Sewards Energy Future

Town Hall #1: Learning from Small Coastal Electric Cooperatives

The first Seward Energy Futures Town Hall focused on small coastal electric cooperatives, including Cordova, Kodiak, and Copper Valley Electric. Participants learned how these member-owned utilities are governed through locally elected boards and how many have invested heavily in hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and stabilize long-term energy costs. Discussion also highlighted the importance of local representation and the potential need for a governing board that includes members both inside and outside the city limits of Seward, should a cooperative model be pursued.

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Town Hall #2: Learning from Alaska's Railbelt Cooperatives

The second Town Hall featured presentations from Alaska's larger Railbelt electric cooperatives, including Homer Electric Association, Chugach Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, and Golden Valley Electric Association. Representatives provided an overview of their governance structures, operations, and future planning efforts. Special attention was given to the long-term outlook for Cook Inlet natural gas supplies and the challenges facing Alaska's electric utilities. Participants also explored the option of selling the utility to an existing Railbelt cooperative, which could simplify the transition process but would shift decision-making authority to an existing board outside of Seward.

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Town Hall #3: Exploring the Municipal Authority Model

The third Town Hall featured former U.S. Senator and former Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, who discussed the municipal authority model. Under this approach, the electric utility would remain owned by the City of Seward while operating under an independent governing board with representation from both inside and outside city limits. Discussion emphasized the importance of community involvement, strong local leadership, and developing a clear long-term vision for the utility. Participants learned that defining a community vision is a critical first step in determining the best path forward for Seward's energy future.

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Town Hall #4: Economic Analysis and Community Discussion

The fourth Town Hall focused on the economic outlook of the various utility ownership and governance options. Seward Electric System General Manager Brian Hickey provided a summary of the options discussed throughout the series and presented preliminary financial forecasts for each scenario. Community discussion centered on whether Seward residents prefer to maintain local control of the utility or to pursue a sale to an existing Railbelt cooperative. Participants also expressed interest in additional opportunities to review and discuss the economic analysis in greater detail, leading to plans for future small-group discussions and community engagement opportunities.

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Next Steps

The Seward Electric Department remains committed to an open, transparent, and community-driven process as we evaluate the future of our electric utility.

In June, we will distribute a community survey to gather additional feedback from residents, businesses, and utility customers. The survey results will help guide future discussions and provide valuable insight into community priorities and preferences.

In addition, several community members have expressed interest in taking a deeper dive into the economic forecasts presented during Town Hall #4. To support this interest, we will be organizing smaller group meetings where participants can review assumptions, ask questions, and explore the financial models in greater detail.

As this process continues, additional information, reports, presentations, surveys, and project documents will be made available on the Seward Energy Futures webpage. We encourage all community members to stay engaged, review the available information, and participate in helping shape the future of Seward's electric utility.

Seward Community Focus Group Report (November 2025)

S561 Seward Electric Utility FG Report

Seward Electric Future Community Survey Results

September 11th, 2025, Survey Results

Seward Electric future Community Survey Round 2 Results

"This Survey will be going out to customers in June 2026"

Seward Electric Governance Option White Paper

Seward Electric Governance Options Final 6-1-26 3_13p

Presentation from Fourth Town Hall on 5-28-2026

2026 Seward Electric Governance Options Presentation FINAL

You can access the Town Hall meetings at the City of Seward YouTube page:

Seward Electric Community Town Hall 2/4/2026