Chugach Electric Association 10-Q 14 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	CHUGACH ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION INC
Entity Central Index Key	878004
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	0

Balance_Sheets

Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Utility Plant:
Electric plant in service	$1,104,182,484	$1,155,500,963
Construction work in progress	22,264,488	21,567,341
Total utility plant	1,126,446,972	1,177,068,304
Less accumulated depreciation	-455,001,741	-497,601,371
Net utility plant	671,445,231	679,466,933
Other property and investments, at cost:
Nonutility property	76,889	76,889
Investments in associated organizations	9,571,132	9,923,552
Special funds	705,746	666,967
Restricted cash equivalents	1,584,698	1,705,086
Total other property and investments	11,938,465	12,372,494
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	13,231,815	16,364,962
Special deposits	79,390	79,390
Restricted cash equivalents	1,263,388	1,143,000
Accounts receivable, net	38,697,621	36,060,256
Materials and supplies	27,368,756	26,774,512
Fuel stock	3,009,424	9,652,073
Prepayments	3,008,157	2,178,723
Other current assets	316,502	242,682
Total current assets	86,975,053	92,495,598
Deferred charges, net	20,885,520	21,376,596
Total assets	791,244,269	805,711,621
Equities and margins:
Memberships	1,637,579	1,631,569
Patronage capital	170,181,783	164,135,053
Other	11,154,882	11,158,677
Total equities and margins	182,974,244	176,925,299
Long-term obligations, excluding current installments:
Bonds payable	426,666,665	448,083,332
National Bank for Cooperatives note payable	23,651,493	24,941,165
Total long-term obligations	450,318,158	473,024,497
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term obligations	23,997,852	23,889,777
Commercial paper	30,000,000	21,000,000
Accounts payable	9,716,212	9,746,175
Consumer deposits	4,577,822	4,914,260
Fuel cost over-recovery	6,727,342	1,462,057
Accrued interest	894,769	6,191,608
Salaries, wages and benefits	8,159,700	7,547,316
Fuel	4,739,600	11,137,609
Other current liabilities	4,812,350	4,594,865
Total current liabilities	93,625,647	90,483,667
Other non-current liabilities:
Deferred compensation	705,746	666,967
Other liabilities, non-current	1,740,071	1,842,000
Deferred liabilities	1,764,489	1,858,455
Patronage capital payable	10,205,739	10,205,739
Cost of removal obligation	49,910,175	50,704,997
Total other non-current liabilities	64,326,220	65,278,158
Total liabilities, equities and margins	$791,244,269	$805,711,621

Statements_Of_Operations

Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$74,973,117	$76,098,886
Operating expenses:
Fuel	29,831,997	33,437,251
Production	4,567,682	5,209,197
Purchased power	6,606,602	4,268,360
Transmission	1,563,682	1,568,005
Distribution	3,250,564	3,408,284
Consumer accounts	1,541,591	1,597,192
Administrative, general and other	6,095,346	5,725,853
Depreciation and amortization	9,993,812	10,253,381
Total operating expenses	63,451,276	65,467,523
Interest expense:
Long-term debt and other	5,708,912	5,951,552
Charged to construction	-119,539	-108,994
Interest expense, net	5,589,373	5,842,558
Net operating margins	5,932,468	4,788,805
Nonoperating margins:
Interest income	68,097	167,829
Allowance for funds used during construction	44,965	32,846
Capital credits, patronage dividends and other	1,200	12,351
Total nonoperating margins	114,262	213,026
Assignable margins	$6,046,730	$5,001,831

Statements_Of_Cash_Flows

Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Assignable margins	$6,046,730	$5,001,831
Adjustments to reconcile assignable margins to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,993,812	10,253,381
Amortization and depreciation cleared to operating expenses	1,092,898	1,539,244
Allowance for funds used during construction	-44,965	-32,846
Write off of inventory, deferred charges and projects	65,228	103,441
Other	0	-22,100
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	-3,415,064	-471,420
Materials and supplies	-657,211	-469,858
Fuel stock	6,642,649	5,071,247
Prepayments	-829,434	-1,154,707
Other assets	-73,820	-198,509
Deferred charges	-18,911	-10,442
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,256,268	-1,444,212
Consumer deposits	-336,438	-353,099
Fuel cost over-recovery	5,265,285	-1,280,567
Accrued interest	-5,296,839	-5,574,034
Salaries, wages and benefits	612,384	204,392
Fuel	-6,398,009	-4,373,048
Other current liabilities	465,887	436,047
Deferred liabilities	-105,066	-17,528
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,265,384	7,207,213
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of capital from investment in associated organizations	352,420	351,162
Investment in restricted cash equivalents	0	-62
Investment in marketable securities	0	-79,382
Proceeds from capital grants	845,950	2,153,892
Extension and replacement of plant	-5,011,952	-5,673,630
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,813,582	-3,248,020
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term obligations	9,000,000	17,000,000
Repayments of long-term obligations	-22,598,264	-23,499,381
Memberships and donations received	2,215	10,268
Retirement of patronage capital and estate payments	0	-5,867
Net receipts on consumer advances for construction	11,100	-20,830
Net cash used in financing activities	-13,584,949	-6,515,810
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-3,133,147	-2,556,617
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	16,364,962	4,347,163
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	13,231,815	1,790,546
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Retirement of plant	53,925,392	536,034
Cost of removal obligation	794,822	1,017,977
Extension and replacement of plant included in accounts payable	770,183	1,380,224
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information - interest expense paid, net of amounts capitalized	$10,575,885	$11,113,388

Presentation_Of_Financial_Info

Presentation Of Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Presentation Of Financial Information [Abstract]
Presentation Of Financial Information		1	PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include the accounts of Chugach and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for complete financial statements.  They should be read in conjunction with Chugach’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed as part of Chugach’s annual report on Form 10-K.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for an entire year or any other period.

