On Thursday, March 28, 2024, Renewable Energy Alaska Project’s Public Policy Committee voted to endorse Sam Cason and Mark Wiggin for re-election to the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors. REAP’s decision to endorse Directors Cason and Wiggin for re-election to the Chugach Electric Board of Directors is a reflection of their leadership in calling for the development of our local renewable energy resources in this pivotal moment for the future of energy in the Cook Inlet region.
Chugach’s electricity rates are going to increase dramatically in the near future if we do not diversify our generation portfolio away from a dangerous dependence on natural gas. Studies conducted by Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) show the supply of Cook Inlet natural gas failing to meet demand as soon as 2027. Meanwhile, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has conducted extensive analysis that shows the lowest-cost path forward for the Railbelt energy system entails substantial deployment of renewable energy, with the Railbelt collectively generating 76% of its electricity from renewables by 2040.
In recognition of the need to act now and embark upon that lowest-cost path forward for Railbelt ratepayers, Director Cason acted as Chair of the Chugach Board to call a vote in January on whether to adopt a resolution in support of a Renewable Portfolio Standard. Both Directors Cason and Wiggin voted in favor of the resolution, which ultimately passed by a vote of 6 to 1.
Now, more than ever, we need experienced, forward-thinking leaders on the Chugach Electric Board to diversify our generation portfolio away from a dangerous dependency on natural gas towards an increasing mix of renewable energy resources which will stabilize electricity rates and keep precious energy dollars circulating in our state’s economy.
In this pivotal moment for the future of energy in Cook Inlet, REAP is proud to endorse Sam Cason and Mark Wiggin for re-election to the Chugach Electric Board of Directors. These two candidates have each shown their commitment to REAP’s mission of increasing the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Alaska throughout their time on the Chugach Board. And together they have pledged to address this Cook Inlet Gas Crisis in a transparent manner by diversifying Chugach Electric’s generation portfolio away from a dangerous dependency on natural gas towards a mix of local, reliable, stably-priced renewable energy sources.
Sam Cason is a self-employed attorney with over 20 years of experience in Chugach governance. He first served on the Bylaws Committee in the 90’s and then was elected to the Board in 2003. After a term as a Director, he became an Assistant Attorney General where he served as a Public Advocate before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for ten years. He was again elected to the Board in 2020.
As a lifelong Alaskan, he has a long history of community involvement, including serving on the Anchorage Junior Nordic Board, President of the Anchorage Inn of Court, and coaching Junior Nordic.
He is currently serving as the Board Chair and has previously served as the Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee. He is a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Credentialed Cooperative Director. His current term expires in May 2024.
Mark Wiggin is an engineer and manager with decades of experience in oil and gas exploration and field developments in Alaska. Currently, he has a consulting practice with a focus on energy, infrastructure, and geospatial sectors. His career has included work with most of the major oil operators in Alaska including ARCO Alaska, BP, ENI, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips. Throughout his tenure, Mark has managed and led large facility design and construction projects from funding approval through commissioning and operations.
In addition to his work in the oil industry, Mark served on the Municipal Light & Power (ML&P) Advisory Commission and subsequently served as Chair of the ML&P Board of Directors. Mark’s public service also includes serving as Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources during the Walker Administration. He has previously served as the Chugach Electric Board Vice-Chair and is currently serving as the Chair of the Operations Committee.
If you pay an electric bill to Chugach Electric Association, then you are a member-owner of the electric cooperative and you are eligible to vote in this election. Voting for the three open Board seats began on April 17th and will conclude with Chugach’s annual member appreciation event held at ChangePoint Alaska on May 17th.
Emails with voting instructions were sent to Chugach Electric members on April 17th. If you don’t see it, check your spam filter before contacting the election administrator at (866) 909-3549 or via email at support@directvote.net. Electronic voting will close at 3pm on Friday, May 17th.
At the annual meeting on May 17th, members who register will be able to vote in-person if they have not already cast a valid ballot. In-person member registration and voting begins at 5pm on Friday, May 17th, at the Chugach Electric annual meeting held at ChangePoint Alaska. Photo ID required.
To request a paper ballot, members were to call the election administrator at (866) 909-3549. Paper ballots were mailed on April 15 to members who requested them. Ballots must be returned by U.S. mail in the postage-paid return envelope. Ballot envelopes must be received by the election administrator no later than Noon on Thursday, May 16th.
Members voting by mail should send their ballots to the election administrator at:
Survey & Ballot Systems, 653 Anagram Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Each ballot envelope must contain a member number and the appropriate signature for that membership.
(866) 909-3549
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