So, after presenting my transparency ideas to the GVEA Board, I thought it might be useful to also present them at the next MAC meeting, particularly as a couple of these ideas were mentioned from the previous board meeting (reducing executive sessions). It is apparently rare that non-MAC members show up at the monthly MAC meetings, like only a couple per year.
As a courtesy, I printed up paper copies for each of the members and, as I was walking up to where I would speak, I passed them out. Up jumps GVEA Vice President of Marketing & Member Services Dave Gardner, who says I'm not allowed to pass out anything, only speak. When a MAC member asked why, Dave indicated it was against policy, that I might be handing out Avon brochures.
I don't normally call out individuals on issues, but in this case, the individual called himself out most unflatteringly.
I found this pretty absurd and was embarrassed at his shameless sputtering and what would seem to be a complete fabrication. GVEA has no policy on what members can pass out at MAC meetings, particularly as members rarely show up. I asked Bill Nordmark, president of the GVEA Board and he was unaware of any policy about this. Of course, their policies are far from transparent, so one can't look them up.
It seems to me that Dave Gardner, having been the facilitator of the MAC meetings for a couple of decades (according to him) needs to let someone else do it for a while. The perception is that he thinks the MAC is HIS committee.
GVEA does provide a lot of good educational information to MAC members at these meetings, but I'd like to see the MAC run their own meetings.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
On Transparency
It's been a while since I posted, but I have been attending GVEA board meetings and, as usual, bringing up various aspects where I believe GVEA could increase transparency, which is a part of their proclaimed mission/policy.
In that vein, at the last meeting in February, I presented the board with a 12 item list of things they could do to bring about increased transparency. The entire presentation can be viewed here, but listed below are the 12 topics. At the subsequent MAC meeting, one suggestion was actually on the agenda: to post MAC meeting minutes on the GVEA website historically (not just the most recent meeting's minutes) and it passed. More on that meeting in a subsequent blog.
In that vein, at the last meeting in February, I presented the board with a 12 item list of things they could do to bring about increased transparency. The entire presentation can be viewed here, but listed below are the 12 topics. At the subsequent MAC meeting, one suggestion was actually on the agenda: to post MAC meeting minutes on the GVEA website historically (not just the most recent meeting's minutes) and it passed. More on that meeting in a subsequent blog.
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
Will the RCA regulatory body ask utilities to implement conservation?
Will the Regulatory Commission of Alaska ask Alaska utilities to implement conservation measures? Not if their staff report is implemented. You can read more about this regulatory issue on R-09-005.
The sad part about the recommendations is that the federal government offered some guidance and then offered it to the states to look at or come up with their own ideas. The Alaska Legislature, through an Energy Policy with SB 220 provided further incentive. Yet the RCA's staff recommendation is just to get trained up more. This docket has been out there for nearly 2 years, plenty of time for training.
I say it is time for the RCA to get off their duff and work for the long term benefit of the consumers they are charged to represent. I urge anyone who has the stamina to read the documents to at least comment to the RCA. Comments are due Dec. 9, 2010 by 4 pm.
The sad part about the recommendations is that the federal government offered some guidance and then offered it to the states to look at or come up with their own ideas. The Alaska Legislature, through an Energy Policy with SB 220 provided further incentive. Yet the RCA's staff recommendation is just to get trained up more. This docket has been out there for nearly 2 years, plenty of time for training.
I say it is time for the RCA to get off their duff and work for the long term benefit of the consumers they are charged to represent. I urge anyone who has the stamina to read the documents to at least comment to the RCA. Comments are due Dec. 9, 2010 by 4 pm.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Juneau electrical rate increase
Due to some substantive cost overruns and a non-functional project for the next few years at least, the Lake Dorothy Hydro Project in Juneau is costing all ratepayers at least a 20% increase. You can read more of the submissions from the RCA website. It's actually rather amazing.
http://rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/Dockets/DocketDetails.aspx?id=cbac123f-90b2-4ede-8234-4899e455f0fd
http://rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/Dockets/DocketDetails.aspx?id=cbac123f-90b2-4ede-8234-4899e455f0fd
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
GVEA Bylaw changes - the analysis begins
Seventeen amendments to the bylaws of GVEA were passed by the membership after a count of over 5000 mail-in/drop-off ballots last night.
