AK-WA Connection 2008: Aggressive innovator AP&T finds winning combination in providing renewable energy and communications services to communities

Q) What are the keys to AP&T’s success?

A) AP&T’s success is credited to its aggressive leadership in developing clean technology renewable resource-based energy generation, coupled with a highly-motivated workforce and adherence to our core competencies.

Q) What recent management strategies have been successful?

A) On the energy side, it’s been far-sighted investments, strategic partnerships, innovative financing and expeditious project mobilization. On the communications side, it was undertaking the unique Alaska Power & Telephone Southeast Alaska Terrestrial Microwave Network.

Q) What sets AP&T apart from competitors?

A) The fact that we are both an energy and a communications services provider, an unusual combination in the utility world. With a talented employee-owned workforce, we moved our carbon footprint from 99 percent fossil fuel generation to over 80 percent clean renewable power generation in just over 13 years.

Q) What are some of the more notable projects AP&T has worked on?

A) We built a family of seven clean technology hydroelectric projects. Of these, the Black Bear Lake Hydro Project on Prince of Wales Island and AP&T’s Goat Lake Hydro Project near Skagway received “Low Environmental Impact” certification status by the Low Impact Hydro Institute. They were Alaska’s first projects to receive this certification.

Q) What goals do you have for the future?

A) To continue growing and innovating in the energy and communications industry.

Q) Give readers some company specifics.

A) Our 2007 total revenues were $18 million for the energy segment and $19.6 for communications. This year we will complete the Kasidaya Creek Hydro Project near Skagway, Alaska, a 3MW project. Eight other hydropower and two wind power projects are in early and late-stage development.

Our workforce consists of 144 employee owners; 29 are based in the Port Townsend Washington corporate headquarters. Those in Alaska provide critical infrastructure services to 34 communities.