Description_Of_Business

Description Of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Description Of Business [Abstract]
Description Of Business		2	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
	Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska.  Chugach is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to directly serve retail customers in the Anchorage and upper Kenai Peninsula areas.  Through an interconnected regional electrical system, Chugach's power flows throughout Alaska's Railbelt, a 400-mile-long area stretching from the coastline of the southern Kenai Peninsula to the interior of the state, including Alaska's largest cities, Anchorage and Fairbanks.
	Chugach also supplies much of the power requirements of two wholesale customers, Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. (MEA) and the City of Seward (Seward or SES).  Chugach sells available generation in excess of its own needs to Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc. (GVEA).  In addition, on a periodic basis, Chugach provides electricity to Anchorage Municipal Light & Power (ML&P).  Chugach’s retail and wholesale members are the consumers of the electricity sold.
	Chugach was organized as an Alaska electric cooperative in 1948 and operates on a not‑for‑profit basis and, accordingly, seeks only to generate revenues sufficient to pay operating and maintenance costs, the cost of purchased power, capital expenditures, depreciation, and principal and interest on all indebtedness and to provide for reserves.  Chugach is subject to the regulatory authority of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).
	Chugach has three Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA’s) with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), representing approximately 70 percent of its workforce.  Chugach also has an agreement with the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE). All three IBEW CBA’s have been renewed through June 30, 2017.  The three CBA’s provide for wage increases in all years and include health and welfare premium cost sharing provisions.  The HERE contract has been renewed through June 30, 2016.  This contract provides for wage increases in all years.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies		3	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	a. Management Estimates
	In preparing the financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the management of Chugach is required to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the reporting period.  Estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts, workers compensation liability, deferred charges and credits, unbilled revenue, the estimated useful life of utility plant and the cost of removal obligation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	b. Regulation
	The accounting records of Chugach conform to the Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Chugach meets the criteria, and accordingly, follows the accounting and reporting requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 980, “Topic 980 - Regulated Operations.” FASB ASC 980 provides for the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as allowed by regulators for costs or credits that are reflected in current rates or are considered probable of being included in future rates.  Chugach’s regulated rates are established to recover all of the specific costs of providing electric service.  In each rate filing, rates are set at levels to recover all of the specific allowable costs and those rates are then collected from retail and wholesale customers.  The regulatory assets or liabilities are then reduced as the cost or credit is reflected in earnings and rates.
	c. Income Taxes
	Chugach is exempt from federal income taxes under the provisions of Section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was in compliance with that provision.  In addition, Chugach collects sales tax and is assessed gross revenue and excise taxes which are presented on a net basis in accordance with FASB ASC 605-45-50, “Topic 605 - Revenue Recognition – Subtopic 45 - Principal Agent Considerations – Section 50 - Disclosure.”
	Chugach applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties.  FASB ASC 740, “Topic 740 – Income Taxes,” only allows the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities.  Chugach’s management reviewed Chugach’s tax positions and determined there were no outstanding or retroactive tax positions that were not highly certain of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities.
	d. Accounts Receivable
	Included in accounts receivable are invoiced amounts to ML&P for their proportionate share of current Southcentral Power Project (SPP) costs, which amounted to $1.2 million and $0.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  In addition, accounts receivable includes invoiced amounts for grants to support the construction of facilities to divert water and safely transmit electricity, which amounted to $0.3 million and $1.1 million at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	e. Fuel Stock
	Fuel Stock is the weighted average cost of fuel injected into the Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska (CINGSA).  Chugach’s fuel balance in storage amounted to $3.0 million and $9.7 million at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	f. Restricted Cash Equivalents
	Restricted cash equivalents include funds on deposit for future workers’ compensation claims, which amounted to $2.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	g. Reclassifications
	For the period ended March 31, 2015, Chugach recorded the following reclassification for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	A reclassification representing the long-term versus current presentation of long-term obligations associated with bonds payable, previously reported as current installments of long-term obligations and now reported as long-term obligations, excluding current installments.  The impact of this reclassification was an increase to long-term obligations, excluding current installments, and a decrease to current installments of long-term obligations of $1.0 million in 2014.
	For the period ended March 31, 2015, Chugach recorded the following reclassification for the period ended March 31, 2014:
	A reclassification representing the gross versus net presentation of cash received for capital grants, included as cash flows from investing, previously reported as extension and replacement of plant and now reported as proceeds from capital grants.  This reclassification had no impact on net cash used in investing activities.

