Bethel, Alaska is currently served by a privately owned, for-profit utility which also provides diesel-generated power to three outlying communities. The high cost of energy impacts virtually every dimension of life in Bethel. This sense of urgency has increased interest in new approaches and new solutions for the Bethel community and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region.
The City of Bethel hired Agnew::Beck to perform a feasibility study to determine the viability of three ownership options for the electric utility serving Bethel: an investor-owned utility, a City-owned utility, and a customer-owned electric cooperative. Agnew::Beck worked with Washington-based subconsultant, EES Consulting, an economic and engineering firm specializing in public utilities and energy.
Our team developed a valuation model, performed an economic and financial evaluation of the ownership options, and presented our findings in a report and presentation to the Bethel City Council, public and stakeholders.
