Anti-coal groups target Healy plant's debt

FAIRBANKS - Groups opposed to the restarting of an inactive coal plant in Healy are expressing fiscal concerns.

The Fairbanks-based Golden Valley Electric Association plans to purchase and reopen the plant which closed a decade ago. But it must take on debt to do so.

Nancy Kuhn, spokeswoman for the GVEA Ratepayers Alliance, calls it a "black hole" for energy customers' money. She also spoke against a proposed amendment to the electric association's bylaws that would remove its $460 million debt limit.

GVEA president Brian Newton says the project's funding is a secure investment. He says opponents make a good argument, but they don't have keep to the lights on in the middle of winter when the temperature is 40 below.