Regulatory_Matters

Regulatory Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
Regulatory Matters		4	REGULATORY MATTERS
	MEA Interim Power Sales Agreement
	On August 12, 2014, MEA notified Chugach that their newly constructed power plant, the Eklutna Generation Station (EGS), would not be completed by January 1, 2015. On September 30, 2014, Chugach entered into an Interim Power Sales Agreement (Agreement) to provide MEA with all demand and energy requirements on a firm basis based on existing tariff rates for a minimum one quarter period beginning on January 1, 2015, and ending on March 31, 2015.  Under the terms of the Agreement, Chugach agreed to purchase from MEA the output of up to four units from their plant upon commercial operation through the term of the agreement.  Chugach proposed to purchase the pooled energy and recover the costs from its members, including MEA, through Chugach’s fuel and purchased power adjustment process.  MEA will supply and deliver any and all additional gas and attendant transportation necessary for Chugach to produce electric service to MEA arising as a result of the electric services to be provided by Chugach pursuant to the Agreement.
	On December 22, 2014, the RCA issued a letter order approving both the Agreement and Chugach’s proposal to recover costs incurred under the Agreement through its fuel and purchased power rate adjustment process.  As part of the approval, the RCA required Chugach to provide monthly information on MEA gas deliveries to Chugach, system heat rates with and without EGS, and the number of EGS units made commercially available during each month of the contract.
	Pursuant to the Agreement, MEA was required to notify Chugach if it planned to exercise an option to extend the Agreement for an additional quarter. On January 5, 2015, MEA notified Chugach that it would not be extending the agreement.
	On January 30, 2015, MEA notified Chugach that it had four units available to pool with Chugach units to meet the combined system load of Chugach and MEA. These units were subsequently pooled with Chugach units.
	The term of the 2015 Interim Power Sales Agreement was subsequently extended by one month, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chugach and MEA, as explained below.
	Amended Eklutna Generation Station 2015 Dispatch Services Agreement
	On February 13, 2015, Chugach submitted the Amended Eklutna Generation Station 2015 Dispatch Services Agreement (Dispatch Services Agreement) to the RCA for dispatch services to be provided by Chugach to MEA for a one-year period.  Under the Dispatch Services Agreement, Chugach provides electric and natural gas dispatch services for MEA’s EGS, electric dispatch services for the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project (Bradley Lake), and electric dispatch coordination services for the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project (Eklutna Hydro) beginning with EGS’s full commercial operation.
	On March 23, 2015, the RCA approved the Dispatch Services Agreement, upon the requirements that 1) MEA and Chugach notify the RCA at least one-month prior to forming separate Load Balancing Authorities in accordance with the requirements and include in any such notification details on the tie points and any written agreements contemplated by the utilities; and, 2) Chugach file an update to its tariff to reflect any extension of the Dispatch Services Agreement one week from the receipt of such a request from MEA.
	The Dispatch Services Agreement remains in effect through March 31, 2016, unless extended by MEA. MEA may extend the Dispatch Services Agreement through March 31, 2017 by providing written notice to Chugach on or before December 31, 2015.
	As a result of the approval, Chugach will receive $40,000 per month from MEA for these services.
	June 2014 Test Year General Rate Case
	Chugach’s June 2014 Test Year General Rate Case was finalized and submitted to the RCA on February 13, 2015.  Chugach requested a system base rate increase of approximately $21.3 million, or 20 percent, on total base rate revenues for rates effective in April 2015.  The filing also included updates to firm and non-firm transmission wheeling rates and attendant ancillary services in support of third-party transactions on the Chugach transmission system.  The primary driver of the rate changes is the reduction and shift in fixed-cost contributions resulting from the expected expiration of the Interim Power Sales Agreement between Chugach and MEA on March 31, 2015.
	Chugach submitted proposed adjustments to its fuel and purchased power rates under a separate tariff advice letter to become effective at the same time which allows interim base rate increases to be synchronized with reductions in fuel costs resulting from system heat rate improvements and a greater share of hydroelectric generation used to meet the load requirements of the remaining customers on the system.  In combination with Chugach’s fuel and purchased power rate adjustment filing for rates effective in April 2015, the effective increase to retail customer bills is approximately 2.0 to 5.0 percent.
	On March 31, 2015, Chugach and MEA entered into a MOU entitled, “Extension of Eklutna Generation Station Agreements and Delay of Implementation of the Dispatch Services Agreement”, which was approved by the RCA on the same day.  Approval of the MOU extended the Eklutna Generation Station Commissioning Dispatch Service and Test Power Agreement and the 2015 Interim Power Sales Agreement between MEA and Chugach to April 30, 2015 and delayed implementation of the Amended Eklutna Generation Station 2015 Dispatch Services Agreement until May 1, 2015.
	As a result of the MOU, the expected implementation of Chugach’s proposed rate changes were delayed by one month.  Chugach supplemented its filing and requested a delay in implementing interim rates to match the one-month extensions to synchronize the rate changes with the termination of sales to MEA.  Chugach also updated its fuel and purchased power rates to reflect continuation of the MEA Interim Power Sales Agreement between Chugach and MEA for rates effective on and after April 1, 2015.
	On April 30, 2015, the RCA opened a new docket and issued Order No. U-15-081(1) approving base retail and wholesale rates on an interim and refundable basis. Retail rate changes are effective May 1, 2015, and wholesale rate changes are effective June 1, 2015, for purchases beginning May 1, 2015. The RCA did not approve adjustments to Chugach’s transmission and ancillary services rates. Adjustments to these rate components, which do not impact Chugach’s financial performance, are expected to be determined at the conclusion of the case. The RCA indicated a final order in the case would be issued by May 8, 2016.
