HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistory of Alaska Energy Authority Projects 1977-1988History of
Alaska Energy Authority
Projects
1977-June 1988
September 15, 1989
ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY
Robert E. LeResche
Executive Director
Credits
Writer/Editor Susan G. Rogers
Graphics Support Terri Gibbs, Richard Lammers
Software Support Norman Crosby
Introduction
This volume is a record of Alaska Energy Authority projects completed between 1977
and June 1988. Prior to July 1, 1989, the agency was named the Alaska Power Au-
thority. Because these projects were completed under Power Authority aegis, that
title is used in the project descriptions.
The publication is a history of facts collected from Energy Authority records and
staff. It is written for staff reference and in response to the recurring questions, what
happened in a particular community over a period of years, or what was “xyz project”
all about? If several projects have taken place in one community or region, they have
been grouped as much as possible. For example, the various studies on power options
for Hoonah are written up together as “Hoonah Area Power Alternatives.”
Individual projects are grouped into chapters based on the type of project or loan.
One hundred fifty-four entries cover more than 320 projects, loans, or grants which
were administered through the Power Authority between 1977 and June 1988. In-
cluded are projects the Power Authority acquired in a custodial capacity from the
Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Division of Energy and
Power Development.
A few, early administrative projects may be missing entirely from this record, because
there was insufficient data to report. Complete bibliographic information is not
included for each entry, due to the considerable space which would be required.
Further information on these projects, communities, and energy topics in general can
be obtained through the Alaska Energy Authority library.
List of Figu
Chapter 1
Chapter 2 --
Table of Contents
res
-- Construction/Operating Projects
Anchorage «- Fairbanks Int@rtte t.cc5ccsccscssssssssacssssassssessssssesasvessarsvsesesssassersees 3
Bethel - Oscarville Transmission Line we 6
Craig - Klawock Transmission Lime .0..........sssssssesecessecessenseeceseeeeesseeeeeees 8
Port Lions Transmission Lime .........sessssssssessessessssscesssssssssssssesseecsseecssseeeees 10
Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Project 12
Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project .......... iS
Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project .. . 18
Tyee Lake Hydroelectric Project ...... ae eel
Wrangell Electric Project .....sscssssssssssssscsssssessssssssssseesesscsssssessssesenesesenseeseees 24
Waste Heat Program
Waste Heat Recovery Program ........c.sssssssecseessessessseesseeseecneesseeseeeneenseenees 27
ABGoon Power Alternatives, csccscccccscnssccccssiciassccccssssssssssssstissessssiesosssessesonssn 32
Atqasuk Electrical Improvements . ww 34
Chignik Waste Heat Feasibility... 36
Crooked Creek/Chuathbaluk Waste Heat ... aoe t
Diomede Electrification «0... ssesseseesees . 38
Elfin Cove Electrification . . 40
Elim Power Altermatives ........ssssssssssssssssssssessssssssssssnsessesseeeneesseeneesneesneeneenees 42
Fairbanks/Downtown/Airport/ University ........c.sscssscsesssessssssseseseseesees 45
Galena Waste Heat ......sssssssssssscsesssseseseseesees . 46
Glenmallén’ Waste; Heat: scisssicscssSscsscttdsencsotvasececsccsecsessasdessscousssssnsonesssssessasses 48
Goodnews Bay Waste Heat... sssssscssessessessessessessscecsnsssesnsssecuseneeneeneenes 49
Kaltag Waste Heat............... 51
Kiana Waste Heat..... 9
Kodiak Waste Heat .. . 55
McGrath Waste Heat . . 56
Newhalen Waste Heat..... nid
Nushagak Waste Heat .........cessssssscsssecessssscsssssecsssucsesecsecnecessecasenceeeseensaesees 59
RATING — WV SU Eb 522 cacctaccacacasgscacaeseacincacactorascvasetaveerstsscumocsaenenoe 60
Saint George Energy Assessment .. eas
Saint Mary’s Waste Heat .........ccssssssscssssscssesssessecnsecnecssecneccnscsecneecssesseeneesses 62
Saint Paul Wind Farm... esssssssssessssessessesssssesssscessessecsnssnsessenssaseseeseeaeeses 64
Savoonga Waste Heat..... . 67
Shungnak Waste Heat. -- 69
Tetlin Waste Heat ......ssssssssssssssssssssessesssssessssssesssessssseesssssseeseesscssessssesssseess 71
iii
Chapter 3
iv
Togiak Feasibility Studies «0... .ssssssssssssssesscssssssssesseeseesesesesssssesseeeseeees 72
Unalaska Waste Heat ......ssssssssessssssssssesssesssesssesssnsssneessssenseeneeenresnessnsesseesesssees 74
Waste Heat Recovery Demonstration Project . 75
White Mountain Waste Heat ...sccssssesssesssessseeeneecneccneenneeceeneesneesnsenseesnes 77
-- Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Akutan Hydroelectric Project .....c.ssssssssessessessessssssssessessseeseescacenseeeseesseees 81
Anchorage Energy Pooling .......ssssssessssssesssessessssssesssessessneestenseseessensesseeneenees 83
Anchorage - Kenai Intertie.. .. 85
Bethel Area Power Plan............ ... 86
Black Bear Hydroelectric Project.. ... 88
Bristol Bay Region Power Plan ........sss0 waa 9D
Chakachamna Lake Hydroelectric Project 95
Chicago Creek Col ......sessssssssssscssssssessecsscsessesssssesssssessnsssssssssesssesecsnsseenees 97
City of Sitka Alternative Energy Study ........cccssssssssessessesssesssssseesseesnees 99
Cordova Area Power Plan .101
Discretionary Funds.....cessssssecssssessssessssessssesssssssesssssssssssessesesessssssesesssseseees 104
Fairbanks District Heat 2... .ssssssssssssssssessesssssssssssessessessssssssssessssesscsesseesees 106
Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project ......ssssssssessessesssssssssssssssssessssessseeess 107
Gunnuk Creek Hydroelectric Project .....c.sesssesssesseessessesssessesssseesesseesees 109
Haines - Skagway Reconnaissance Studies... 110
Hoonah Area Power Altermatives ......c.sssesssssssssesseessessessssssesssessesseessees 112
Juneau Alternatives Study... ccssssscsssseessessecssesesessessssesessseesessssseesees 115
Kake_ = Petersburg Intertie sssissscssssecssosousssoccussnvsssvssossussncossesavesccswsessscsesssnsss 116
Ketchikan Alternatives Study... ssssssesssssssesssesssessnssesseessessssssssessseesse 118
Kodiak Island Borough Electrification Assessment..
Kotzebue Coal and District Heat .........sssssessssesssesssessssssssessessesssessseeseess
Kotzebue Geothermal .....scccssssssssssssesssssessssssssesssssessesssssesessessssssessees
Larsen Bay Hydroelectric Project..
Nome - Kotzebue Assessment .......
North Slope Gas...
Northwest Coal .....ssssesssseessees
Old Harbor Hydroelectric Project .......
Pelican Small Hydroelectric Project ...
Regional Feasibility Studies .................
Rural Community Feasibility Studies .....
Rural Community Reconnaissance Studies ........sssssscsesssessesseesseeseess
Rural Electrification Program ........sessssssessesssessesssessessessesssseceessceseeneenees
Rural Energy Reconnaissance Studies
Rural Technical Assistance Program
Scammon Bay Small Hydroelectric Project ........essessessessesseseessseeesees
Southeast Intertie Feasibility...
Susitna Hydroelectric Project
Tanana Power Supply ........
The Wind Interagency Team...............
Unalaska Geothermal Exploration 2.0... ssssssssssssessesesseeesessssesseeneeeees
Various Villages Reconnaissance.....
West Creek Hydroelectric Project
Chapter 4 -- Grants and Demonstration Projects
PA Metta tn i EOCURLEACLI ON ce ceceresccesrceczsentocessesacosesoecsacsnssersreeaerrevatreersececvessestreees 177
Ammarcon ys Coal /Tistrict Feat Peo ccrssscssersseeccsctsese-cseceserssertacserevoeesenreenecreee 178
VME a GARD as cosccercccscosseecentocesaceonszncteceorereerneeecscucerernerrerecereresereraeemreastenceeseateet 179
Bethel - Napakiak Single Wire Ground Return.. .. 180
Birch Creek Power Failure .. ..........c..c..sccccsscssossossee .. 182
Brevig Mission Electrification...
Cantwell Distribution System .......
Chester Lake Hydroelectric Project
Coffman Cove Electrification .......
Delta Agricultural Project Electrification .. .. 192
VERRY OUNAREN ME EG sao cate slgac sasscsecesnsccecssocseatizesscesecesssgesesssesaducsnshsesaesvcescsscsasteses<%s 193
eagle Village: Gipne Mase. 6ng.5.nsssctocscdcscosesestcess-ccstssecedovevesnesernsessdesoosocesseo 194
Fairbanks Wind and Solar Equipment ............ssssssssessssssesssesssesssesseesees 195
Balse Pass) | Ble ctrifica tion (2 .<..0.0%<tcovessescossessecoyerteotssaccoccesesesocssacoceonssiteesece 196
Humpback Creek Hydroelectric Project .........ssessssssessessessseeseessessseesnes 198
Ketchikan Public Utilities/SCADA Equipment ........... essen 200
Kobuk - Shungnak Transmission Lime. ............ssssssssssssessessessessesesseesese 202
IEGIROUND . Wid GUNETRIOR q. <scsisseocccssscssessssvoscasssessanoscenssessesesscsnsoesossaseoeses 204
Desh ye lah S SOLAT MP Ae orecesceessescecrececerssecoesesevtecsreenen.cvsreceesncsenesecerssrenecetrssveees 206
Nikblali-Electric Utility Upgrade.....cccccssisecsssescescssessossssssvesecessnssessosnssecee 208
IN GpepeRSCRNOGH SGOT S oe cncacescsates sec coccossencarscacenesnssercecsecscesnessecsestersrssscssesstate 209
Oa eC MRR EAN wr ceeneterecnctecennene sorsenetestaeneersenrtrecsetsessrestesereastecetesrecenrsensetserecw 210
Ouzinikie HydroeleGtric “Project... ...cscec<seesoscncsasctodevsosscneoes tnocvossssuseowscoseusee al
IRCGTO pp AAV UE LOCUBIRICALION re rcnesertheccreaceccccorenresccarenecesceccssersaSoececsrctsresectenteres ZS
Point MacKenzie -Electrification .....c....sosscesouisccssscssseccessssscnsesccsoessseseses 214
Power Line Extensions Along Interior Alaska Highways................ 215
Seward - Daves Creek Transmission Line ............ccssssssssesessesssseseeseees 216
Skagway Wind Gemerator ......ssssssssesssessssssesssesssessecssesseesnessneeseseseceseessessnes 217
SNettigham: Hyd@toGlectine ~Paigects. <nssnsoccscecccsccsocsccecseccevervescseacoccsscesosoocee 218
Tanana Loop Electrification ......... zg)
Tenakee Springs Electrification ... ..220
Whemag Bay Power “GGGigrigsion 3 « <...<.sciscccescoscscescsctessscscsscosescosconcsesscssesses 221
Unalakleet Wind Project .............
