Alaska Electric Light & Power
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electricity |
| Founded | 1893 |
| Founder | Willis Thorpe |
| Headquarters | Juneau , United States |
Key people | Connie Hulbert (General Manager) |
| Products | Electricity |
| Parent | Alaska Energy and Resources Company (acquired by Avista Corporation in 2014) |
Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) functions as the chief electricity provider for Juneau, Alaska, the capital city of the state. The majority of its electrical supply is generated at the Snettisham hydroelectric power plant, situated roughly 30 miles southeast of Juneau and accessible solely by boat or plane. Connie Hulbert holds the position of General Manager.
Established in 1893 by Willis Thorpe, AEL&P stands among the few privately owned utility companies in Alaska. Its initial power generation depended on hydroelectric dams located on Salmon Creek and Sheep Creek, facilities originally constructed by the mining-oriented Treadwell Company. The current Snettisham hydroelectric plant was finalized in 1973.
In 2014, Avista Corporation, based in Washington, purchased AEL&P’s parent firm, Alaska Energy and Resources Company, thereby broadening its presence within Alaska’s energy sector.
2008 avalanches and emergency power
During April 2008, avalanches in the vicinity of Juneau caused significant harm to transmission infrastructure, interrupting hydroelectric power distribution. To maintain service during repairs, AEL&P resorted to diesel generators, which were more expensive and temporarily raised costs for customers until normal operations resumed.