	Second Amendment to the Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement between Hilcorp Alaska, LLC and Chugach Electric Association, Inc.
	On March 11, 2015, Chugach filed the Second Amendment to the Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (Second Amendment) between Hilcorp Alaska, LLC and Chugach with the RCA.  The Second Amendment revises payment procedures and updates the notice provisions contained in the original agreement.  There is no impact on Chugach’s rates, revenues or operating tariff as a result of the amendment.  The Second Amendment is contingent on the advanced approval by the RCA.  On April 20, 2015, the RCA issued Order No. L1500220 approving the Second Amendment, effective May 4, 2015.
	Operation and Regulation of the Alaska Railbelt Transmission System
	On February 11, 2015, the RCA voted in favor of opening a docket to investigate and receive input on alternative transmission structures for the Railbelt.  On February 27, 2015, the RCA issued Order No. 1 to docket I-15-001 requiring interested parties to respond by March 31, 2015, to questions outlined in the order regarding the creation of an independent system operator for Railbelt transmission.  The RCA received responses from sixteen interested parties, including the Railbelt utilities, the Attorney General’s Office, independent power producers, and investor-owned utilities.  Reply comments were submitted by April 30, 2015.  The RCA has indicated that routine public meetings and workshops will be held to evaluate alternative transmission structures for the Railbelt.
	AIX Energy, LLC
	On December 22, 2014, Chugach executed an agreement with AIX Energy, LLC (AIX Agreement) which allows for natural gas purchases by Chugach from AIX Energy, LLC (AIX) from March 1, 2015, through February 29, 2016.  The AIX Agreement provides flexibility in both the purchase price and volumes, with specific prices and volumes to be determined by each transaction, although, the price of gas cannot exceed $6.24 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) and the total volume of gas is capped at 300,000 Mcf, or a maximum total outlay of approximately $1.9 million.  As the AIX Agreement is for a term less than one year, approval of the agreement by the RCA is not required; however, Chugach submitted a filing to the RCA seeking approval to recover purchases made under the agreement as a new cost element in its fuel and purchased power adjustment process.  The RCA approved the filing on February 17, 2015, and required Chugach to file informational tariff advice filings of future executed transaction confirmations with AIX.
	2013 General Rate Case
	To reflect revenue and cost changes resulting from the expiration of HEA’s wholesale contract, Chugach submitted its 2013 Test Year General Rate Case to the RCA on November 19, 2013, to increase system base rate revenues by $16.0 million, or approximately 12.5 percent on total retail, MEA, and Seward base rate revenues of $127.4 million.  On January 2, 2014, the RCA approved the submitted rates on an interim and refundable basis.  Retail rates were effective January 2, 2014.  The increase, net of both base rate increases and fuel savings, to Chugach retail end-users, is approximately 6 percent.
	On April 18, 2014, Chugach submitted an update to its 2013 Test Year General Rate Case to reflect the final results contained in Chugach’s compliance filing in the 2012 Test Year General Rate Case that was submitted to the RCA on April 14, 2014.  The update reflects final rate design changes contained in the 2012 Test Year General Rate Case.  On May 30, 2014, the RCA issued Order No. 3 approving Chugach’s motion and update to retail and wholesale base rates effective with the first billing cycle in June of 2014.  There was no impact to the system revenue requirement contained in the 2013 Test Year General Rate Case filing.
	Chugach and the parties to the docket entered into a stipulation resolving revenue requirement and cost of service matters contained in the case.  The stipulation was filed with the RCA on October 16, 2014, and requires Chugach to issue refunds totaling $1.1 million (annualized) for service provided beginning January 2014, with an expected financial impact to Chugach of approximately $0.2 million on an annual basis.  The stipulation contained a provision that Chugach be permitted to create a regulatory asset for approximately $0.9 million of storm-related costs and be permitted to recover $0.2 million per year over the next five years. On October 24, 2014, Chugach and the parties to the docket filed a proposed stipulation partially resolving the transmission rate for reactive supply and voltage control from generation sources. Revenues associated with reactive supply and voltage control from generation sources do not impact Chugach’s margin levels. The RCA extended the time for ruling on this stipulation until the statutory deadline for issuance of a final order in this case.
	On November 13, 2014, the RCA accepted the revenue requirement stipulation.
	On February 12, 2015, the RCA issued Order No. 9 of U-14-001 accepting the stipulation on reactive supply and voltage control from generation sources and resolving the remaining issues in the docket. In addition, the RCA required Chugach to submit updated tariffs reflecting the results of the RCA order and the stipulations entered into in the case, including a detailed refund plan, which Chugach submitted on March 13, 2015.  On March 18, 2015, the RCA issued Order 10 allowing interested parties to submit comments on Chugach’s March 13, 2015, compliance filing on or by April 8, 2015. No comments were filed.  A RCA order on Chugach’s compliance filing is expected in the second quarter.
	On March 16, 2015, MEA filed an appeal to Order U-14-001(9) in Alaska Superior Court on the basis that the RCA erred by ordering a fully allocated cost-based transmission rate for use of the Teeland Substation, ignoring evidence that a fully allocated cost based rate results in unjust and unreasonable rates and ignoring long-established precedent of cost causer/cost payer relationships for wheeling across the Teeland Substation, among other items.  The court is expected to establish a briefing schedule during the second quarter. While Chugach cannot predict the outcome of this case, it will vigorously defend the RCA’s order.
	On April 30, 2015, the RCA issued Order No. U-14-001(11) approving final retail and wholesale rates and approving Chugach’s refund plan submitted on March 13, 2015. The RCA approved transmission and ancillary services rates on an interim and refundable basis. Chugach is required to file a notice to the RCA within thirty days from completion of the distribution of refunds.