Venetie Emergency Repairs re
Village Electrical Cooperative Fuel Conversion Project.............+:
Additional Information On Grants ........ssssecsssssssessessessessessessessnssneeseesneens 228
Chapter 5 -- Administrative Projects
Alaska Electric Power Statistics ......sssssssssssssesssessessssssseeseesnsssneesneesnessaes 231
Long - Term Energy Plan......... 23S
Miicrohlry Gro BOOKICt cececccccsessccescecececoscssccceersscecervosccccsnsccsnovesstracetsarcncevereseerzets 234
Power Cost Equalization Program .... 1236
State Energy Policy Task Force ......cssssssssssssssssssssesssssssceeensssenseneeneeneesne 238
Chapter 6 -- Alaska Bioenergy Program
Alaska Bioenergy Program ......ssssssesesseccsessessensenseneneeeneeseseesesesceneeneeneenes 241
Assessment of Biomass Resources in Alaska wee 243
Biomass Inventory and Disposal Costs . we 245,
Biomass Permit Handbook ...........cs0 we 246
Charcoal Plant Prospectus......sssssessesssssseseeseeseeseees wee 247
Conversion From Fossil Fuels to Biomass Fuels ...........ssssessssssesseseees 248
Ft. Wainwright Woodchips/Coal ......ssssssssssessesssesssessesnsessesneesnseeneeesees 249
Juneau and Sitka Woodwaste Plans ...... coe 201
Palmer Correctional Center Wo0d Heat .........csssssssssessssssesesssessees 252
Valley Sawmill ........csesssssssssssssssessesssessesnessessesnessessssesnesneseseeneenseseneenseeeneeneenees 253
Woodchips for Commercial Energy Use.. we 254
Wrangell Forest Products ......scssssssssessssssesssesseesssssssssscesesnsensenceneensennenneenees 255)
Chapter 7 -- Power Project Loan Fund
Power Project Loan FUnd.....ssssssssssesssessesssessesssesscsssessssssseeneencsssssseenesneesees
Alaska Electric Light and Power Loans
Bethel Cogeneration Utility... :
Bettles Light amd Power ........ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssseseessseeseeeseesssesseeneenessees
Central Electrification 2.0... ssssssssssssesssssssssesssssesssssessssessesseeseeseeseeseenees
Chitina Electric... eee
City of Clarks Point Loans.
City of Galena Loans......
City of King Cove Loans.
City of Larsen Bay.........
City of Ouzinkie..
City Of Sitka... cesses
Coffman Cove Generator......
Cold Bay Power Plant Loans....
Cordova Electric Cooperative ......secssssessesssessessecsessesseesessseseesscsneenseneennees
Eagle Power Company ........s00
Fairbanks Municipal Utility System..........essssesesesseees
Iliamna - Newhalen - Nondalton Electric Cooperative...
Kwig Power Company .....sssssesssssssssssesssessesssessessessessssncsssnsssceaceassaceesssesnees 285
Levelock Electric CoOperative ....c.cssssssesssessssesseesseesessssssneesseeasseseensenneess 286
McGrath Power and Light ........sssssssssssssssssessessssssssssssessssssssssssessesseesnees 287
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative (Red Devil) ...... 288
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative (Sleetmute) .........0 290
Port Authority of the City of Nemana.......csssesssssessessessseseesessesneseeneess 292
Tanana Power COmpany.......ssssssessessssssssesessessessesssseeseescssensseeseessneeseesenes 294
vi
Chapter 8 -- Rural Electrification Revolving Loan Fund
Rural Electrification Revolving Loan Fund.... 297
Alaska Power and Telephone Company....
Andreanof Electric Company.................
City of Saint Paul ............0
City of Unalaska Loans..............
Egegik Light and Power Loans mM
Golden Valley Electric Association Loans ..........c.ssscsssessesssseseeseeeseees 304
Werlenatat) | Bower, | Unies ics sstccssesssscsssooresusascenesussszssessevsseascoecscstoltssscssosoesscesececss 305
vii
List of Figures
42-VillageliiWaste Leas OtuCyilessssesssccomssnsscescsrvsecessoncsecesesscessnnsucsessussesessesusesccscassscerussesszersscses 31
Rural ||| Community) heasivility Studies oreesssessusesesrsssesesrsesrsscceorsnsesseresornscessesscereesresreoets 141
Rural Community Energy Reconnaissance Studies ........sscsssssesssesseesseesseesessseesneesneess 144
Rural Energy Reconnaissance Studies 1985 - 1988 .....c.sessssssssssssssssssessssseesesseeseeseeseeees 150
viii
Chapter 1
CONSTRUCTION/OPERATING PROJECTS
Anchorage-Fairbanks Intertie
Transmission Line
Purpose:
Project:
Construction Projects
ema. oot
To connect the existing power generating centers at Anchorage
and Fairbanks with an electrical intertie.
The Anchorage-Fairbanks Intertie is a 170-mile, 345 kV trans-
mission line with associated substation modifications connect-
ing the existing load centers in Southcentral Alaska (Willow)
with the Fairbanks area (Healy). The transmission line is
presently operated at 138 kV with a carrying capacity of 70
megawatts.
The Power Authority first studied the feasibility of an Anchor-
age to Fairbanks transmission line in 1978. A detailed feasibil-
ity study, including preliminary design, was completed in May
1981, and recommended construction of an intertie to allow
exchange of economy energy and the sharing of reserve genera-
tion capacity between the Anchorage and Fairbanks load cen-
ters.
Following initial legislative funding in 1981 for design and
construction of the Intertie, the Power Authority initiated the
route selection process and final design activities. In Novem-
ber 1981, the Power Authority Board of Directors reviewed the
updated benefit/cost ratio of the project and selected the
preferred Intertie routing. In July 1982, the Board authorized
the start of Intertie construction.
The estimated project cost in November 1981 was $130.8 mil-
lion. This same figure was the budget amount when the Board
approved the commencement of construction in July 1982. The
cost at completion at June 30, 1989 is $128.5 million.
Contractor:
Construction began in May 1983 and the line was energized in
the spring of 1986. Included in construction as part of project
costs were additions to the Teeland, Healy, and Goldhill sub-
Stations and construction of a new substation and distribution
system for the community of Cantwell.
Warranty work, additional marker ball installation and minor
substation modifications were completed in 1987. The operat-
ing utilities were still experiencing problems with the Static
Var Control Systems (SVS) during FY89. Correction and
warranty work on the SVS, completion of final performance
testing remain to be completed in 1989.
The Intertie is dispatched by Anchorage Municipal Light and
Power (southern half) and Golden Valley Electric Association
(northern half). Project operation and maintenance as well as
the wheeling of power is regulated by the terms of the Intertie
Operating Agreement, effective December 23, 1985. Parties to
the Intertie Operating Agreement are: Alaska Power Author-
ity; Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska d/b/a/ Municipal Light
and Power; Chugach Electric Association, Inc.; City of Fair-
banks, Municipal Utilities System; Golden Valley Electric
Association, Inc.; Alaska Electric Generation and Transmis-
sion Cooperative, Inc.
*Feasibility: Gilbert/Commonwealth, Inc.
*Design: Gilbert/Commonwealth, Inc.
*Construction Management: Morrison-Knudsen Co., Inc.
*Transmission Line Construction:
Northern Section -- Susitna Constructors (Harrison West-
ern-Newberry Alaska)
Southern Section -- Irby/Northface Construction, J.V.
Construction Projects
Report: Numerous reports were produced regarding this project. They
may be accessed through the Power Authority library cata-
logue.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 50 $ 3,000,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 36,000,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 40,000,000
SLA 1983, Ch 107 25,000,000
SLA 1984, Ch 171 18,600,000
SLA 1987, Ch 127 5,896,400
FY87 Administrative Lapse (33,281)
Total: $128,463,119
Project cost as of June 30, 1988: $128,150,114
Ownership: Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
Supplementary
Information: *The project was authorized by the Legislature in SLA 1980,
Ch 83, Sec 48; and SLA 1981, Ch 118, Sec 16.
*Construction of the Intertie was approved by the Power Au-
thority Board of Directors in an action iten at the Board meet-
ing in July 1982.
Bethel-Oscarville Transmission Line
Design and Construction
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Vs tea aot
To construct a transmission/distribution line between the
communities of Bethel and Oscarville to provide lower cost,
more reliable power to Oscarville.
Power Authority staff findings and recommendations for the
Bethel Area Power Plan (December 1985) showed that inter-
tying small communities with Bethel would provide a solution
to increased power requirements in communities with small,
relatively unstable, diesel generating systems. The first inter-
tie constructed was between Bethel and Oscarville.
Early in 1988, the Power Authority contracted for the construc-
tion of the five-mile long distribution line between Bethel and
Oscarville. Built to Rural Electrification Administration
specifications, the line is 7200 volts, single-phase. The line,
completed in May 1988, provides lower cost, more reliable
electricity to consumers in Oscarville. Bethel Utilities, Inc.,
sells wholesale power to Oscarville at 10.5 cents per kilowatt-
hour. Consumer savings are expected to increase in 1989 when
the Oscarville school and five new HUD homes hook up di-
rectly to the line.
