Electric Department
Mission Statement:
"The mission of the Sitka Electric Enterprise Fund is to provide
adequate and reliable electric service for all consumers
connected to the Sitka electric power distribution system."
- Christopher Brewton, Utility Director
Current Power Supply Status
5/1/2013
Green - Proceed Using Electric Heat: There is a low risk that significant supplemental diesel generation will be required.
Blue Lake Expansion Project May Tour
5/2/2013
The May Tour of Blue Lake Expansion Project will be May 19 at 1 pm. Seating for the tour is limited. Sign up at www.mysignup.com/bluelaketour.
Blue Lake Project Video Launch
4/23/2013
The first video highlighting Blue Lake Expansion Project, focuses on the importance of the project to the community of Sitka. Sitka's remote location forces the community to maintain their energy independence by expanding their fish-friendy hydroelectric dam. This video is key to not only show Sitkans the importance of hydropower, but the nation too! This project is proof that small towns can make a difference in our nation.
Sitka's hydro project story can be found at www.bluelakeexpansion.com
Jobs for the Blue Lake Expansion Project
5/1/2013
Construction on the Blue Lake Expansion Project began in November. This is a large civil construction project that may produce local job opportunities. The selected bidder for Contract 9, General Construction, is Barnard Construction Company, Inc. located in Bozeman, Montana. Barnard is accepting resumes for construction trades on their web site. Click here to submit a resume directly to them.
There will also be job sourcing by contractors from the local Department of Labor office. Click here to submit a resume to the Alaska Department of Labor.
Cost of Service Rate Study Results
6/1/2012
The City and Borough of Sitka Electric Department recently funded an Electrical Cost of Service Study which was completed by Utility Financial Solutions, LLC. A Cost of Service Study is typically the first step in a rate case to determine the actual utility costs to adequately serve each customer class. This information is then used in a rate design study to develop rates that recover proper revenue from each customer class based on the cost of service. This is a very important step to ensure each ratepayer is paying their fair share of the costs for the electrical system and is the basis for fair and equitable rates for all customer classes.
Facts About Our City Hydro Projects
11/18/11
The Electric Dept. has received numerous calls recently from members of the public asking about the technical specifications for our existing hydro projects. In an attempt to provide answers to those questions, we have posted some helpful information at this link.
New and Existing Electric Service
To set up a new account for electric service or make changes to existing service, please contact the Utility Office at (907)747-1818 or visit the Utility web page for more information.
Helpful Information About Your Electric Service
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Electric Use by Customer Class
For the full graph and other interesting Customer Class Information, Click Here! Visit the What's New tab and check out more information about FREE ways to conserve energy, useful energy comparisons and more!
Should I Use Electric or Oil Heat?
We are frequently asked what the break-even point is between using electric heat and oil heat. To view a reference chart that should help you determine what's most economical, click on this link.
Water Levels at Sitka's Hydro Power Lakes
The water levels in Blue Lake and Green Lake fluctuate during the year depending upon rainfall amount, customer use and outdoor temperature. It's normal for October weather to refill the lakes or spill over the dams at times during the year, when seasonal rainfall exceeds customer use and available storage. Click here to see a chart illustrating this.
Power Supply Risk Level
The Electric Department has implemented a color coded Power Supply Risk Level to communicate to the public regarding our current status on Power Generation. The Risk Level will follow the same concept as Traffic Lights, (Proceed/ Caution/ Stop)
Red - Stop Using Electric Heat: It is certain that significant supplemental
diesel generation will be required. Please switch to alternate heat source. (Oil, Wood, Etc.)
Yellow - Caution Using Electric Heat: There is a high risk of significant
supplemental diesel generation will be required. As a precautionary measure please conserve
on the use of electric energy.
Green - Proceed Using Electric Heat: There is a low risk that significant
supplemental diesel generation will be required.
City and Borough of Sitka, Electric Department
105 Jarvis Street, Sitka, Alaska 99835
(907)747-4000, Emergency number (24 hours a day): (907)747-6634 Fax: (907)747-3208
Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To make utility payments, contact the Utilities Counter at 747-1818 or 747-1881.