	CINGSA
	On January 30, 2015, Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska (CINGSA) submitted a filing to the RCA providing notice that it had found 14.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas as a result of directional drilling in the storage facility and now proposes to establish guidelines for commercial sales of at least 2 Bcf of this gas. Chugach submitted comments to the RCA regarding CINGSA’s proposed treatment of found gas. Chugach does not believe CINGSA’s proposal to retain revenues for the sale of found gas should be permitted in recognition of the risk sharing agreements made by CINGSA and its storage customers that resulted in the development of the CINGSA storage facility.
	The RCA issued an order in mid-March of 2015 suspending the filing for further investigation until September 16, 2015.  A scheduling conference was held on April 1, 2015.  CINGSA submitted pre-filed testimony on April 13, 2015. Intervenor reply testimony is due on June 5, 2015. A hearing has been scheduled for mid-August of 2015.
	Fire Island Wind Project
	In accordance with the power purchase agreement (PPA) between Chugach and Fire Island Wind, LLC (FIW), Chugach submitted its latest project status report to the RCA on September 26, 2014, regarding FIW integration and a cost reimbursement agreement related to possible impacts to an interconnected utility as a result of the project. In the filing, Chugach informed the RCA that it had received notification from ML&P that they believe no further proceedings on this matter are necessary. ML&P indicated that fluctuations from the wind project are impacting system frequency but the attendant costs associated with quantifying the impacts likely exceed the attendant benefit. ML&P reserved the right to open this issue at a later time. In the filing, Chugach indicated that it will continue to evaluate the potential impact of the Fire Island Wind Project on the grid and requested that the RCA accept the status report on the integration and cost reimbursement issues and close the docket. The RCA issued an order on February 27, 2015, requiring ML&P to file a separate report addressing the nature and estimate of any adverse cost impacts attributable to FIW integration, as well as the estimated costs and equipment needed for measurement. ML&P filed its report with the RCA on April 28, 2015.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt		5	DEBT
	Lines of credit
	Chugach maintains a $50.0 million line of credit with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC).  Chugach did not utilize this line of credit in the quarter ended March 31, 2015.  In addition, Chugach did not utilize this line of credit during 2014 and had no outstanding balance at December 31, 2014.  The borrowing rate is calculated using the total rate per annum and may be fixed by NRUCFC. The borrowing rate was 2.90 percent at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014.  The NRUCFC Revolving Line Of Credit Agreement requires that Chugach, for each 12-month period, for a period of at least five consecutive days, pay down the entire outstanding principal balance.  The NRUCFC line of credit expires October 12, 2017.  This line of credit is immediately available for unconditional borrowing.
	Commercial Paper
	Chugach maintains a $100.0 million Amended Unsecured Credit Agreement, which is used to back Chugach’s Commercial Paper Program.  The pricing includes an all-in drawn spread of one month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 107.5 basis points, along with a 17.5 basis points facility fee (based on an A- unsecured debt rating).  The Amended Unsecured Credit Agreement expires on November 17, 2016.  The participating banks include NRUCFC, KeyBank National Association, Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, CoBank and Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, Ltd., Los Angeles Branch.  The commercial paper can be repriced between one day and 270 days.  Chugach is expected to continue to issue commercial paper in 2015, as needed.  Chugach had $30.0 million and $21.0 million of commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	The following table provides information regarding average commercial paper balances outstanding for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in millions), as well as corresponding weighted average interest rates:
	2015				2014
	Average Balance		Weighted Average Interest Rate		Average Balance		Weighted Average Interest Rate
	$	15.3	0.27	%	$	29.4	0.19	%
	Term Loan
	Chugach has a term loan facility with CoBank.  Loans made under this facility are evidenced by the 2011 CoBank Bond, which is governed by the Amended and Restated Master Loan Agreement dated January 19, 2011,  and secured by the Second Amended and Restated Indenture (Indenture).  Chugach had $26.2 million and $27.4 million outstanding with CoBank at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements		6	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	ASC Update 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”
	In May of 2014, the FASB issued ASC Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” ASC Update 2014-09 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue related to the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, for which early application is prohibited.  Chugach will begin application of ASC 2014-09 on January 1, 2017.  Chugach is evaluating the effect on its results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
	In April of 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date of ASC Update 2014-09 by one year and also proposed permitting early adoption of this update, but not before the original effective date.
	ASC Update 2015-03 “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”
	In April of 2015, the FASB issued ASC Update 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” ASC Update 2015-03 revises the presentation guidance for debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability. The effect of this update is to present the debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the liability on the balance sheet and retrospective application is required. This update does not change the recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Chugach will begin application of ASC 2015-03 on January 1, 2016. Adoption is not expected to have any incremental effect on results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Fair_Values_Of_Assets_And_Liab

