Chugach Outlet
November/December 2001, Number 195
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President's report
by Bruce Davison
Taking an extra step |
On Sept. 11, terrorists attacked New York City and Washington, D.C. The
visions of those attacks will remain in the memories of all Americans for
years. As Alaskans, I know our sympathies and thoughts are with those who
have suffered and died, and also with those who are left behind in the
aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to those who are called
upon to face the enemy and protect our country.
While Alaskans often feel isolated from much of what happens in the
Lower 48, in reality we aren't. Many of the incidents that are occurring
elsewhere in the contiguous United States and in other parts of the world
will ultimately have a direct effect on Alaska, from such large efforts
as increased military spending, development of domestic oil resources and
expedited construction of a natural gas pipeline, to smaller impacts such
as additional security at airports, irradiation of our mail and increased
self-reliance and preparedness by every Alaskan.
Electricity is an essential commodity. Electric energy provides Alaskans
with many of the critical amenities of life ... heat, light, a way to cook
and through our radios, televisions and computers, a way to receive
communications from every corner of the earth. Every Chugach member can
help maintain the safety and security of our electric utility by staying
alert and reporting suspicious or unusual activities to Chugach at
563-7494 or calling local authorities.
Chugach provides vital electric service to more than 72,000 homes and
businesses in Railbelt communities via retail, wholesale and as needed,
economy energy sales. We have more than 2,000 miles of energized line,
four power plants, a share of the Eklutna Power Plant and access to power
from the state-owned Bradley Lake hydroelectric project. Our utility
covers a lot of ground with power lines that sometimes run through very
desolate country.
Even under these most difficult environmental conditions, we continue
to enjoy virtually uninterrupted service. While Chugach provides reliable
power nearly 100 percent of the time, some of its members would like to
take one added step. They would like to have their own standby generation
as added protection from the fear of more frequent or longer power outages
caused by the uncertainties in our current world by terrorist activities.
Backup power supplies through standby generators may be a good option for
people who feel the need for additional security to ensure continuous
electrical power.
If you decide to install a standby generator, Chugach has some specific
recommendations to make sure that installation is completed safely and
properly. Chugach recommends using licensed electrician's to not only
install the generator, but to help determine the size of generator and
what equipment may be used when the standby generation is being operated.
Installation must conform to provisions contained in Article 702 of the
National Electric Code. In addition, the generator must have a double-pole,
double-throw transfer switch so that if a power outage occurs you can
isolate the standby system from the Chugach system.
Isolating the standby system from the Chugach system prevents the
standby generator from sending power into the Chugach system and injuring
a person working on the Chugach system. Isolating the standby system is
also important to reduce the possibility of damaging or destroying your
equipment when Chugach turns the power back on. If you are considering a
home generation standby system, please review Section 8 of Chugach's
"Electric Service Standards and Requirements." The publication may be
requested directly from Chugach or viewed on Chugach's {1124533 Ga}
home page at
www.chugachelectric.com.
Chugach and its employees strive to provide reliable power for
customers every day, but we know that in these stressful times
additional precautions may ease your mind by providing an increased
sense of security. If you choose to purchase, install and use a standby
generation system, call Chugach. There is information, including
installation diagrams, available for use in installing your backup
generator to help make it safe and usable for you and your family
and Chugach and its employees.
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