*Design: Humphrey Co.
*Construction: TAB Electric, Inc.
Construction Projects
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1984, Ch 24 $250,000
SLA 1988, RSA $82,551
Total: $332,551
Construction cost as of June 30, 1989: $154,050
Ownership: Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
Supplementary
Information: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved engineering
and construction on the Bethel - Oscsarville transmission line
with the provision of matching funds from Oscarville by Board
Resolution 1985-12, dated December 12, 1985.
Craig-Klawock Transmission Line i
Construction
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds: U ea. eet
Design and construction of an intertie between Craig and
Klawock on Prince of Wales Island.
A design/construct contract was awarded July 27, 1987. Con-
struction was substantially complete as of November 22, 1987.
Power transfer tests were conducted in December 1987. Com-
mercial operation began in January 1988.
The line is 5.5 miles long and was constructed to 24.9 kV stan-
dards. It is currently operating at 12.47kV. The line will ac-
commodate future hydro and woodwaste generation on the
island. Owned by the Power Authority, the line is leased, oper-
ated and maintained by Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T),
the utility providing power to Craig. AP&T generates electri-
cal power in Craig and provides wholesale power to Tlingit-
Haida Regional Electric Authority, the utility serving Klawock.
Design/Construct: | Humphrey Company
No report was issued for this project. Reports on regionally
related projects are in the Power Authority library.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $750,000
SLA 1984, Ch 24 $139,393
Total: $889,393
Ownership:
Leased by:
Operated by:
Supplementary
Information:
Construction Projects
Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
Alaska Power & Telephone
Alaska Power & Telephone
The Power Authority Board of Directors unanimously ap-
proved proceeding with a design/construct contract for Craig -
Klawock Intertie by action item on February 27, 1987.
Port Lions Transmission Line
Design and Construction
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
10
ma oo)
| |
| 6 Y |
|
To fund design and construction of a transmission line between
the Terror Lake powerhouse and the village of Port Lions on
Kodiak Island.
The line was designed to connect Kodiak Electric Association
(KEA) with the existing Port Lions distribution system on the
west side of Kizhuyak Bay approximately 13 miles to the north
of Terror Lake. Construction of the 14.4 kV line was com-
pleted in 1983. The line became operational May 24, 1985,
after the Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project started operation
April 1, 1985. This project is now considered an integral part
of the Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project.
*Fischback and Moore of Alaska
*Kodiak Electric Association
*R. Ecklund
Several reports were produced as part of this project; addi-
tional information is contained in reports on the Terror Lake
Hydroelectric Project. The reports may be accessed through
the Power Authority library catalogue.
Construction Projects
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 152 $90,000
SLA 1980, Ch 54 $200,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 $1,400,000
Total: $1,690,000
Ownership: Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
Operated By: Kodiak Electric Association
Supplementary
Information: *The Mennonite Creek hydroelectric project was a precursor
to construction of the transmission line.
*Power Authority staff concluded a Findings and Recom-
mendations for Electrical Generation Alternatives for
Port Lions, Alaska, in January 1982.
11
Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Project
Operating Project
Purpose:
Project:
Contractor:
12
Vs Nem. aot
To provide electricity to the communities of Valdez and Glen-
nallen from a renewable energy resource.
In 1978, Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) obtained
a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) and began construction of this 12-megawatt hydro-
electric project at Solomon Gulch near Valdez to provide
additional power for Valdez and Glennallen from an energy
source more economical than diesel generation. Construction
included a 115-foot high, rock-filled dam with an asphaltic
concrete face; double penstocks of approximately 4,200 feet in
48-inch steel; a powerhouse with 12 megawatts of installed
capacity; and 106 miles of 24.9 kV and 138 kV transmission line
from Valdez to Glennallen. Construction was financed
through loans from the Federal Rural Electrification Admini-
stration (REA) and Federal Financing Bank. CVEA com-
pleted construction in January 1982, and commercial operation
began March 31, 1982. Official transfer to the Power Authority
took place June 30, 1982.
The Power Authority acquired the Solomon Gulch project from
CVEA in 1982, as part of the Energy Program for Alaska. The
project is one of the hydroelectric projects in the Four Dam
Pool. CVEA operates the project under contract to the Power
Authority, and it purchases wholesale power from the facility
under the terms of a 45-year, Long Term Power Sales Agree-
ment, which has been in effect since October 28, 1985.
*Feasibility: R.W. Retherford and Associates
*Licensing: R.W. Retherford and Associates
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Construction Projects
*Cost Estimate developed by CVEA and IECO
*Project Design: Dam and Powerhouse: IECO
“Transmission Line Design: Miner & Miner
“Construction: CVEA substantially completed construction;
APA acquired an operating project.
Numerous reports have been produced regarding this project.
They may be accessed through the Power Authority library
catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 92 $58,000,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (5,000,000)
SLA 1984, RP (5,770,000)
State Loan 2,606,043
Total: $49,836,043
Project Cost as of June 30, 1988: ** $71,079,413
Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
*Purchase of the project was authorized as part of the Energy
Program for Alaska, SLA 1981, Ch 118.
*Acquisition of the Solomon Gulch project was approved by
the Power Authority Board of Directors in Board Resolution
1982-05.
13
14
**At the time of acquisition, the Power Authority refinanced
the construction loans by purchasing about $21 million of gov-
ernment securities to defease three R.E.A. loans totalling
about $45 million. This action resulted in a net savings of
about $24 million. A trust was established with Seattle First
National Bank to guarantee loan payments; the trust to date
has generated excess interest of about $1 million which has
been deposited in the state general fund.
Construction Projects
. : % Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project ;
Operating Project
Ce |
Purpose: To provide electricity to customers in the Ketchikan area from
a renewable energy resource.
Project: Construction of the Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project was
started by Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU) in 1980. The
Power Authority acquired the project in 1982 and KPU pur-
sued completion of the project as an agent of the Alaska Power
Authority. The project lies 22 miles northeast of Ketchikan on
Revillagigedo Island.
The dam is a double-curved elliptical concrete arch. The
powerplant, capable of producing an estimated 68,800,000
kilowatt-hours of annual firm energy, is linked to the city by a
30.5 mile, 115 kilovolt powerline that includes a 3,000-foot
span over Carroll Inlet. The installed capacity is 24 megawatts,
or 22.6 MW at 95 percent power factor. Construction was sub-
stantially complete in January 1984, and the project began
commercial operation on June 7, 1984.
Swan Lake project is one of the hydroelectric projects in the
Four Dam Pool. The project provides electricity to the City of
Ketchikan. KPU operates the project under contract to the
Power Authority, and it purchases wholesale under the terms
of the Long Term Power Sales Agreement which has been in
effect since October 28, 1985.
Contractor: *Feasibility: US Army Corps of Engineers, 1978; R.W. Beck,
1977, retained by KPU
*Licensing: R.W. Beck, retained by KPU g
15
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
16
*Project Engineer: R.W. Beck, retained by KPU
*Powerline: Gilbert/Commonwealth
*Automate existing powerhouse: Border Contractor, Cochran
Electric Co.
*Microwave: South Coast, Inc.
*SCADA: Wismer Beckner
Numerous reports were produced as part of this project. They
may be accessed through the Power Authority library cata-
logue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1978, Ch 111 $ 335,000
SLA 1979, Ch 49 3,115,000
SLA 1980, Ch 54 18,000,000
SLA 1980, Ch 54 (1,614,523)
SLA 1981, Ch 92 10,000,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 43,000,000
SLA 1984, RP 500,000
State Loan 24,095,131
Total: $97,430,608
Project Cost as of June 30, 1988: $95,315,324
Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
*The project was authorized by the Legislature as part of the
Energy Program for Alaska in SLA 1981, Ch 118.
Construction Projects
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved acquisi-
tion of the Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project with Board Reso-
lution 1982-07, dated February 17, 1982.
17
Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project i
Operating Project
Purpose:
Project:
18
Sema. ao
To provide electricity to customers in Kodiak and Port Lions
from a renewable energy resource.
The Terror Lake Project is located on Kodiak Island, approxi-
mately 25 miles southwest of the City of Kodiak. The reservoir
and dam are within the Kodiak Island National Wildlife Ref-
uge. The project consists of a 193-foot high, rock-fill dam with
a concrete face; a tunnel extending 26,690 feet from Terror
Lake to the penstock and powerhouse located in Kizhuyak
Valley; 17.3 miles of single circuit 138 kV transmission line;
and two substations. Three small diversion works and two
tunnels direct additional water from adjacent catchment areas
to the main power tunnel to further increase capacity. The
powerhouse contains two 10-megawatt hydro-generating units
with provisions for addition of a third unit.
The project was initiated by Kodiak Electric Association
(KEA) in the mid-sixties to provide lower cost electrical power
to its customers. After the project was found feasible, KEA
submitted a license application to the Federal Energy Regula-
tory Commission (FERC) in December 1978. In October 1981,
FERC issued a license to KEA. After the Power Authority
Board of Directors approved acquisition of the project, the
license was transferred to the Power Authority in May 1982.
Major construction on the project began in March 1982 and
was substantially completed in December 1984. Testing began
September 15, 1984; commercial operation began April 1,
1985.
The project provides electric power through the Terror Lake
transmission and KEA distribution systems to the City of Ko-
diak, the City of Port Lions, the U.S. Coast Guard Base, the
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Construction Projects
Narrow Cape LORAN Station, and the village of Chiniak.
Terror Lake Project is one of the hydroelectric projects in the
Four Dam Pool. KEA operates the project under contract to
the Power Authority, and it purchases wholesale power under
the terms of a 45-year, Long Term Power Sales Agreement,
which has been in effect since October 28, 1985.
*Feasibility: R.W. Retherford and Assoc., retained by KEA
*Licensing: R.W. Retherford and Assoc., retained by KEA
“Design: IECO, Inc.; Ebasco Services, Inc.; Ocean Technol-
ogy, Ltd. (Port Lions transmission line)
*Construction Management: basco Services, Inc.
*Construction: Kiewit-Groves
*Transmission Lines: Fischback and Moore of Alaska
*Pioneer Access Roads: S and G Construction, Inc.