Fair Values Of Assets And Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Values Of Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair Values Of Assets And Liabilities		7		FAIR VALUES OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	In accordance with FASB ASC 820, Chugach groups its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.  These levels are:
	Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.  Level 1 also includes United States Treasury and federal agency securities, which are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets.  Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect Chugach’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
	Chugach had no Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 assets and no Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value estimates are dependent upon subjective assumptions and involve significant uncertainties resulting in variability in estimates with changes in assumptions.  The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and payable, and other short-term monetary assets and liabilities approximate carrying value due to their short-term nature.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The estimated fair values (in thousands) of the long-term obligations included in the financial statements at March 31, 2015, are as follows:
		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Long-term obligations (including current installments)	$	474,316		$	508,259
	Level 1 measurement was used to determine the fair value of the 2011 and 2012 Series A Bonds.  Level 2 measurements were used to determine all other long-term obligations.

Environmental_Matters

Environmental Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Environmental Matters [Abstract]
Environmental Matters		8	ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
	The Clean Air Act and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the Clean Air Act establish ambient air quality standards and limit the emission of many air pollutants.  New Clean Air Act regulations impacting electric utilities may result from future events or new regulatory programs.  On June 2, 2014, the EPA released a proposed regulation aimed at reducing emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from existing power plants that provide electricity for utility customers.  In the draft rule, the EPA took the approach of making individual states responsible for the development and implementation of plans to reduce the rate of CO2 emissions from the power sector.  A final rule is expected in mid-summer 2015, with state plans due to the EPA in June 2016.  Chugach is subject to this proposed regulation, however, in its current form, it is not expected to have a material effect on Chugach’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.  While Chugach cannot predict the implementation of any additional new law or regulation, or the limitations thereof, it is possible that new laws or regulations could increase capital and operating costs.  Chugach has obtained or applied for all Clean Air Act permits currently required for the operation of generating facilities.
	Chugach is subject to numerous other environmental statutes including the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and to the regulations implementing these statutes.  Chugach does not believe that compliance with these statutes and regulations to date has had a material impact on its financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.  However, the implementation of any new law or regulation, or the limitations thereof, or changes in or new interpretations of laws or regulations could result in significant additional capital or operating expenses.  Chugach monitors proposed new regulations and existing regulation changes through industry associations and professional organizations.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies		9	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Contingencies
	Chugach is a participant in various legal actions, rate disputes, personnel matters and claims both for and against Chugach’s interests. Management believes the outcome of any such matters will not materially impact Chugach’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Chugach establishes reserves when a particular contingency is probable and estimable. Chugach has not accrued for any contingency at March 31, 2015, as it does not consider any contingency to be probable nor estimable. Chugach faces contingencies that are reasonably possible to occur; however, they cannot currently be estimated.
	Concentrations
	Approximately 70 percent of Chugach’s employees are members of the IBEW.  Chugach has three CBA’s with the IBEW.  Chugach also has an agreement with the HERE.  All three IBEW CBA’s have been renewed through June 30, 2017.  The HERE contract has been renewed through June 30, 2016.
	Chugach is the principal supplier of power under an Interim Power Sales Agreement with MEA.  This contract, including the fuel component, represented $20.5 million, or 28 percent, of sales revenue through March 31, 2015, and $70.7 million, or 26 percent, of sales revenue in 2014. This agreement expired April 30, 2015.  All rates are established by the RCA.
	Commitments
	Fuel Supply Contracts
	Chugach has fuel supply contracts from various producers at market terms.  A gas supply contract between Chugach and ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. and ConocoPhillips, Inc. (collectively “ConocoPhillips”), was approved by the RCA effective August 21, 2009.  The new contract provided gas beginning in 2010 and will terminate December 31, 2016.  The total amount of gas under the contract is estimated to be 60 Bcf.  Chugach entered into a gas contract with Hilcorp effective January 1, 2015, to provide gas through March 31, 2018.  The total amount of gas under the contract is estimated to be 17.7 Bcf.  On September 15, 2014, the RCA approved an amendment to the Hilcorp gas purchase agreement extending gas delivery and subsequently filling 100 percent of Chugach’s needs through March 31, 2019.  All of the production is expected to come from Cook Inlet, Alaska. The terms of the ConocoPhillips and Hilcorp agreements require Chugach to manage the natural gas transportation over the connecting pipeline systems.  Chugach has gas transportation agreements with ENSTAR Natural Gas Company (ENSTAR) and Hilcorp.
	Patronage Capital
	In 2007, Chugach entered into an agreement with HEA to return all of its patronage capital within five years after expiration of its power sales agreement, which was December 31, 2013. This patronage capital retirement was related to a settlement agreement associated with the 2005 Test Year General Rate Case (Docket U-06-134) and accepted by the RCA on August 7, 2007. HEA’s patronage capital was $7.9 million at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, and is classified as patronage capital payable on Chugach’s Balance Sheet.
	In an agreement reached in May of 2014 with MEA, capital credits retired to MEA are classified as patronage capital payable on Chugach’s Balance Sheet. MEA’s patronage capital payable was $2.3 million at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Economy Energy Sales
	On October 5, 2012, Chugach and GVEA finalized arrangements for Chugach to provide economy energy to GVEA through March of 2015. Sales were made under the terms and conditions of Chugach’s economy energy sales tariff.  The price to GVEA included the cost of fuel, variable operations and maintenance expense, wheeling charges and a margin.  Chugach had also entered into specific gas supply arrangements to make economy energy sales to GVEA.  Sales revenue to GVEA amounted to $8.0 million and $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project
	The Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project received a 50-year license from FERC in August of 2007. A condition of that license is a requirement to construct a Stetson Creek diversion structure, a pipeline to Cooper Lake, and a bypass structure to release warmer water from Cooper Lake into Cooper Creek. If the project is not feasible or if the cost estimate materially exceeds the terms of the license, Chugach has the option to request a license amendment. At the time the project was being relicensed the estimated cost to complete the project was $12.0 million. The current total project cost is now estimated at $22.3 million. As an alternative to requesting a license amendment from FERC, Chugach requested grants from the State of Alaska. Funding for this project includes $9.9 million in grants awarded. The Chugach Board authorized expenditures for the project November 15, 2012. The diversion project began construction in 2013 and will be completed in 2015. It will operate through the duration of the license.
	Legal Proceedings
	Chugach has certain litigation matters and pending claims that arise in the ordinary course of Chugach’s business.  In the opinion of management, none of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, is or are likely to have a material adverse effect on Chugach’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Management Estimates
	a. Management Estimates
	In preparing the financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the management of Chugach is required to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the reporting period.  Estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts, workers compensation liability, deferred charges and credits, unbilled revenue, the estimated useful life of utility plant and the cost of removal obligation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Regulation	b. Regulation
	The accounting records of Chugach conform to the Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Chugach meets the criteria, and accordingly, follows the accounting and reporting requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 980, “Topic 980 - Regulated Operations.” FASB ASC 980 provides for the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as allowed by regulators for costs or credits that are reflected in current rates or are considered probable of being included in future rates.  Chugach’s regulated rates are established to recover all of the specific costs of providing electric service.  In each rate filing, rates are set at levels to recover all of the specific allowable costs and those rates are then collected from retail and wholesale customers.  The regulatory assets or liabilities are then reduced as the cost or credit is reflected in earnings and rates.
Income Taxes	c. Income Taxes
	Chugach is exempt from federal income taxes under the provisions of Section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was in compliance with that provision.  In addition, Chugach collects sales tax and is assessed gross revenue and excise taxes which are presented on a net basis in accordance with FASB ASC 605-45-50, “Topic 605 - Revenue Recognition – Subtopic 45 - Principal Agent Considerations – Section 50 - Disclosure.”
	Chugach applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties.  FASB ASC 740, “Topic 740 – Income Taxes,” only allows the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities.  Chugach’s management reviewed Chugach’s tax positions and determined there were no outstanding or retroactive tax positions that were not highly certain of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities.
Reclassifications	g. Reclassifications
	For the period ended March 31, 2015, Chugach recorded the following reclassification for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	A reclassification representing the long-term versus current presentation of long-term obligations associated with bonds payable, previously reported as current installments of long-term obligations and now reported as long-term obligations, excluding current installments.  The impact of this reclassification was an increase to long-term obligations, excluding current installments, and a decrease to current installments of long-term obligations of $1.0 million in 2014.
	For the period ended March 31, 2015, Chugach recorded the following reclassification for the period ended March 31, 2014:
	A reclassification representing the gross versus net presentation of cash received for capital grants, included as cash flows from investing, previously reported as extension and replacement of plant and now reported as proceeds from capital grants.  This reclassification had no impact on net cash used in investing activities.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of Average Commercial Paper Balances Outstanding And Weighted Average Interest Rates
	2015				2014
	Average Balance		Weighted Average Interest Rate		Average Balance		Weighted Average Interest Rate
	$	15.3	0.27	%	$	29.4	0.19	%