Two bylaw changes did show a marked difference with less support:
One change removed the bylaw section that limited the co-ops debt to $460 million. This now means that the policy the board developed and passed 3/29/10 that more than doubles this debt limit will be in effect and that the board can change at will. This policy (last page) and other policies modified with the bylaw changes can be found here.
The second bylaw change passed with less support was GVEA proposed Roundup Program, where your bill will be rounded up to the next even dollar amount and the funds collected (est. $15,000/mo.) to be given to charities of GVEA's choice. The controversial aspect to this program was that it is Opt-Out, meaning you are included automatically and must call GVEA at 452-1151 or send an email to them (info@gvea.com) to opt out of the program.
With the many delayed and un-received ballots due to sending them via the Ruralite, I don't think that GVEA will be using that method of delivery again. More likely is a push to develop an on-line voting method, now allowed by bylaw change.
I would also hope that this many changes and some so poorly worded in one vote don't happen again. It was generally poorly organized and not worthy of what we should expect from our co-op.
Two bylaw changes did show a marked difference with less support:
One change removed the bylaw section that limited the co-ops debt to $460 million. This now means that the policy the board developed and passed 3/29/10 that more than doubles this debt limit will be in effect and that the board can change at will. This policy (last page) and other policies modified with the bylaw changes can be found here.
The second bylaw change passed with less support was GVEA proposed Roundup Program, where your bill will be rounded up to the next even dollar amount and the funds collected (est. $15,000/mo.) to be given to charities of GVEA's choice. The controversial aspect to this program was that it is Opt-Out, meaning you are included automatically and must call GVEA at 452-1151 or send an email to them (info@gvea.com) to opt out of the program.
With the many delayed and un-received ballots due to sending them via the Ruralite, I don't think that GVEA will be using that method of delivery again. More likely is a push to develop an on-line voting method, now allowed by bylaw change.
I would also hope that this many changes and some so poorly worded in one vote don't happen again. It was generally poorly organized and not worthy of what we should expect from our co-op.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
GVEA Ballot Count #8 - all bylaw amendments pass
Here's the final vote on the bylaws. Analysis and commentary to follow after a night's sleep. WAY TOO many ballot issues, all those present agreed.
Received 5114 valid ballots, but 14 were spoiled, total counted 5100
Approve all - 3201
Disapprove all - 536
Approved individually
1. 1022
2. 898
3. 1110
4. 1124
5. 1144
6. 1058
7. 1096
8. 1102
9. 1001
10. 925
11. 1039
12. 1101
13. 1080
14. 414 (remove debt limit)
15. 1034
16. 976
17. 449 (round-up bill)
Received 5114 valid ballots, but 14 were spoiled, total counted 5100
Approve all - 3201
Disapprove all - 536
Approved individually
1. 1022
2. 898
3. 1110
4. 1124
5. 1144
6. 1058
7. 1096
8. 1102
9. 1001
10. 925
11. 1039
12. 1101
13. 1080
14. 414 (remove debt limit)
15. 1034
16. 976
17. 449 (round-up bill)
GVEA Ballot Count #7
Election judges are done with their tally. Multiple spreadsheets for tallying those who voted for individual bylaw changes are being tallied by Cory and Corinne.
In the meantime, the drawing for the free electricity was pulled out of the hopper by Hollis, one of the election judges, with his eyes closed. It was a fully loaded hopper with over 5000 envelopes inside. Obert Friberg (sp) was the winner. GVEA wasn't thinking they would call him tonight. I thought if I won, I'd want them to call up to 11 pm and it's only 10:40 pm now.
A handful (10) of questioned ballots were discussed, some with duplicate ballots, strange signature locations, some that were picked up at GVEA when their mail ballots didn't arrive and then later, the mail ballot did arrive. The general rule followed was that the first valid ballot to be received was the one counted.
Most elections judges are sticking around, talking, waiting to sign off on the final tally, being done with the aid of a tape based adding machine. There is a place for this now ancient technology.