Numerous reports have been produced regarding this project.
They may be accessed through the Power Authority library
catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, RP $ 420,000
SLA 1979, Ch 49 2,000,000
SLA 1980, Ch 54 1,050,000
SLA 1978, Ch 111 100,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 71,500,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 10,500,000
SLA 1984, RP 2,270,000
State Loan 112,344,701
Total: $200,184,701
Project Cost as of June 30, 1988: $198,429,722
19
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
20
Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
*The project was authorized by the Legislature as part of the
Energy Program for Alaska in SLA 1981, Ch 118.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors authorized acquisi-
tion of the Terror Lake project in Board Resolution 1982-06,
dated February 17, 1982.
Tyee Lake Hydroelectric Project *
Operating Project
Purpose:
Project:
Construction Projects
U Van. 2 et
To provide electricity to consumers in Wrangell and Peters-
burg from a renewable energy resource.
The Tyee Lake Project is located in the Tongass National
Forest about 40 miles southeast of Wrangell. The lake tap
project consists of an intake structure, a power tunnel extend-
ing from Tyee Lake to a powerhouse located on the south side
of Bradfield Canal; 70.5 miles of overhead 138kV transmission
line; and 11.4 miles of underwater cable involving four sepa-
rate crossings. The transmission line is presently operated at
69 kV. The powerhouse contains two 10 megawatt hydro-
generating units with provisions for adding a third unit.
The Tyee Lake Project was originated by the Thomas Bay
Power Commission (TBPC), which is a joint venture created by
the cities of Wrangell and Petersburg. In 1979, the TBPC
approached the Power Authority regarding assuming owner-
ship and development of the Tyee Lake Project. In November
1979, the Power Authority Board of Directors voted to design
and construct the project.
The Power Authority first submitted a license application to
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in De-
cember 1979. The license was issued on August 5, 1981, and
construction started in October 1981. Construction was sub-
stantially completed in February 1984, and commercial opera-
tion began May 9, 1984.
The Tyee Project is one of the hydroelectric plants in the Four
Dam Pool, which is the initial project in the Energy Program
21
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
22
for Alaska (AS 44.83.360). The facility provides electricity to
the communities of Wrangell and Petersburg. It is operated by
the Thomas Bay Power Commission under contract to the
Power Authority. Power is sold under the terms of a 45-year,
Long-Term Power Sales Agreement, which took effect Octo-
ber 28, 1985, and to which the cities of Wrangell and Peters-
burg are signatories.
*Reconnaissance/Feasibility: .R.W. Retherford and Associ-
ates, a division of IECO, retained by TBPC, 1977.
*Licensing: IECO, retained by APA, 1979.
*Design: R.W. Retherford, later IECO, retained by APA, 1980
*Project Management: IECO, later Morrison-Knudsen, re-
tained by APA, 1980.
*Construction: General Civil, substations and switchyard:
Southeast/Harrison, 1981.
*Transmission Lines: Power 2, 1982; Commonwealth Electric,
1983; Mitsui and Co., 1983 (sub-marine).
Numerous reports have been produced regarding this project.
They may be accessed through the Power Authority library
catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 49 $ 2,000,000
SLA 1980, Ch 120 15,000,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 40,000,000
SLA 1981, Ch 92 5,000,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 20,000,000
SLA 1985, RP 3,000,000
State Loan 50,249,244
Total: $135,294,244
Project Cost as of June 30, 1988: $132,141,811
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Construction Projects
Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
*The project was authorized by the Legislature in SLA 1980,
Ch 83, Sec 48.
*The project was authorized as part of the Energy Program for
Alaska in SLA 1981, Ch 118.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors resolved to apply for
a FERC license for the project with Board Resolution 1979-14,
dated November 2, 1979.
23
Wrangell Electric Project »
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
24
YW Ve ao)
To fund a substation addition at Wrangell.
Procurement and installation of a power transformer, oil cir-
cuit breaker, associated equipment, and an upgrade of SCADA
equipment were included in this project. The work, including
spare parts, was completed in July 1986. This project has be-
come an integral part of the Tyee Lake Hydroelectric Project.
*City of Wrangell
*Alaska Power Authority
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1985, Ch 105 $200,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (23,287)
Total: $176,713
Alaska Power Authority owns the transformer.
Chapter 2
WASTE HEAT PROGRAM
Waste Heat Projects
Waste Heat Recovery Program
Purpose:
Results:
To provide planning, design and construction of facilities to
recover waste heat from new and existing diesel generators for
use as space heating of nearby buildings.
Between 1981 and June 1988, the Power Authority assisted in
constructing 37 waste heat recovery facilities in rural Alaska.
While some systems are owned by the Power Authority, the
agency also provides to communities construction management
and inspection of locally- or contractor-built waste heat sys-
tems and has supervised loans and legislative grants for waste
heat construction.
The Legislature appropriated $5,000,000 to the Power Author-
ity in SLA 1982, Ch 141 for loans or grants to communities or
qualified utilities for devices to decrease the cost of power
production. The intent of the legislation, introduced by the
Office of the Governor, was to decrease the cost of energy in
communities where there was no near term alternative to
diesel generation. This and other, subsequent appropriations
have been used to increase generating system efficiency and to
displace oil used for space heating with installation of waste
heat recovery systems at the generating plants.
In 1983, design and construction was undertaken of 11 waste
heat projects in Ambler, Kiana, Shungnak, Savoonga, Elim,
Kaltag, Unalakleet, Grayling, St. Mary’s, Goodnews Bay and
Angoon. Following another appropriation in 1984, a district
heating project was designed and constructed for Tanana and a
project designed for Hooper Bay. Also in 1984, a study of the
waste heat potential in 42 rural Alaskan communities began.
27
Contractor:
28
The study was completed under contract and concluded in 1985
with a report which prioritized installation of systems among
the communities.
Power Authority staff designed and managed the construction
of a city/school district heating system for Galena in 1985-86.
Staff also designed and assisted with installation of a total
energy 600 KW diesel to completely heat the Nome/Beltz High
School and provide co-generated power to the Nome electrical
distribution system in 1986.
In 1986, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding for repair and rehabilitation of the waste heat systems
constructed in 1983. To accomplish this, staff inspected the
systems and prepared necessary design modifications, and
ordered equipment to repair the systems. In 1987, Power
Authority staff negotiated waste heat sales agreements and
operations and maintenance agreements with the utility owner,
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC), and the end-
users of heat in Elim, Savoonga, Kiana, Ambler, Shungnak,
Grayling. Negotiated system modifications were completed
prior to freeze-up in 1987 in Elim and Grayling. In addition,
design and/or construction of waste heat systems was provided
to Atka, Birch Creek, Cold Bay, St. George, Golovin and To-
giak during 1987.
Construction of waste heat system upgrades was completed in
Savoonga, Kiana, Ambler, Shungnak and Kaltag in 1988. Addi-
tional agreements were concluded with the communities of
Kaltag, Togiak, New Stuyahok, Goodnews Bay, Angoon,
Chevak and Yakutat; design and construction assistance was
provided to Golovin, Koyukuk, Togiak and New Stuyahok in
1988.
*Construction: Rockford Corporation (Kiana, Ambler, Shung-
nak, Savoonga, Elim, Kaltag, Grayling, Goodnews Bay, Tan-
ana); Washington Mechanical (Angoon); Wick Construction
Company (Unalakleet); J.B. Mechanical (St. Mary’s)
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Waste Heat Projects
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Engineering: Crews MclInnis/Hoffman (St. Mary’s,
Unalakleet)
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
(Communities other than St. Mary’s and Unalakleet)
*42-Village Waste Heat Study: Raj Bhargava Associates
Numerous reports have been produced as part of this program;
they may be found in the Power Authority library.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 141 $5,000,000
SLA 1984, Ch 24 1,131,000
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3 500,000
SLA 1988, Ch 173 200,000
Total: $6,831,000
*The first appropriation (SLA 1982, Ch 141) was for the pur-
pose of making loans or grants to communities or qualified
utilities in communities with populations less than 2,500
people for the acquisition or construction of electric power
production devices which decreased the cost of generating
electrical power compared to existing power generating de-
vices. While most of this appropriation was used for waste heat
recapture systems, the Power Authority Board of Directors
reserved $675,000 for wind and load management projects.
Under wind projects, $400,000 was later reserved to fund the
diesel interface with a proposed wind farm on St Paul. That
project fell through, however, and funds were again made
available for waste heat projects.
*Subsequent appropriations were called “Rural Energy Waste
Heat Program.”
29
30
*Appropriations for named communities funded reconnais-
sance, waste heat feasibility and design of St. Mary’s, Kaltag,
Kiana, Goodnews Bay, Elim, Savoonga, Shungnak. The Rural
Community Feasibility appropriation (SLA 1981, Ch 90)
funded $277,000 of waste heat feasibility and design of addi-
tional named communities: Angoon, Ambler, Grayling. The
appropriations for waste heat projects covered feasibility,
design and construction for Tanana and the design for a project
at Hooper Bay (which was not built due to lack of adequate
funds).
*The 42-village waste heat potential study covered the follow-
ing communities: Akiachak, Anaktuvuk Pass, Aniak, Atka,
Atqasuk, Bettles, Birch Creek, Brevig Mission, Chevak,
Emmonak, Ft. Yukon, Gambell, Hoonah, Karluk, Kasaan,
Klawock, Klukwan, Lower Kalskag, Manokotak, Merkoryuk,
Mountain Village, Napaskiak, New Stuyahok, Nikolai, Noatak,
Nunapitchuk, Pilot Station, Point Lay, Quinhagak, Sand Point,
Selawik, Shageluk, Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, St. Michael, Steb-
bins, Teller, Togiak, Toksook Bay, Tununak, Wales, Yakutat.
