schubee Lakes. Two weeks ago Rob Goldberg, Scott Carey and Kathleen Menke responded with letters to the editor regarding our paid commentary. Although we don’t intend to get into a tit-for-tat letter writing contest, we do consider it our mission to clarify facts when the anti-development folks resort to faulty assumptions and hyperbole.
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on February 2nd, 2010 The Haines News poll posted here from January 9, 2010 through February 1, 2010 consistently showed strong support for Connelly Lake hydro, ranging from 79 percent to 84 percent during the time the poll was posted. The poll was not scientific, and respondents were not restricted. The poll was advertised in the Haines News print edition and on this web site. Read more->
By Gary Lidholm, on February 2nd, 2010 How do Connelly and Schubee Lake hydro projects stack up for feasibility study grant money in state-wide rankings developed by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA)? Good enough to be recommended for partial funding but not in the first group of funds recommended by the governor.
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on January 20th, 2010  Photo Map of the Chilkoot Valley, courtesy of Alaska DNR Alaska Power & Telephone has applied for grants and permits to develop Hydropower at Connelly Lake in the upper Chilkoot Valley. A few folks including a local environmentalist organization, Lynn Canal Conservation, have stated unequivocally that they will oppose development of Connelly Lake. LCC has already notified the Alaska Department of Fish and Game that they intend to sue to stop the project, even though they do not yet have grounds for a lawsuit.
In early 2009 LCC members suggested an alternative site, Schubee Lake, on the opposite side of Lynn Canal from Haines, indicating it has their support. Schubee has not been studied and there is little data to support this decision.
Read more->
Uncategorized By Roger Maynard, on December 14th, 2009  This just in from AP&T:
Just a heads up, Friday the 11th of December, the AP&T Upper Lynn Canal Power System required the use of diesel generation to meet the peaking requirements.
The official start of the holiday season beginning at sundown on Friday may have played a role in the load on Friday. The system operator will be closely monitoring the loads in the evenings. The typical peak times start as early as 3:00 PM and can last through 7:00 PM, usually on weekdays.
With the cool temperatures forecasted, it is possible that additional diesel for peaking will be required this week.
By Roger Maynard, on November 14th, 2009 Guest Opinions are presented as a public service, and do not necessarily represent the editorial opinions of the Haines News.
Guest Opinion by Bill Kurz
Haines is a wonderful place with much to offer. The problem is that many have forgotten much of what we have to work with. We have come to a point where we do not have enough business / industry to support our community. There is no way we can continue having more and more government with little more than fishing and tourism to support the community. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on March 6th, 2009 Senate Bill 31 encourages the development of Alaska’s vast alternative energy resources by offering power producers and utilities a valuable production tax credit for each kilowatt-hour of electricity they produce from geothermal, wind, hydro, tidal, wave, biomass, in-river, or solar energy. The program applies to energy systems capable of producing at least 400 kilowatts of electricity.
We believe this is the right way to encourage development in Alaska; This program would apply to AP&T’s Connelly Lake hydropower project.
We were please to hear testimony in support of this bill from the Alaska Conservation Alliance, Legislative and Communications Manager Sue Ely. Here is a summary from the energy committee transcript on February 12, 2009:
11:44:31 AM
SUE ELY, Alaska Conservation Alliance, Juneau, said her group represents over 38,000 Alaskans. Alaska is at an energy crossroads and volatile fuels prices are negatively impacting its citizens. Many electrical generation facilities are at or near the end of their life spans and will need to be replaced. Alaska should take full advantage of its vast clean energy resources. The governor wants to produce 50 percent of Alaska’s electricity from renewable resources. An alternative tax credit could help get there. Geothermal, reasonably-size hydro, wind, solar, biomass, hydrokinetic, and tidal can all provide stable-priced power. It can fill batteries in electric vehicles and warm and illuminate greenhouses to secure Alaska’s food source. Germany has already used a clean energy incentive to build an $8.7 billion renewable energy industry. It created 170,000 jobs. The bill is a strong first step in an energy plan for Alaska.
Lynn Canal Conservation, is a member organization of the Alaska Conservation Alliance.
Read SB 31 Bill Packet.
By Roger Maynard, on March 5th, 2009 On March 2, 2009 the Skagway News printed a letter to the editor from Kathleen Menke opposing the Connelly Lake project. We understand some folks have strong feelings about this issue, but when they publish false or misleading information we are compelled to respond. The following is the text of Ms. Menke’s letter with our comments:
No Chilkoot Valley Hydro
As Juneau faces its second year with avalanches wiping our their hydro power to the community, Alaska Power and Telephone is lobbying state and local officials for funding for a hydro-project in the Upper Chilkoot River Valley in Haines.
This is true, but we’re not sure what Juneau and avalanches have to do with anything.
Upper Chilkoot is a known avalanche area and also wetlands spawning grounds to wild sockeye and wild coho, and as such was designated part of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
It is not certain if the proposed dam is in an avalanche area, Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on February 19th, 2009  I’m not a biologist, and I don’t study fish, but since some opponents to the Connelly Lake Hydro project are predicting dire consequences to the fish and spawning beds in the Chilkoot River above Chilkoot Lake, I had a few questions. One of our local enviro-types has even been spreading a rumor that water flowing through a 6300 foot penstock would heat up to the point that it might hurt the fish.
Anecdotal Information:
A couple of weeks ago I received a call from a friend who is a long-time Alaskan — a retired logger who spent most of his career in the woods and by the streams of southeast Alaska. He pointed out that some of the state’s most productive hatcheries are located at the bottom of power company penstocks because of the ideal water flow year-around. Read more->
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P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
Editor:
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P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
editor@hainesnews.net
The Haines Alaska News is a public information service of the Alaska Alliance for Commerce, Inc., a grassroots movement organized to advocate for small business and a free market economy in Alaska.
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