In the meantime, the drawing for the free electricity was pulled out of the hopper by Hollis, one of the election judges, with his eyes closed. It was a fully loaded hopper with over 5000 envelopes inside. Obert Friberg (sp) was the winner. GVEA wasn't thinking they would call him tonight. I thought if I won, I'd want them to call up to 11 pm and it's only 10:40 pm now.
A handful (10) of questioned ballots were discussed, some with duplicate ballots, strange signature locations, some that were picked up at GVEA when their mail ballots didn't arrive and then later, the mail ballot did arrive. The general rule followed was that the first valid ballot to be received was the one counted.
Most elections judges are sticking around, talking, waiting to sign off on the final tally, being done with the aid of a tape based adding machine. There is a place for this now ancient technology.
GVEA Ballot Count #6 - incumbent Bergh wins District 5
Preliminary count in District 5:
Ron Bergh - 606 (44%)
Hank Bartos - 441
Tim Beck - 331
200 ballots came in without signature on the outside envelope. They are opening those to see if any were signed inside, as the instructions allowed for. To date only one did, with a few more that had a check for payment of their bill (but no ballot).
Extra ballots checked - 5 had signatures inside.
Final count District 5
Ron Bergh - 608 - 44%
Hank Bartos - 441 - 32%
Tim Beck - 331 - 24%
Total ballots counted - 1380
Looks like some of the observer staff are leaving, though a recent lightning storm resulted in some spotty electrical outages in various areas of town.
Ron Bergh - 606 (44%)
Hank Bartos - 441
Tim Beck - 331
200 ballots came in without signature on the outside envelope. They are opening those to see if any were signed inside, as the instructions allowed for. To date only one did, with a few more that had a check for payment of their bill (but no ballot).
Extra ballots checked - 5 had signatures inside.
Final count District 5
Ron Bergh - 608 - 44%
Hank Bartos - 441 - 32%
Tim Beck - 331 - 24%
Total ballots counted - 1380
Looks like some of the observer staff are leaving, though a recent lightning storm resulted in some spotty electrical outages in various areas of town.
GVEA ballot count #5
Final bit of counting of District 5. 213 ballots that were unsigned on the outside are being opened to see if signed on the inside. Of the 1365 pre-verified ballots, it looks like one person got about 500 votes. 40% is needed to avoid a runoff with 3 candidates on the ballot.
Candidates were:
Ron Bergh - incumbent
Tim Beck
Hank Bartos
Beck didn't get very many ballots, but he didn't campaign that anyone could tell.
On the bylaw ballot, 3 piles are being made - Yes on all, No on all, Yes only as approved on the other side.
From my perspective, it looks like the "Yes on all" have the majority, with 2-3 times the pile size compared to the others.
Candidates were:
Ron Bergh - incumbent
Tim Beck
Hank Bartos
Beck didn't get very many ballots, but he didn't campaign that anyone could tell.
On the bylaw ballot, 3 piles are being made - Yes on all, No on all, Yes only as approved on the other side.
From my perspective, it looks like the "Yes on all" have the majority, with 2-3 times the pile size compared to the others.
GVEA Ballot Count #4
The bylaws group in the new board room just completed opening the outside envelopes.
GVEA Ballot Count #3 - District 6 winner - Sloan re-elected
District 6 election has been certified by the election judges. Under 50 minutes
John Sloan - 322 votes
Tana Wood - 99 votes
Ballots with no signatures not counted - 32
Ballots with wrong signatures not counted - 8
On to District 5 with 3x as many ballots to count.
The main board room is still opening outside envelopes for the bylaws vote.
John Sloan - 322 votes
Tana Wood - 99 votes
Ballots with no signatures not counted - 32
Ballots with wrong signatures not counted - 8
On to District 5 with 3x as many ballots to count.
The main board room is still opening outside envelopes for the bylaws vote.
GVEA Ballot Count #2
The staff have slit the outside envelopes and are giving them to the election judges, who then verify the name and signature on the outside and take the ballots out. These then go into a hopper for the next staff slitting of the envelopes. The old Board Room is getting District 6 ballots while the new Board Room is getting the bylaws ballots to open the outside envelopes.