*For additional information on waste heat grants and projects,
see entries on: Angoon power alternatives, Atqasuk waste heat
grant, Bethel Utilities co-generation loan, Chignik waste heat,
Crooked Creek and Chuathbaluk waste heat grants, Diomede
electrification, Elfin Cove electrification, Elim power alterna-
tives, Fairbanks district heat feasibility, Galena waste heat,
Glennallen waste heat, Goodnews Bay waste heat, Kaltag
waste heat, Kiana waste heat, Kodiak waste heat grant,
McGrath waste heat grant, Newhalen waste heat grant,
Nushagak waste heat grant, Ouzinkie waste heat demonstra-
tion, Saint George power alternatives, Saint Mary’s waste heat,
Saint Paul power alternatives, Savoonga waste heat, Shungnak
waste heat, Tetlin waste heat grant, Togiak power alternatives,
Unalaska waste heat grant, waste heat recovery demonstration
project, White Mountain waste heat.
42 - VILLAGE
WASTE HEAT
EVALUATION STUDY
1984-85
syafoig 3eay |IseAA
° s Angoon Power Alternatives
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies I
Design and Construction of Waste Heat : 3
Recapture System
Purpose:
Results:
Contractors:
32
Vea. aro
To determine power alternatives for the community of Angoon.
To consider the feasibility of small hydropower projects on
Thayer Creek and on Favorite Bay Creek. To determine the
feasibility of a waste heat recapture project for the community,
and to design and install the system if found feasible.
Although Thayer Creek hydropower was initially determined
feasible, a reexamination in 1984 concluded that it and Favor-
ite Bay Creek hydropower were infeasible at that time. Con-
tractors’ investigations of tidal power and wood-waste genera-
tion indicated the concepts were not feasible to pursue. A
reconnaissance study of waste heat potential completed in
1982 suggested that waste heat could reduce energy costs in
Angoon.
Waste heat was found feasible in 1982 and a recapture system
designed. During FY83, the Power Authority constructed a
$200,000 waste heat recapture facility on the Tlingit-Haida
Regional Electric Authority power plant. The system provides
space heat to the sewage treatment plant, teachers’ quarters,
grade school, and high school gymnasium.
*Tidal Power: Division of Energy and Power Development,
DCED (Sub-contracted to International Engineering Com-
pany)
*Reconnaissance: Acres American, Inc.
*Stream Gaging: Tryck, Nyman and Hayes
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
Reports:
Source of funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Waste Heat Projects
*Waste Heat Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska,
Inc.
*Waste Heat Construction: Washington Mechanical
Numerous reports were produced as part of these projects.
They may be accessed through the Power Authority library
catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $220,000
SLA 1979, Ch 125 (120,000)
SLA 1980, Ch 120 ** 250,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (139,800)
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (28,055)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 189,981
Total: $372,126
** Renamed Angoon Power Alternatives SLA 1981, Ch 90.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved Findings
and Recommendations for Angoon Hydropower at its
meeting in December 1984. The Office of Management and
Budget approved the Findings in September 1985.
*Angoon Power Alternatives covered the following projects:
Angoon tidal power, Angoon wood-waste generation, Thayer
Creek hydropower, Favorite Bay Creek hydropower, Angoon
waste heat recapture.
33
Atgasuk Electrical Improvements *
Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
34 W tm an. -70*
To install new diesel generators, switchgear, and waste heat re-
covery equipment for the community of Atqasuk.
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
asked the Power Authority to administer the grant funds as
they covered installation of new diesel generators with waste
heat recovery equipment. Power Authority staff entered into a
Reimbursable Services Agreement (RSA) with DEC and into a
grant agreement with the community; the agency reviewed and
approved design drawings and specifications, and inspected the
completed installation. Final inspection took place in Decem-
ber 1987.
Construction included the installation of three new diesel
generators at 200 KW, 450 KW and 600 KW, with switchgear
and waste heat recovery. Construction was completed in May
1986. The work was part of a project funded through North
Slope Borough bonds; it included water and sewer systems as
well as the upgrade of the generation plant. The entire project
cost over $5,000,000.
North Slope Borough
*Power Authority staff trip report, February 5, 1988.
*Other related reports are found in the Power Authority li-
brary.
Waste Heat Projects
Source of Funds: Reimbursable Services Agreement between the Alaska De-
partment of Environmental Conservation and Alaska Power
Authority (servicing agency): $400,000
Ownership: Community of Atqasuk/North Slope Borough
35
Chignik Waste Heat Feasibility
Technical Assistance Request
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
36
Vm ares W
To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system
for the community of Chignik.
Power Authority staff responded to a request for technical
assistance from the community of Chignik and assessed the
feasibility of a waste heat recapture system for the community.
Staff determined that a waste heat system was marginally fea-
sible and forwarded a report including conceptual design to the
community in October 1985.
Alaska Power Authority
Technical Assessment of a Waste Heat System for Chi-
gnik, Alaska. Alaska Power Authority, 1985.
Technical assistance work was funded from an appropriation
for Rural Electrification, SLA 1984, Ch 24.
Waste Heat Projects
|
% Crooked Creek/Chuathbaluk |
Waste Heat ° |
Grants - e |
| j
Purpose: To design and install waste heat recapture systems in the vil-
Results:
Contractor:
Related Report:
Source of Funds:
lages of Crooked Creek and Chuathbaluk.
Reconnaissance studies completed in 1981 indicated that waste
heat recapture was a logical means of reducing energy costs in
these two villages. Chuathbaluk indicated that it did not want
the waste heat recovery system in 1982. Attempts to contact
the community of Crooked Creek to plan their system failed.
The grant funds for Crooked Creek were repealed in 1985.
None
Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Crooked Creek, Chuathbaluk. R.W. Reth-
erford and Associates for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $125,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (62,500)
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (62,500)
Total: 0
37
Diomede Electrification
Reconnaissance Study Update
Electrification Grant with Waste
Heat Recovery
Purpose:
Results:
38
Vs Vem. aot
To fund initial electrification of the community of Diomede on
Little Diomede Island.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1982 suggested that wind
generation with diesel backup would be one way to reduce
energy costs on Little Diomede Island. Weatherization of
houses was also suggested for further reducing energy costs to
the community, which at that time had particularly high costs
due to the remoteness of the island and the fact that there was
no centralized electrification system.
In 1985, the community requested an update of the reconnais-
sance study and technical assistance with electrifying the com-
munity. In May 1985, the Power Authority Board of Directors
approved $375,000 from Rural Electrification (SLA 1984,
Ch 24) for construction of a new power plant and waste heat
system at Little Diomede. Power Authority staff designed the
system, specified materials and bid a construction contract for
the community. After Power Authority staff witnessed fuel
consumption tests in Seattle in May 1986, the generators were
shipped to Diomede and plant construction began.
The contractor sought and obtained approval of an alternate
site for the power plant from the city council and the school
district, but not from Public Health Service (PHS) which held
control over the new site. After the contractor installed nu-
merous gabions to comply with measures which PHS demanded
to prevent wave erosion, the power plant went on-line in late
October, 1986.
Contractor:
Report:
Waste Heat Projects
*Reconnaissance: Acres American, Inc.
*Reconn update: Alaska Power Authority
*Design/Construction Management: Alaska Power Authority
*Construction: Border Contractors
Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Diomede. Acres American, Inc., for Alaska
Power Authority, 1982.
Source of Funds: Funding came from Rural Electrification (SLA 1984, Ch 24).
39
Elfin Cove Electrification
Reconnaissance Study
Electrification Grant
with Waste Heat Recovery
Purpose:
Results:
40
men. oot
To identify energy alternatives for the community of Elfin
Cove on Chicagof Island. To provide central diesel electrifica-
tion with waste heat recapture as a base case for comparison
with potential hydro generation.
In April 1984, the Power Authority completed a reconnais-
sance study which identified a potential small hydro site, exist-
ing power supplied by individual generators, and no electric
distribution system. Recommendations were to proceed with
central generation and an electrical distribution system, to
monitor feasibility of future hydroelectric power development,
and to install stream gages. The Board of Directors approved
$350,000 for electrification and $49,500 for a waste heat recap-
ture system from SLA 1984, Ch 24, Rural Electrification.
Construction started in the spring of 1985; electrification was
completed December 15, 1985. The waste heat portion of the
project was delayed until completion of the village’s new multi-
purpose building adjacent to the power house. The waste heat
system is now tied to the multi-purpose building which contains
the community grade school, library, health clinic, post office,
and village offices. Final completion of the entire project,
including the waste heat connection, was October 11, 1986.
The whole system is so successful that the boilers in the com-
munity building had not yet been fired up to provide heat to the
building.
Project features include a concrete powerhouse; two 55 kw and
one 30 kw diesel generators with central panels and switchgear;
over 15,000 feet of overhead and underground cable; residen-
tial, commercial, and public service hook-ups; and heat ex-
changers and plumbing for waste heat recapture.
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Waste Heat Projects
*Reconnaissance: Acres American; Alaska Power Authority
*Stream-gaging: Division of Geological and Geophysical
Surveys
*Engineering: Tom Humphrey, P.E. and Tom Neubauer, P.E.
*Construction: Community contracted with various skilled
workmen and local laborers
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Elfin Cove. Acres American, Inc., for Alaska
Power Authority, 1984.
*Supplement to the Elfin Cove Reconnaissance Study.
Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
*Trip Reports by Power Authority staff.
*Videotape assembled by the community on the electrical
system includes assistance provided by the Army National
Guard to place the powerhouse modules.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 101 $25,000
SLA 1984, Ch 24 350,000
SLA 1984, Ch 24 49,500
SLA 1986, Ch 130 30,000
SLA 1988, RSA from DCRA 10,000
Total: $464,500
Community of Elfin Cove
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the Find-
ings and Recommendations of the Elfin Cove Energy Al-
ternatives in May 1984, and waste heat in June 1985.
41
Elim Power Alternatives
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Qo VW
Feasibility, Design and Construction of 7
Waste Heat Recapture System el eh er
Purpose: To identify energy alternatives for the community of Elim. To
design and install a waste heat recapture system to heat com-
munity buildings.
Results: A reconnaissance study completed in 1981 identified waste
42
heat recapture on the community diesel generators as the most
feasible means of reducing energy costs for the community.
The waste heat recapture system was found feasible and de-
signed in 1982. In 1983, the system was built at a cost of
$216,500 using a separate appropriation for waste heat system
construction (SLA 1982, Ch 141).
