IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2011
Elaine Brown Named Energy Director/GM For Nuvista Light and Electric
She Will Coordinate YK-Region Alternative Energy Planning
Elaine “Chicky” Samuelson-Brown has been selected as Nuvista Light and Electric Cooperative’s energy director and general manager. Candidates from across the country were considered and she was chosen due to her experience and proven skills. Brown will be tasked with leading, coordinating, and developing a region-wide alternative energy plan that integrates all energy areas and projects of the region in addition to other duties.
A Calista Corporation Shareholder from Bethel, Brown has extensive experience in the Yukon –Kuskokwim region. She served as the NorthStar Gas LLC President/CEO from 2004-2011, and prior to that served as their CFO/Vice President of Finance since 1998. During Brown’s time with NorthStar Gas, she oversaw the successful design and construction of the region’s newest fuel and deck cargo barge “Cuaneq.” Brown also assisted with the Association of Village Council Presidents and Calista Region last Biennial Energy Plan.
Another major Nuvista effort currently underway is the Chikuminuk Lake Hydropower Project. Nuvista requested and was approved for $17.6 million in funding from the Alaska State Legislature. This would cover the project second phase of federal permitting, initial design, feasibility studies and public meetings. However, Gov. Sean Parnell reduced funding to just $10 million. After reviewing four decades of studies, hydropower was deemed the best option by AVCP, AVCP Rural Housing Authority, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative and numerous others. This hydropower project will provide the electrical energy needs for Bethel and about a dozen other area villages for the next 20 years.
Chikuminuk Lake is located at the northern edge of the Wood-Tikchik State Park north of Dillingham in southwest Alaska. It is the largest state park in the nation at 1.6 million acres. The project site would be located at the Allen River outfall. Due to the location, salmon would not be affected. Additionally, studies indicate a hydropower project at this location would provide consistent water throughput for year-round reliable energy.
The Yukon-Kuskokwim/Calista region faces some of the highest energy costs in the country. Despite energy studies going back four decades, minimal infrastructure progress has been realized. Nuvista recently signed an agreement with the Alaska Energy Authority to partner in the creation of a region-wide energy plan.
“The Calista region has suffered from inadequate infrastructure funding for decades despite the tireless work of these organizations and state senators and representatives,” said Calista Corporation President Andrew Guy. “Our vision is that both a dedicated energy director and a unified structure will result in proper attention and funding.”
Brown is a University Anchorage Kiwanis Club board member. She is also a member of the Resource Development Council, Alaska Support Industry Alliance, American Management Association and others. Brown is also a Bethel Native Corporation shareholder.
