HI, I'M PETER.
I’m a 44-year resident of Alaska and former deputy director of Alaska Energy Authority with a
long history in energy project planning and development. I’ve been a utility ratepayer in Homer, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Dillingham, where my family and I run a Bristol Bay setnet operation.
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Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to be involved with many energy projects across the
Railbelt and rural Alaska—ranging from small hydro in Iliamna to landfill gas in Anchorage,
wood energy in Prince of Wales I, and wind energy in western Alaska.​
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I’m running for the Homer Electric board because I think my knowledge and experience can
contribute to this cooperative. If elected, I will stay laser-focused on:
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Delivering reliable and affordable power to HEA ratepayers.
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Keeping future costs down by harnessing our abundant, local energy sources when cost-effective and sensible.
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Being transparent and responsive to the ratepayers I serve.
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I’d appreciate your vote as we build a better local energy future.
Thank you.
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OUR ENERGY SITUATION
​Right now, Homer Electric Association generates almost 90% of its
power by burning natural gas. But Cook Inlet’s gas supply is
declining. So far, the only alternatives floated are to buy more gas,
likely at a higher cost–either LNG imported from Outside or North
Slope gas pumped through an expensive new pipeline.
Meanwhile the potential for using zero-fuel-cost renewable energy
resources has increased as technology has advanced and costs have
come down.​
I think we should diversify our energy sources.
Wind, hydro, solar and other renewable energy projects are already
working reliably and saving ratepayers money in the Railbelt and
other parts of Alaska. Let’s invest in these resources
where and when it makes sense.
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MY FAMILY
My wife, Paula Cullenberg, and I have lived in Alaska
since 1982. Our first son was born in Dillingham, the
next in Fairbanks, and they were raised in Anchorage.
Now Matt lives in Seattle with his family and James
lives in Juneau. Our family fishing operation began in
1988, and continues as an annual family gathering
place and shared occupation.
MY BACKGROUND
WORK EXPERIENCE
Crimp Energy Consulting (2013-25)
Alaska Energy Authority (1993-2012)
Bristol Bay Coastal Resource Service Area (1988-1990)
Alaska DNR Forestry (1984-88)
Small Boat Salmon LLC (1988-present)
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BOARD EXPERIENCE
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Kenai Borough Resilience & Security Advisory Commission (2025-present)
Kachemak Nordic Ski Club (2020-25)
Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) (2014-22)
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I currently work as a consultant in energy and natural resource development from my home in Homer, Alaska. Recent projects include: a business plan for Port Graham’s community biomass heating system (currently under construction); developing a forest plan for Choggiung Limited (the Dillingham area Native corporation); and an assessment of energy options for the Municipality of Anchorage with Deerstone Consulting.
II retired from the Alaska Energy Authority as Deputy Director after 20 years, where I managed the state’s Renewable Energy Fund grant program. That involved overseeing engineers and planners responsible for alternative energy and energy efficiency projects. We analyzed and funded various stages of development for more than 300 proposed projects across the state and created a project review process still used 18 years later by AEA.
Currently, I serve on the Kenai Borough Resiliency & Security Advisory Commission. I was recently a Kachemak Nordic Ski Club board member from 2020-2025, serving as treasurer for three years. And I have served on the Renewable Energy Alaska Project board of directors 2014-22, including two years as chair.
I have a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University. My family and i have run a Bristol Bay setnet and direct market operation since 1988.
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