What you need to know:
- Matanuska Electric Association warned it could institute rolling 30-minute power outages this winter as part of a worst-case scenario response to a regional natural gas shortage.
- Enstar says aging Cook Inlet gas fields, lower-than-expected production and limited gas storage could leave the utility short of fuel if Southcentral Alaska experiences another cold winter. Other electric utilities with dual-fuel generators could take similar steps.
- Utility officials say importing liquefied natural gas could help bridge future supply gaps but would increase costs for consumers. They continue to support the proposed Alaska LNG Project, though it still faces significant legislative and financing hurdles.
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ANCHORAGE — Matanuska Electric Association could institute rolling half-hour power blackouts this winter as a worst-case scenario response if extremely cold weather leaves natural gas utility Enstar unable to meet demand, Tony Izzo, the electric cooperative’s CEO, said Tuesday at a briefing in Anchorage.
If the plan is implemented, MEA would increase power generation with diesel fuel at its Eklutna Generation Station, which is equipped to use both natural gas and fuel oil.
That step would divert gas it otherwise would have burned into storage for Enstar and may require reducing electricity to residences and businesses…