AEL&P announced February 5 that it filed an Emergency Cost of Power Adjustment (E-COPA) to recoup the cost of diesel fuel used during the avalanche repair. Just over 1.5 million gallons of diesel was used for a total cost of $3.8 million. AEL&P filed for an E-COPA of 14.4 cents per KWh, to be in effect for one month. This would be added to the normal winter rates. For residential customers, adding the E-COPA rate to the normal winter rate of 9.6 cents would result in a total rate of 24 cents.

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska will be conducting a consumer input hearing to hear concerns from customers of AEL&P. The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Centennial Hall.  An AEL&P representative will also be available at the hearing to answer consumer questions.

Customers should begin to see the higher bills beginning February 13. When the bill is received depends upon your billing cycle.  After one billing period with the E-COPA, rates will return to their pre-avalanche level. For specific information on when you will see higher rates and a return to normal rates, visit the AEL&P website at www.aelp.com.