PRESS RELEASE 9.12.2025
AELP files complaint with Superior Court challenging AIDEA’s attempt to sell Snettisham Renewable Energy Certificates
JUNEAU, Alaska – On September 11, 2025, Alaska Electric Light & Power Company (AELP) filed a lawsuit with the Superior Court of Alaska against the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). The lawsuit stems from AIDEA’s stated intention to sell renewable energy certificates (RECs) from the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project (Snettisham) through a third-party broker. AELP’s complaint requests a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief.
On August 13, 2025, AELP received notice from AIDEA of its intent to sell RECs which represent the right to claim the use of renewable energy generated at Snettisham. AIDEA’s letter stated that AELP had until September 11, 2025, to purchase these RECs – even though such a purchase would create additional costs while providing no additional benefit to AELP customers – or the RECs would be sold on the open market.
AIDEA’s intended action violates the long-standing Snettisham Power Sales Agreement and Operations and Maintenance Agreement (Snettisham Agreemements), which have governed the project since July 1998. Under the Snettisham Agreements, AELP maintains dominion and control over Snettisham and functions as its owner, operator, manager, and controller. All costs associated with Snettisham, including debt service, operations, maintenance, capital expenditures, and AIDEA’s administrative expenses, are fully borne by AELP and its customers.
“Juneau’s residents and businesses rely on the clean, renewable, low-cost hydropower produced at Snettisham,” said Alec Mesdag, president of AELP. “Attempting to sell away the right to claim the use of that energy threatens not only the integrity of the Snettisham Agreements, but also the ability of our community to rightfully claim the benefits of this clean energy.”
The right to claim the use of renewable energy is of particular importance to the City and Borough of Juneau, Hecla Greens Creek Mine, Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines, Renewable Juneau, and other organizations that leverage Snettisham’s clean energy in pursuit of grants, regulatory compliance, and public trust.
“The value of grants awarded to organizations in Juneau premised upon the use of renewable energy produced at Snettisham far exceeds what may be obtained through the sale of RECs,” added Mesdag. “AELP’s priority is to protect the interests of our customers and the Juneau community. We will continue to defend the rights established in our agreements with AIDEA and ensure that the benefits of Snettisham’s clean energy remain with those who rely on it.”
For more information contact media@aelp.com