The reconnaissance study also recommended that there be
further development of wood resources for space heating and
further investigation of selected hydro sites near the village. In
1982, Dowl Engineers conducted field investigations of two
potential hydroelectric sites, Peterson Creek and Quiktalik
Creek. These two sites had been identified in reconnaissance
studies conducted by the Alaska Power Administration and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1979 and 1981, respectively.
Dowl’s report showed the Quiktalik project to be very expen-
sive to construct, while Peterson Creek project was found to be
marginally uneconomic, with a benefit/cost ratio of 0.95 based
on an estimated construction cost of $2.2 million. The project
was envisioned as a 68 kw project producing 200,000 kilowatt-
hours per year. In order to verify the hydrologic data, the
Power Authority placed stream gages in Peterson Creek, and
streamflow data was collected from June 1984 through Septem-
ber 1985.
Contractors:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Waste Heat Projects
Staff analysis of the results supported the previous finding that
Peterson Creek was not economical. Ninety percent of the
streamflow occurs from May through October at a mean annual
flow of 3.1 cfs. That is an insufficient amount of water to pro-
duce enough power for the village to replace diesel generation
and its associated costs, and to meet the debt service of the new
construction.
The staffs recommendation for the village of Elim is to con-
tinue diesel generation as the source of electrical energy.
System efficiency is increased by the waste heat recovery sys-
tem installed by the Power Authority in 1983.
*Reconnaissance: Holden and Associates
*Hydro Pre-Feasibility: Dowl/Tudor Engineering
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Construction: Rockford Corporation
*Stream Gaging: Division of Geophysical and Geological
Surveys
Numerous reports were produced by these projects. They may
be accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 120 $50,000
SLA 1981, Ch 106 (24,200)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 $216,500
Total: $242,300
*Waste Heast System: Alaska Power Authority
*Powerplant: Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
43
Supplementary
Information:
44
*Funds from Rural Community Feasibility Studies (SLA 1981,
Ch 90) were used for waste heat feasibility and design work.
That appropriation also funded stream gaging and other feasi-
bility work for Elim hydroelectric project. Funds from Rural
Energy Construction (SLA 1982, Ch 141) covered installation
of the waste heat system.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved Findings
and Recommendations for the Elim Hydroelectric
Project at its meeting in June 1986.
*In 1986 the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding repair and rehabilitation of this waste heat recapture
system along with the other eight constructed during 1982-83.
Power Authority staff concluded waste heat sales agreements
and operations and maintenance agreements with Bering
Straits School District and the utility owner, Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative. Repair work was completed in August
1987, and the system is functioning as designed.
Fairbanks
Waste Heat Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
| |
Airport/University r |
|
Waste Heat Projects
town 5 UW ea oes
To determine the feasibility of a large-scale district heating
loop to extend the existing system in downtown Fairbanks to
include the airport and the university.
The contractor recommended a hot water loop, initially in the
area already served by a steam loop (downtown Fairbanks).
The municipality subsequently expanded the existing steam
system into Peger Road to serve municipal facilities. No action
was taken to convert the steam system to the European-style
hot water system. The contractor considered extending the
system to the airport in order to reduce ice fog in the city.
The City of Fairbanks retained Acres American, Inc.
*City of Fairbanks District Heating Development Plan
Summary Report. Acres American, Inc., 1981.
*City of Fairbanks, Alaska, District Heating System
Development Final Engineering Report. Acres American,
Inc. 1981.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 50 $35,000
45
Galena Waste Heat
Design and Construction Management
Technical Assistance
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Related Report:
46
ww. ao
To design and manage the construction of a waste heat recap-
ture system at the Galena schools.
In 1985, the Galena School District was awarded a grant from
the federal Institutional Conservation Program to fund a waste
heat recapture system on the generating facility in Galena to
provide heat to the Galena schools. When the school district
put the project out to bid, all the bids came in above the
amount of the grant. The school district then contacted the
Power Authority with a request for additional funds to imple-
ment the project. The Power Authority redesigned the project
and put it out to bid again, and the bids came in well within the
grant amount.
The Power Authority, the school district, and the city signed a
three-party agreement outlining responsibilities for all con-
cerned. Power Authority staff provided construction manage-
ment and testing of the system as it was brought on-line in
April 1986. The system has saved the school district and the
city approximately $60,000 per year in funds not spent on fuel
oil.
*Design and Specifications: Alaska Power Authority
*Construction: Rockford Engineering, Inc.
*No final report was produced for the Galena waste heat proj-
ect, however, an earlier reconnaissance report was published.
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Waste Heat Projects
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Galena. Acres American for Alaska Power Authority, 1982.
Funds for technical assistance came from the appropriation for
Rural Electrification projects, SLA 1984, Ch 24. The City of
Galena and the Galena School District funded construction of
the project.
City of Galena
47
Glennallen Waste Heat
Technical Assistance
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
48
| W “4 Vm ore
To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system in
the community of Glennallen.
Power Authority staff visited the community to collect data for
a feasibility assessment in 1985. A report detailing the feasi-
bility and a conceptual design was forwarded to the community
in February 1986. The community and the school district (the
enduser of the proposed waste heat project) have deferred
action on the project..
Alaska Power Authority
Technical Assessment of a Waste Heat System for Glen-
nallen, Alaska. Alaska Power Authority, 1985.
The technical assistance work was funded from Rural Electrifi-
cation, SLA 1984, Ch 24.
Goodnews Bay Waste Heat
Feasibility, Design and Construction
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Waste Heat Projects
U <é; nea. 20"
To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system
for the community of Goodnews Bay. To design and install the
system if found feasible.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1981 indicated that waste
heat recapture was one logical means of reducing energy ex-
penditure in the community of Goodnews Bay. Waste heat
recapture was determined feasible in 1982, and the system was
designed in 1983.
Installation was funded with $189,500 from a separate waste
heat construction appropriation (SLA 1982, Ch 141). Con-
struction was completed in September 1983 and final inspec-
tion took place November 1983. Recovered heat provides
space heating for the then village grade school, now IRA coun-
cil and city hall building.
*Reconnaissance: Nortec/VanGulik Associates
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Construction: | Rockford Corporation
*Community Energy Reconnaissance of Goodnews Bay,
Grayling, Scammon Bay and Togiak. Nortec and Van-
Gulik Associates for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
*Rural Waste Heat Capture and District Heating Pro-
49
gram. Raj Bhargava Associates for Alaska Power Authority,
1982.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Project, Final Report. Polar-
consult Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1983.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Project, Final Report Waste
Heat Recapture System Operations. Polarconsult Alaska,
Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1984. iad
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $45,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (15,400)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 189,500 :
Total: $219,100
Ownership: *Waste Heat System: Alaska Power Authority
*Powerplant: Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
Supplementary
Information: In 1986, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding repair and rehabilitation of this waste heat recapture
system along with the other eight constructed in 1982-83.
Power Authority staff have not yet concluded waste heat sales
agreements and operations and maintenance agreements with
the local IRA council and the utility owner, Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative (AVEC).
50
Kaltag Waste Heat
Feasibility, Design and Construction
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Waste Heat Projects
| |
| |
| V Vee. <oo™
To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system
for the community of Kaltag. To design and install the system
if found feasible.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1981 showed that waste
heat recapture was the best means of optimizing energy costs in
Kaltag. The waste heat recapture system was found feasible
and designed in 1982. Construction was funded with $369,000
from a separate waste heat construction appropriation (SLA
1982, Ch 141).
The system provides heat to the Lower Kuskokwim School
District school from the community power plant which is
owned by Alaska Village Electric Cooperative.
*Reconnaissance: Holden and Associates, Fryer-Pressley and
Jack West Associates
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Construction: | Rockford Corporation
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternative for Kaltag, Savoonga, White Mountain and
Elim. Holden and Associates, Fryer-Pressley Engineering,
Jack West Associates for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
*Rural Waste Heat Capture and District Heating Pro-
51
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
52
gram. Raj Bhargava Associates for Alaska Power Authority,
1982.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Project, Final Report. Polar-
consult Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1983.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Program, Final Report
Waste Heat Recapture System Operations. Polarconsult
Alaska, Inc. for Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 120 $50,000
SLA 1981, Ch 106 (30,000)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 369,000
Total: $389,000
*Waste Heat System: Alaska Power Authority
*Powerplant: Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
In 1986, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding repair and rehabilitation of this waste heat recapture
system along with the other eight constructed in 1982-83.
Power Authority staff concluded waste heat sales agreements
and operations and maintenance agreements with the Yukon-
Koyukuk School District and the utility owner, Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative (AVEC) in 1987. Repair work was com-
pleted in 1988, and the system is functioning as designed.
Kiana Waste Heat
Feasibility, Design and Construction
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Waste Heat Projects
To determine feasibility of waste heat recapture and to design
and install the system if found feasible.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1981 showed that waste
heat recapture was a logical means of optimizing energy costs
in Kiana. Waste heat recapture was found feasible and the
system designed in 1982. Construction took place in 1983 with
$279,600 from a separate waste heat construction appropria-
tion (SLA 1982, Ch 141).
The system captures waste heat from the community power
plant and provides heat to the Northwest Arctic elementary
school and the city water treatment plant.
*Reconnaissance: Wind Systems Engineering
*Waste Heat Feasibility and Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Construction: | Rockford Corporation
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Kiana, Ambler, Shungnak. Wind Systems
Engineering for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
*Rural Waste Heat Capture and District Heating Proj-
ect. Raj Bhargava Associates for Alaska Power Authority,
1982.
53
Source of funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
54
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Program: Final Report. Po-
larconsult Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1983.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Program: Final Report,
Waste Heat Recapture System Operations. Polarconsult
Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 120 $50,000
SLA 1981, Ch 106 (11,600)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 279,600
Total: $318,000
*Waste Heat System: Alaska Power Authority
*Powerplant: Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
In 1986, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding repair and rehabilitation of this waste heat recapture
system along with the other eight constructed in 1982-83.