Fair_Values_Of_Assets_And_Liab1

Fair Values Of Assets And Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Values Of Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule Of Estimated Fair Value Of Long-Term Obligation Included In Financial Statements
		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Long-term obligations (including current installments)	$	474,316	$	508,259

Description_Of_Business_Detail

Description Of Business (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	customer
	mi
Description Of Business [Line Items]
Electrification area	400
Number of wholesale customers	2
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers [Member]
Description Of Business [Line Items]
Percentage of employees belonging to unions	70.00%
Number of collective bargaining agreements	3
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	30-Jun-17
Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees [Member]
Description Of Business [Line Items]
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	30-Jun-16

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$36,060,256	$38,697,621
Fuel stock	9,652,073	3,009,424
Increase in other liabilities, noncurrent	1,000,000
Decrease in other liabilities, current	-1,000,000
ML&P For Fuel and South Central Power Project Costs [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	900,000	1,200,000
Alaska Energy Authority For Grant [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	1,100,000	300,000
Future Workers Compensation Claims [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Restricted cash equivalents	$2,800,000	$2,800,000

Regulatory_Matters_Details

Regulatory Matters (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2015	Nov. 19, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 02, 2014	Oct. 16, 2014	Dec. 22, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
							Mcf	MMcf
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Proposed increase (decrease) in base rate revenue	$21,300,000	$16,000,000
Base rate revenue for proposed rate increase (decrease)		127,400,000
Proposed percentage increase (decrease) in base rate revenue	20.00%	12.50%
Assignable margins			6,046,730	5,001,831
Regulatory asset			20,885,520						21,376,596
Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Commencement date of Interim Power Sales Agreement			1-Jan-15
Expiration date of Interim Power Sales Agreement			31-Mar-15
Extension date of Interim Power Sales Agreement			30-Apr-15
Term of dispatch services	1 year
Commencement date of dispatch services			1-May-15
Expiration date of dispatch services			31-Mar-16
Retail Customers [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Percentage increase (decrease) in base rate revenue					6.00%
Minimum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Proposed percentage increase (decrease) in base rate revenue	2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Proposed percentage increase (decrease) in base rate revenue	5.00%
Forecast [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Refunds for service						1,100,000
Assignable margins						-200,000
Forecast [Member] | Storm Costs [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Regulatory asset						900,000
Amortization of regulatory asset						200,000
Number of years to recover storm costs						5 years
Forecast [Member] | Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Extension date of dispatch services			31-Mar-17
Dispatch services revenue per month	40,000
Hilcorp Alaska, LLC [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Commencement date of Second Amendment to the Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement			4-May-15
Alaska Railbelt Transmission System [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of interested parties			16
AIX Energy, LLC [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Commencement date of natural gas purchases			1-Mar-15
Expiration date of natural gas puchases			29-Feb-16
AIX Energy, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Price of natural gas purchases							6.24
Total volume of natural gas purchases							300,000
Maximum total outlay of natural gas purchases							$1,900,000
CINGSA [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Total volume of natural gas found								14,500
CINGSA [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Proposed volume of natural gas for commercial sale			2,000

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Long Term And Short Term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$50,000,000
Line of credit facility, outstanding amount		0
Line of credit, borrowing rate description	The borrowing rate is calculated using the total rate per annum and may be fixed by NRUCFC.
Line of credit, borrowing rate	2.90%	2.90%
Period of time the line of credit needs to be paid down for five consecutive days	12 months
Number of consecutive days debt needs to be paid down to $0 during a twelve month period	5 days
Line of credit, expiration date	12-Oct-17
Commercial paper	30,000,000	21,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Long Term And Short Term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Commercial paper repricing term	1 day
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Long Term And Short Term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Commercial paper repricing term	270 days
Unsecured Credit Agreement [Member] | Amended And Extended Credit Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Long Term And Short Term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Line of credit, borrowing rate description	one month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 107.5 basis points, along with a 17.5 basis points facility fee (based on an A- unsecured debt rating)
Line of credit, expiration date	17-Nov-16
Unsecured Credit Agreement [Member] | Amended And Extended Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Schedule Of Long Term And Short Term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Commercial paper, basis points on variable rate	1.08%
Unsecured Credit Agreement [Member] | Amended And Extended Credit Agreement [Member] | Facility Fee [Member]
Schedule Of Long Term And Short Term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Commercial paper, basis points on variable rate	0.18%
Term Loan Facility [Member]
Schedule Of Long Term And Short Term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt, issuance date	19-Jan-11
Debt outstanding	$26,200,000	$27,400,000

Debt_Schedule_Of_Weighted_Aver

Debt (Schedule Of Weighted Average Commercial Paper Balances And Weighted Average Interest Rates) (Details) (Commercial Paper [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Commercial Paper [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Average Balance	$15.30	$29.40
Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.27%	0.19%

Fair_Values_Of_Assets_And_Liab2

Fair Values Of Assets And Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value, assets	$0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value, assets	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value, assets	0
Fair value, liabilities	$0

Fair_Values_Of_Assets_And_Liab3

Fair Values Of Assets And Liabilities (Schedule Of Estimated Fair Value Of Long-Term Obligation Included In Financial Statement) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term obligations (including current installments), Fair Value	$474,316
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term obligations (including current installments), Fair Value	$508,259

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$74,973,117	$76,098,886
Patronage capital payable	10,205,739		10,205,739
Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Duration of license agreement with FERC	50 years
Estimated cost to complete project at time of relicense	12,000,000
Estimated project costs	22,300,000
Grants awarded from state	9,900,000
Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating revenues	20,500,000		70,700,000
Customer percentage of sales revenue	28.00%		26.00%
Contract expiration for power	30-Apr-15
Patronage capital payable	2,300,000		2,300,000
Homer Electric Association, Inc. [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of years to return patronage capital after expiration of power agreement	5 years
Patronage capital payable	7,900,000		7,900,000
GVEA Economy Energy Sales [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$8,000,000	$10,400,000
Commencement date of long term contract for economy energy sales	5-Oct-12
Expiration date of long term contract for economy energy sales	31-Mar-15
ConocoPhillips (COP) [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Commencement date of long term contract for purchase of gas supply	21-Aug-09
Expiration date of long term contract for purchase of gas supply	31-Dec-16
Estimated amount of gas under contract	60,000
Hilcorp Alaska - Cook Inlet [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Commencement date of long term contract for purchase of gas supply	1-Jan-15
Expiration date of long term contract for purchase of gas supply	31-Mar-18
Extension date of long term contract for purchase of gas supply	31-Mar-19
Estimated amount of gas under contract	17,700
Hilcorp Alaska - Cook Inlet [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Percentage of unmet natural gas need	100.00%
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Percentage of employees belonging to unions	70.00%
Number of collective bargaining agreements	3
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	30-Jun-17
Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	30-Jun-16