Barrow Utilities and Electric Cooperative Inc. Information

Barrow Utilities and Electric Cooperative Inc (BUECI) was established in 1964. Prior to this, Golden Valley Electric out of Fairbanks, Alaska, provided electricity in the local area. When a storm damaged their equipment, BUECI was formed to replace and establish local control of the electric services. Over the years, natural gas distribution, then water, and wastewater services were added in coordination with significant investment in infrastructure provided by the North Slope Borough, who heavily subsidizes the rates paid by the local community to this day. Thanks to the Borough's generous support, the community of Utqiagvik enjoys rates that are among the lowest in the state. Currently, BUECI provides electric production with 20.5MW capacity, electric distribution, natural gas distribution, potable and nonpotable water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and a garage including a compressed natural gas filling station for more than 30 pickups. BUECI does not operate any transmission or substations in its electric distribution system. BUECI has 70 full-time employees who live, work, and play in the local community. BUECI is very active supporting the local community in a variety of ways including -providing free grave-digging services -participating in the regional ICUA Youth Rally in Idaho -fundraising for the local radio station, KBRW -providing youth scholarships to college or trade schools -participating in annual parades and walking events -offering $70,000 annually in cash support for teams, organizations, and individuals who participate in positive activities which enhance the health, safety, and culture of the local community BUECI is a member of many trade organizations and cooperatives including Arctic Slope Telephone Association Cooperative (ASTAC), National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), Alaska Power Association, Northwest Public Power Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC).