Fairbanks electric utility sees issues with power supply from Southcentral Alaska [Video]

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) – In response to issues with natural gas-produced power coming out of Southcentral Alaska, Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) is asking its customers to be prepared in case of potential outages.

According to Ashley Bradish, GVEA’s Director of External Affairs and Public Relations, the utility has not been able to purchase what they call “economy energy” from Southcentral since February 2024.

“That’s natural-gas-powered electricity from the southcentral utilities,” she said.

Before then, GVEA was primarily purchasing that energy from Chugach Electric Association, and occasionally from Matanuska Electric Association and Homer Electric Association.

In addition, GVEA’s contract with Enstar to purchase natural gas is scheduled to end on Jan. 23, and with it, the 20 megawatts of power coming from that source.

According to Bradish, Enstar could not renew its contract with GVEA due to the ongoing shortage of gas in Cook Inlet, which created uncertainty on supply when compared to user demand. Potential contracts are still …