Homer protests Healy clean coal plant

More than fifty protestors demonstrated in Homer on Wednesday against the deal that would commit Homer Electric to buying half the future output of the Healy clean coal plant.

The deal between Golden Valley Electric, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and Homer Electric all announced their deal last week. By 2014, HEA would have the rights to buy half the power the Healy coal plant produces. The power bypasses the communities between the two towns. Protestors questioned the lack of public input and economic projections. People complained that the deal requires Homer Electric to buy power for an unknown price and in a future when costs of burning coal will rise because of new regulations. There are Homer utility association members who like the deal and utility managers say it’s all about getting diversified power.

Meanwhile, Matanuska Electric Association board members have agreed to talk about terminating plans for a coal fired power plant permanently. Much of 2007 was spent discussing building a 100-megawatt coal fired plant. Then the plans were shelved for 5 years after public protest and a Borough ordinance on power plants. The MEA board has scheduled an all day work session for February 3, which will include talk on the coal plant as well as renewable energy sources.