The Mat-Su Frontiersman in an article reports the desire of Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) to build a coal burning plant in the valley. One of the straightest responses was, “Not in my backyard.”
Is it needed? Well, if you read the Small Business Survival Index put out by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, you find (on page 34) that Alaska is in 45th place of the 50 states when it comes to affordable electric utility costs. Furthermore, Mat-Su valley is the fastest growing area in Alaska, and MEA is thinking ahead to its own future needs. Currently, MEA has to buy power to serve its customers. If the coal plant is successful MEA could export power instead of importing it into the valley. (FERC and RCA permitting).
Will it be cheaper? ADN reports that a Canadian company is seeking to drill for coal in the Chickaloon area (map above and linked here). This would certainly be an important source for MEA.
Why change? I realize that there are people who do not wish the area to change. But, remember this, if we are going to make an Alaska in which the next generation can raise their own children, the area must be able to sustain the growth. Power generation capabilities are an important component to that. If an area cannot sustain, you get negative growth. Negative growth really sucks. It is much worse than having to look at a power plant while you drive down to the coffee shop to get a latte. So, get over it.
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