Power Authority staff concluded waste heat sales agreements
and operations and maintenance agreements with Northwest
Arctic School District, the City of Kiana and the utility owner,
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) in 1987. Repair
work was completed in 1988, and the system was functioning as
designed until someone shut off the arctic piping system. This
resulted in unnecessary failure of the main lines. Repair or
replacement will take place in the fall of 1989 with approxi-
mately $48,000 of federal disaster assistance granted to com-
munities affected by severe freezing weather during the early
winter of 1989.
Waste Heat Projects
] |
Kodiak Waste Heat 7
Demonstration Project °
- —<6 |
Purpose: To construct a demonstration waste heat co-generation project
in the City of Kodiak.
Results: This appropriation appears to have been funding for an Rank-
ine bottoming cycle installation using exhaust gases from die-
sel generators as the heat source for the secondary fluid. The
project was determined not feasible, because the funds appro-
priated were insufficient for construction. Funding was re-
pealed by the legislature.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $2,500,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (2,500,000)
Total: 0
55
Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
56
McGrath Waste Heat i |
UW Nm. ores
To design and construct a waste heat recapture system on the
McGrath Light and Power plant.
The waste heat recapture system was designed and constructed
in 1982. Final inspection took place in January 1983. The
system provides space heat to the Federal Aviation Admini-
stration building and a community greenhouse.
*Design: Sid Clark, P.E.
*Construction: Utility/Village
Trip report, Power Authority files
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $150,000
McGrath Light and Power
Waste Heat Projects
|
|
% Newhalen Waste Heat
Technical Assistance and Design Grant ° |
7 —?e yy
Purpose: To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system in
Results:
Newhalen and to provide conceptual design for the project. To
grant funds to the Lake and Peninsula School District to assist
in modifying design and securing rights-of-way for the project.
Power Authority staff collected data and determined the feasi-
bility of a waste heat recapture system for Newhalen in re-
sponse to a request from the community for technical assis-
tance. A report containing the conceptual design for the proj-
ect was sent to the community in September 1985.
The Legislature reappropriated money left over from an ap-
propriation for a wind generator at Newhalen to the Power
Authority in 1985 for work on a waste heat recapture system in
Newhalen. Since feasibility work had already been completed,
the Power Authority wrote a grant agreement in 1987 with
Lake and Peninsula School District, which had hired an engi-
neering consultant to design the system to use recaptured heat
from the INNEC plant for space heating at the elementary
school. Lake and Peninsula School District used the grant
funds to pay for part of the design contract and securing of
rights-of-way. The design was not the same as proposed earlier
by the Power Authority and, as a result, the system in operation
cost far more than the school district had planned. Power
Authority staff proposed design and operation modifications
which would reduce the cost of operating the system which was
constructed by Lake and Peninsula School District.
The City of Newhalen wanted to use the grant funds, but did
not return a proposal within the time allowed. The City main-
tained that the contractor could have used the funds to extend
the waste heat recapture system from the school to include ad-
57
ditional buildings within the City. The Power Authority assess- i
ment indicated that it was not feasible to include all the build-
ings the City wanted to add on to the system.
Contractor: *Feasibility and Conceptual Design: Alaska Power Authority
*Final Design and Construction: Lake and Peninsula School
District (Jay Mesplay, P.E.)
Report: *Newhalen Waste Heat Feasibility Report. Alaska Power /
Authority, 1985.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation: I
SLA 1985, Ch 105 $17,246
‘ i
Waste Heat Projects
| | |
| |
Nushagak Waste Heat
Grant |
Purpose: To install a waste heat system on the diesel generators at
Nushagak Electric Company in Dillingham.
Results: A waste heat recapture system was installed to tie the
Nushagak Electric powerhouse to the Dillingham school. The
system provides space heating for the school.
Contractor: *Design: Dryden of Dryden and LaRue
*Construction: Nushagak Electric and local workmen
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $150,000
Ownership: Nushagak Electric Company
59
Ouzinkie Waste Heat
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
60
a
To design and construct a waste heat recapture system in the
City of Ouzinkie on Kodiak Island.
The system was designed and constructed in 1982. The jacket
water and stack heat from two 100 kw generators is recovered
and furnished as space heating for the Kodiak Island Borough
school. The project was put on line in April 1982. This appro-
priation funded the conclusion of a demonstration waste heat
installation started with Rural Waste Heat Demonstration
Project Funds (SLA 1980, Ch 120).
Raj Bhargava Associates
Design Manual and Demonstration Results for Waste
Heat Recovery in Rural Alaska. Raj Bhargava Associates
for Alaska Power Authority, 1983 (one year after start-up).
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $700,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (450,000)
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (149,000)
Total: $101,000
City of Ouzinkie
Saint George Energy Assessment
Reconnaissance and Update
Waste Heat Feasibility
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Waste Heat Projects
To determine energy requirements and alternatives for the
community of St. George on the Pribilof Islands. To determine
the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system on the diesel
generators at St. George and to design the system.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1982 recommended that
increased diesel efficiency could be achieved through a waste
heat recovery system and other improvements. In 1985, the
community requested a design for a waste heat recapture sys-
tem, which Power Authority staff provided in September 1985.
The community constructed the system with Power Authority
management assistance and inspection. Although the system
was initially started up in December 1985, construction was
actually completed in August 1986.
*Reconnaissance: Northern Technical Services/VanGulik
*Waste Heat Feasibility: Alaska Power Authority
*Waste Heat Construction: City of St. George
Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for St. George. Nortec/VanGulik for Alaska
Power Authority, 1982.
The reconnaissance report was funded along with reconnais-
sance reports for 38 other communities by the Rural Commu-
nity Reconnaissance appropriation, SLA 1981, Ch 90. Work on
the design of the waste heat recovery system and technical
assistance with construction was funded with the Rural Electri-
fication appropriation, SLA 1984, Ch 24.
61
Saint Mary’s Waste Heat
Feasibility, Design and Construction
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
62
Vs Vea. 20
To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system
for the community of St. Mary’s and to design and install the
system if found feasible.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1982 showed that a waste
heat recapture system would improve energy efficiency and
reduce energy costs in St. Mary’s. Waste heat was found fea-
sible and a system designed in 1982.
Installation was completed in 1983 with $432,011 from a sepa-
rate appropriation for waste heat construction (SLA 1982, Ch
141). The system provides space heating for St. Mary’s paro-
chial school and the City of St. Mary’s cold storage building.
*Reconnaissance: Northern Technical Services
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Construction: J.B. Mechanical
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for St. Mary’s. Northern Technical Services for
Alaska Power Authority, 1982.
*Rural Waste Heat Capture and District Heating Proj-
ect. Raj Bhargava Associates for Alaska Power Authority,
1982.
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Waste Heat Projects
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Project, Final Report. Polar-
consult Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority,1983.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Project, Final Report, Waste
Heat Rural System Operations. Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.,
for Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $30,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (26,000)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 432,011
Total: $436,011
*Waste Heat System: Alaska Power Authority
*Powerplant: Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
In 1986, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding repair and rehabilitation of this waste heat recapture
system along with the other eight constructed in 1982-83.
Power Authority staff have not concluded waste heat sales
agreements and operations and maintenance agreements for
this project. The system is still functioning as designed, how-
ever, the Catholic Archdiocese of Fairbanks has decided to
close the school. As a result, there would be no consumer of
waste heat at the end of the line. A decision needs to be made
whether to abandon the line in place or to serve some future
tenant of the school complex if the Archdiocese intends to use
or lease the buildings.
63
Saint Paul Wind Farm
Reconnaissance and Pre-Feasibility Studies
Grant and Technical Assistance
Purpose:
Results:
64
To determine energy requirements and alternatives for the
community of St. Paul. To assist the community in an attempt
to secure a contract with a wind turbine manufacturer to con-
struct a wind farm on St. Paul Island.
Although a reconnaissance study completed in 1982 did not
indicate that wind power was a viable resource, preliminary
work by The Wind Inter Agency Team in 1984 indicated that
the wind regime in St. Paul would support a wind farm. The
Power Authority provided technical assistance to the City in
the spring of 1985 in the form of a grant to facilitate the draft-
ing of a contract the City could use to approach a third party
developer after a proposal had been selected. The Power
Authority then sent out a request for proposals (RFP) to wind
turbine manufacturers on behalf of the community. The com-
pany FloWind was selected by the community for negotiation
of a third party development contract for the wind farm. Flo-
Wind later backed out at an advanced stage of negotiation, be-
cause the company was acquired by another manufacturer not
interested in the Alaskan project.
In 1985, the Power Authority Board of Directors also approved
a grant-in-aid for constructing the diesel interface with the
wind farm, and $400,000 was reserved for the project in Rural
Energy Construction, SLA 1982, Ch 141. In the spring of 1986,
the community again approached the Power Authority with a
request to send out a second RFP for the wind farm develop-
ment. Power Authority staff sent copies of the RFP to 108
turbine manufacturers, and one company replied. Power Au-
thority staff evaluated the proposal by Vindsyssel and found
the proposed 16 cents/kwh too expensive for a project of this
size.
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Waste Heat Projects
The grant-in-aid of construction, meanwhile, was due to expire
in June 1987; Power Authority staff extended it to December
1987, to coincide with the availability of a Rural Electrification
Revolving Loan Fund (RERLF) loan to the community. In
January 1988, however, a review continued to show that the
wind project was not economically feasibile, and the Power
Authority and the City of St. Paul agreed to cancel the project.
After two and a half years of reserving the funds without proj-
ect implementation, the funds were returned to the waste heat
appropriation from which they came.
*Reconnaissance: Nortec/VanGulik Associates
*Technical Assistance: Alaska Power Authority
*Wind Farm Proposers: FloWind, Vindsyssel
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for St. Paul. Nortec and VanGulik for Alaska
Power Authority, 1982.
*St. Paul Electric Utility Infrastructure Report.. Alaska
Power Authority, 1985.
*The reconnaissance study was funded along with reconnais-
sance studies of 56 communities with Rural Community Recon-
naissance, SLA 1981, Ch 90.
*Technical assistance to St. Paul was funded by the Rural
Electrification Projects, SLA 1984, Ch 24. The grant for the
diesel interface with the wind farm was reserved in the appro-
priation for Rural Energy for Communities Which Qualify
(generally waste heat, wind and load management projects),
65
Supplementary
Information:
66
The Power Authority Board of Directors in February 1985 ap-
proved the $15,000 grant to St. Paul for hiring an expert to
write the third party contract and that additional $400,000
grant monies be provided for diesel interface with the pro-
posed wind farm in May 1985S.
