The Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors has two seats open for election this year. Four candidates are running, including our very own Todd Lindley, Must Read Alaska’s Vice President of the Board.
The other three candidates running are Penny Gage, Michael McManamon, and Rachel Morse.
Chugach Electric members can vote beginning April 29 until Election Day on May 29. Elections are conducted electronically. All information will be mailed and emailed (check spam) to rate payers of Chugach Electric.
Todd Lindley
In addition to VP for Must Read Alaska, Todd Lindley has expertise as a mechanical engineer. His campaign site emphasizes “operational excellence, transparency, and affordability.” He also lists a number of key positions, the first being the recognition that “energy is national security.” He promises to pursue a Reliable Portfolio Standard, sensible energy, AK LNG readiness, affordable energy, and moving away from distracting decarbonization efforts. Learn more at toddforchugach.com.
Todd Lindley’s Candidate Statement:
As an engineer and business owner, I always look for ways to improve efficiency through process or technology, sometimes through both. Each must support the other with clear assumptions and a roadmap in order to identify and overcome constraints. In Alaska and at Chugach, we are on the cusp of moving into an energy future that will bring generational prosperity for the state and the nation but we are constrained by self-imposed limitations.
To become a leader in manufacturing, defense, and data we need to look at every opportunity that brings long-term security for ratepayers. We need to eliminate distractions like decarbonization, focus on a diverse and reliable portfolio, and rigorously evaluate investment in generation and transmission that are secure.
Key Energy Priorities:
- Reliable – Stable grid infrastructure keeps the power on
when we need it most - Affordable – Economy of scale and system design
enable diversification - Secure – Local and diverse mitigates risk to ratepayers
I intend to look towards the future and advocate for services and policies that are truly beneficial to the members and enable economic growth. I respectfully ask for your vote.
Todd Lindley is endorsed by the AK Libertarian Party, Robert Wall (Homer Electric Association VP and Alaska Republican District 8 Chair), and AK GOP District 13.
Penny Gage
Penny Gage is the Energy and Policy Executive at Launch Alaska, Fulbright Arctic Initiative. Her campaign site emphasizes her Alaskan roots, energy expertise, and willingness to serve. She promises to deliver gas security, energy diversification, consumer growth, and transparent governance. Learn more at pennyforchugach.com.
Penny Gage’s Candidate Statement:
I am running for the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors to ensure reliable, affordable power for our members during a pivotal time for our region. As a member-owner, I believe Chugach Electric must remain financially strong and accountable to its members.
Born and raised in Alaska and of Tlingit heritage, I have lived in Anchorage for over 11 years and am raising two young children here with my husband. My career has focused on energy policy, infrastructure investment, and economic development. I have worked in state government, private investment, and nonprofit leadership roles evaluating capital projects and long-term risk. I currently work with utilities, policymakers, and investors to support infrastructure investments and responsibly integrate emerging technologies.
Chugach faces tightening natural gas supply, significant capital investment decisions, and heavy reliance on a single fuel. These realities require disciplined oversight, strong financial stewardship, and pragmatic long-term planning. If elected, I will focus on:
- Advancing practical near-term gas supply strategies that prioritize reliability and manage costs
- Protecting ratepayers through financial management and transparent governance
- Reducing long-term risk through diversification and cost effective modernization
Reliable power affects every household and business. I would be honored to earn your vote.
Penny Gage’s endorsements include: The Alaska Center, IBEW 1547, and REAP; Alaska State Senators Bert Stedman, Cathy Giessel, and Forrest Dunbar; Alaska State Representatives Calvin Schrage, Zack Fields, and Carolyn Hall; former Alaska State Senator Lesil McGuire; former Alaska State Representatives Willie Hensley, Sam Kito III, Ivy Sponholz, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and Jennie Armstrong; Anchorage Assembly Members Daniel Volland, Chris Constant, and Anna Brawley; as well as Isaac Vanderburg, Shaina Kilcoyne, Erin Whitney, Sydney Scout, Diane Kaplan, Michael Bourdukofsky, Larry Persily, Raina Thiele, Kate Consenstein, Rachel Pennington, Susan Anderson, Cordelia Kellie, Claire Pywell, Rachel Kallander, Jay Hermanson, Laile Fairbairn, Ben Kellie, Kirk Rose, Gretchen Fauske, Janis Fleischman, Lance Miller, Piper Foster Wilder, Veronica Slajer, Ian Laing, Jon Bittner, and Ross Johnston.
Michael McManamon
Michael McManamon is an IS Operations Manager for Oil Search Alaska, a subsidiary of Santos LTD. Michael McManamon does not have a campaign site.
Michael McManamon’s Candidate Statement:
I am running for the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors for the opportunity to help the organization and its members be successful by leveraging the energy resources and innovation to shape the future and deliver on the possibilities Alaska holds.
The challenges we face are not insurmountable and our responses will build the foundation that we can grow on. Our members are counting on access to affordable always-on power.
The strategies I plan on addressing to achieve this include issues such as natural gas supply with a generation portfolio including renewables, clean energy, as well as proven and mature resources. Shaping the demand curve and enable facility growth not just in manufacturing but enabling AI, data centers and other innovations is a strategic goal.
Affordable and reliable energy is where I will focus. Managing costs, ensuring regulatory compliance and building a strategy with a foundation that maps out progress over the next decades are areas where the CEA board needs to direct their efforts.
Please make your voice heard and vote in this election.
Rachel Morse
Rachel Morse has worked in Operational Management for the Alaska Municipal League. Running for re-election, her campaign focuses on her prior experience on the Chugach Electric Board. According to her Facebook site, she is committed to renewable energy, safety, reliability, affordability, and “working for a vibrant Alaska economy.” Learn more at http://facebook.com/Morse4Chugach. According to a Facebook post, her campaign site will be launching soon.
Rachel Morse’s Candidate Statement:
In my past two terms, I have worked hard to help position Chugach Electric to meet the challenges of gas supply, renewable integration, and responsible rates.
The environment in which Chugach Electric provides reliable, affordable, and responsibly sourced power is evolving. Soon we will be beyond our long-term local gas supply contract, leaning into a Railbelt-wide Integrated Resource Plan, and continuing to balance infrastructure needs with load growth. As a current board member, I possess a strong combination of experience, commitment, and optimism for the important road ahead.
Recent initiatives I have supported include successful management of Beluga River gas field, gas storage and gas exchange agreements, southern transmission line rebuild work, and Alaska’s first community solar project. Thank you to our members for supporting me and through your engagement, helping me to represent your interests. I would be honored to have your vote for another term.
My priorities are:
- Ensuring we meet natural gas supply needs
- Grid Infrastructure Upgrades and Railbelt-wide planning
- Continued responsible renewable energy integration
All of that while working hard to control costs, maintain reliability, and keep the lowest rates on the Railbelt.
Thank you!
Along with Penny Gage, Rachel Morse is also endorsed by The Alaska Center, a prominent climate activist organization.