BTW, the last bylaw vote on the G&T in 2008 had a 21% return.
BTW, the last bylaw vote on the G&T in 2008 had a 21% return.
GVEA ballot count #1
Just for fun and for those who can't be here, I've decided to report on the GVEA ballot counting for the bylaw changes and Districts 5 and 6 election. Just getting started now at 6 pm.
About 13 people here as election people, staff includes CEO Brian Newton, Diane Porter (presenting) and Corinne Braddish (Communiucations), VP Member Services, Dave Gardner, Attorney Cory Borgeson, board chair Bill Nordmark, board member Ward Merdes, some MAC members.
May 4 - district ballots went out
May 7 - bylaw ballots went out
Appropriate sig, no signature, questioned ballots, wrong signature, multiple ballots in a single envelope They were secured and counted daily during collection. Outside envelopes are to be saved and put in the hopper for the drawing for "Free Electricity for a Year" (up to $1760).
10% required for district elections
650 votes or 3% (1,011) required for bylaws
District 5 - ballots mailed out 6,435, returned 1,365 - 21% return
District 6 - ballots mailed out 1,604, returned 487 - 30% return
Bylaws - ballots mailed out 33,726, returned 5,114 - 15% return
Cory charges the election judges with their rights and responsibility to make decisions on validity. Noted that some ballots are already questioned, but election judges will decide on each. Ballots will be double counted, staff will open envelopes by machine.
About 13 people here as election people, staff includes CEO Brian Newton, Diane Porter (presenting) and Corinne Braddish (Communiucations), VP Member Services, Dave Gardner, Attorney Cory Borgeson, board chair Bill Nordmark, board member Ward Merdes, some MAC members.
May 4 - district ballots went out
May 7 - bylaw ballots went out
Appropriate sig, no signature, questioned ballots, wrong signature, multiple ballots in a single envelope They were secured and counted daily during collection. Outside envelopes are to be saved and put in the hopper for the drawing for "Free Electricity for a Year" (up to $1760).
10% required for district elections
650 votes or 3% (1,011) required for bylaws
District 5 - ballots mailed out 6,435, returned 1,365 - 21% return
District 6 - ballots mailed out 1,604, returned 487 - 30% return
Bylaws - ballots mailed out 33,726, returned 5,114 - 15% return
Cory charges the election judges with their rights and responsibility to make decisions on validity. Noted that some ballots are already questioned, but election judges will decide on each. Ballots will be double counted, staff will open envelopes by machine.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Eva Creek and interest rate subsidy
We've never been given much information about the purported subsidy of interest rates if GVEA funded the Eva Creek Wind Farm near Healy.
Here's some info about the federal funding source - the Clean Renewable Energy Bond Program
www.nreca.org/main/NRECA/PressRoom/Releases/20091030CREB.htm
www.nreca.coop/Documents/PublicPolicy/FFNewEnhcmntsCREBs.pdf
www.nreca.coop/PublicPolicy/ElectricIndustry/renewableenergy.htm
General Info on Eva Creek Wind Project
I don't know why GVEA doesn't post their Powerpoints on Eva Creek on their website, but some are available on UAF's Alaska Center for Energy and Power's informative website.
2008 presentation to the Rural Energy Conference
2010 presentation to the Rural Energy Conference
Here's some info about the federal funding source - the Clean Renewable Energy Bond Program
www.nreca.org/main/NRECA/PressRoom/Releases/20091030CREB.htm
www.nreca.coop/Documents/PublicPolicy/FFNewEnhcmntsCREBs.pdf
www.nreca.coop/PublicPolicy/ElectricIndustry/renewableenergy.htm
General Info on Eva Creek Wind Project
I don't know why GVEA doesn't post their Powerpoints on Eva Creek on their website, but some are available on UAF's Alaska Center for Energy and Power's informative website.
2008 presentation to the Rural Energy Conference
2010 presentation to the Rural Energy Conference
This link was supposedly a 2007 report on Eva Creek, but instead is a report on the GVEA's
Green Power Advisory Committee
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