Juneau Avalanche Creates Energy Emergency

April 24, 2008 3:13 p.m. EST

Juneau, AK (AHN) - Alaskan state officials said Thursday they'll meet again in two weeks to decide whether Juneau should be declared a disaster. Locals are facing a huge spike in energy costs after an avalanche and landslide cut hydroelectric transmission lines. The event forced the area utility to use emergency generators powered by diesel fuel.

Officials believe such a disaster declaration is unlikely because economic disasters don't qualify under new state rules.

"From what I'm hearing, I don't give it a real strong chance," Tim McLeod, president and general manager of Alaska Electric Light & Power told Juneau Empire.

Along with seeking a state disaster declaration, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's office is investigating whether residents can receive funds to offset the higher energy costs, which some estimate in May will be five times the normal monthly amount.