Savoonga Waste Heat
Waste Heat Projects
Feasibility, Design and Construction .
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report: Vs me. 220
To determine waste heat feasibility for the community of Sa-
voonga on St. Lawrence Island. To design and install a waste
heat recapture system if found feasible.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1981 showed that a waste
heat recapture system was one means of reducing energy costs
in Savoonga. Waste heat was found feasible and a system
designed in 1982. Installation of the system was funded with
$248,200 from a separate waste heat construction appropria-
tion (SLA 1982, Ch 141). Construction was completed in 1983.
Recaptured heat from the generators is provided as space
heating to the Bering Straits School District buildings. The
project displaces about 40 percent of all the heating require-
ments of the complex.
*Reconnaissance: Holden Associates, Fryer-Pressley, Jack
West Associates
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Construction: Rockford Corporation
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Kaltag, Savoonga, White Mountain and
Elim. Holden and Associates, Fryer-Pressley and Jack West
Associates for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
67
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
68
*Rural Waste Heat Capture and District Heating Proj-
ect.. Raj Bhargava Associates for Alaska Power Authority,
1982.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Program: Final Report. Po-
larconsult Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1983.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Program: Final Report,
Waste Heat Recapture System Operations. Polarconsult
Alaska, Inc. for Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $50,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (25,900)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 248,200
Total: $272,300
*Waste Heat System: Alaska Power Authority
*Powerplant: Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
In 1986, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding repair and rehabilitation of this waste heat recapture
system along with the other eight constructed in 1982-83.
Power Authority staff concluded waste heat sales agreements
and operations and maintenance agreements with the Bering
Straits School District and the utility owner, Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative (AVEC) in 1987. Repair work was com-
pleted in January 1988, and the system is functioning as de-
signed.
Waste Heat Projects
Shungnak Waste Heat :
Feasibility, Design and Construction I
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
ea. aoe
To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system at
the power generating plant in the village of Shungnak. To
design and install the system if found feasible.
A reconnaissance study in 1981 indicated that a waste heat
recapture system would improve energy efficiency and reduce
energy costs in Shungnak. In 1982, a waste heat recapture sys-
tem was determined feasible and designed for the community
generating plant. Installation was completed in September
1983 with $328,000 from a waste heat construction appropria-
tion (SLA 1982, Ch 141). Power Authority staff inspected the
completed project in November of that year. The system pro-
vides space heat for the Northwest Arctic School District
school and the City of Shungnak water plant.
*Reconnaissance: Wind Systems Engineering
*Waste Heat Feasibility/Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction Management: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
*Construction: | Rockford Corporation
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives of Ambler, Kiana, Shungnak. Wind Systems
Engineering for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
*Rural Waste Heat Capture and District Heating Proj-
ect. Raj Bhargava Associates for Alaska Power Authority,
1982.
69
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
70
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Program: Final Report. Po-
larconsult Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1983.
*Rural Energy Waste Heat Program: Final Report,
Waste Heat Recapture System Operations. Polarconsult
Alaska, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $50,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (39,400)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 328,000
Total: $338,600
*Waste Heat System: Alaska Power Authority
*Powerplant: Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
In 1986, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
funding repair and rehabilitation of this waste heat recapture
system along with the other eight constructed in 1982-83.
Power Authority staff concluded waste heat sales agreements
and operations and maintenance agreements with Northwest
Arctic School District, the City of Shungnak, and the utility
owner, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) in 1987.
Repair work was completed in 1988, and the system is operat-
ing as designed.
Waste Heat Projects
|
| |
C g
. % Tetlin Waste Heat ,
Grant
Purpose: To install a waste heat recovery system on the village generator
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
in Tetlin.
The waste heat system was constructed in 1985. Final inspec-
tion took place in January 1988.
*Design: Marks Engineering
*Construction: Tetlin Village
Power Authority staff trip report.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 101 $50,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (4,500)
Total: $45,500
Village of Tetlin
When Power Authority staff inspected the waste heat recapture
system in January 1988, it was not functioning. Lack of mainte-
nance and improper care were the cause.
71
Togiak Feasibility Studies
Waste Heat Feasibility
Small Hydro Reconnaissance and Feasibility
Purpose:
Results:
72
a
To determine the feasibility of a small hydro project for the
community of Togiak in Bristol Bay. To determine the feasibil-
ity of a waste heat recapture system on the community power
generating plant.
Early reconnaissance studies in the area indicated that further
investigation of hydroelectric potential near Togiak was war-
ranted. The reconnaissance study was conducted with SLA
1980 appropriation funding. Because Togiak was one of the
named communities in the SLA 1981 (Ch 90), Rural Commu-
nity Feasibility appropriation, feasibility work was funded by
that appropriation.
A contractor investigated various hydro sites near Togiak and
found, contrary to expectations, that sites on the Quigmy River
were not economically feasible. Another site on the Kurtluk
River was potentially feasible, however. Stream gaging on the
Kurtluk River took place during 1983 and 1984, and wind moni-
toring occurred at the same time. Staff visited the community
and the potential hydro project site to more accurately deter-
mine the project’s feasibility. Also in 1984, the Power Author-
ity performed detailed feasibility investigations of waste heat
potential for 42 communities in rural Alaska, including Togiak.
Staff presented findings and recommendations to the Board of
Directors on November 5, 1985, and indicated that the pro-
posed hydro project on the Kurtluk River was not feasible
because of a benefit/cost ratio of 0.57. A waste heat recapture
system, however, was found feasible with a benefit/cost ratio of
1.4 and a simple payback of 6.6 years. The high cost of the
hydro project was due to a 36-inch penstock which was 8,400
feet long and a concrete-faced, rock filled dam 40 feet long.
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Waste Heat Projects
The Board Planning Committee at the time felt that packaged
dams might lower project costs, even though the package might
be less efficient than a specifically designed dam.
Another topic of discussion during consideration of the find-
ings was the availability of financing the waste heat project.
Funding for the project was not available at that time. Subse-
quently, however, the Power Authority, the utility (Alaska
Village Electric Cooperative) and the Southwest Region
School District signed an agreement to install a waste heat
recapture system during the summer of 1988. The School
District financed the project, while the Power Authority pro-
vided system design, specifications and construction inspec-
tion.
*Reconnaissance: Kevin Waring; Northern Technical Services
*Pre-Feasibility: Dowl/Tudor Engineering
*Waste Heat Construction: Southwest Region School District
Numerous reports were produced as part of these projects.
They may be accessed through the Power Authority library
catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $40,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved Findings
and Recommendations, Togiak Hydropower and Waste
Heat Feasibility, at its meeting on November 5, 1985.
73
Grant
Unalaska Waste Heat *
: e i anaa
Purpose: To extend an existing waste heat recapture system in Unalaska.
Results: The work was completed early in 1986 by the City of Unalaska
for a total of $500,000. The extension included manifolding
and plate exchanger in preparation for expanding the waste
heat recapture system to include the new powerhouse. The
district heating system was tied into a sea water cooling tower
to cool the diesel generators. The waste heat recovery system
provides heat to municipal buildings, a fish hatchery, and
several residences.
Contractor: City of Unalaska
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $380,000
Ownership: City of Unalaska
74
Waste Heat Recovery Demonstration Project
Waste Heat Projects
Monitoring and Construction . 4
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
| . | |
Sd ace
|
To screen and select potential sites for rural waste heat dem-
onstration projects, and to design and construct one or more
waste heat demonstration facilities.
Thirty potential sites were considered. The Department of
Transportation (DOT) camp at Seven-mile on the Haul Road
and Wainwright were selected for monitoring, while the cities
of Ouzinkie and Unalaska were selected for construction.
One year of monitoring took place at the Seven-mile camp,
where captured waste heat supplies space heating for the DOT
garage/generator building, which also serves as parts storage
and mail handling facilities. No monitoring took place at
Wainwright, because the waste heat stack boiler exploded
before monitoring equipment was put in place.
At Ouzinkie, the waste heat recapture system gathers surplus
heat from two city generators to heat the school. At Unalaska,
one loop of the district heating system on the old power plant
provides space heating to the new addition to the school, while
the second loop provides heat to the recreation hall, clinic,
police station and city hall.
Raj Bhargava Associates
Design Manual and Demonstration Results for Waste
Heat Recovery in Rural Alaska. Raj Bhargava Associates
for Alaska Power Authority, 1983.
15
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $500,000
Ownership: City of Ouzinkie and City of Unalaska
Supplementary
Information: See Ouzinkie waste heat for additional information on that
part of this project.
716
Waste Heat Projects
| | | | | |
White Mountain Waste Heat Y |
Feasibility of Waste Heat Recapture System
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds: UW
To determine the feasibility of a waste heat recapture system
for the community of White Mountain.
A reconnaissance study completed in 1981 surveyed energy
alternatives for the village of White Mountain and found that a
waste heat recapture system might be one means of reducing
energy costs for the community. A feasibility study conducted
in 1982 found that waste heat was infeasible, since the city
generator was not yet installed. Further work on the project
was terminated at that time.
*Reconnaissance: Holden and Associates, Fryer-Pressley and
Jack West Associates
*Waste Heat Feasibility and Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Elim, Kaltag, Savoonga and White
Mountain. Holden and Associates, Fryer-Pressley and Jack
West Associates for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
Rural Waste Heat Capture and District Heating Pro-
gram. Raj Bhargava Associates for Alaska Power Authority,
1982.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $50,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (25,900)
Total: $24,100
7.
Chapter 3
RECONNAISSANCE
AND
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
| | ° ° S | Akutan Hydroelectric Project |
Feasibility Study and Generator Loan . |
. 3 |
= |
Purpose: To determine the feasibility of a small hydroelectric project for
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
the community of Akutan.
In 1980, the City of Akutan contracted for a feasibility study of
a potential hydroelectric project. Before the feasibility study
was completed, however, the community received a loan from
the State for the purchase of a Chinese-built generator to be
installed at the proposed hydro project. In the course of com-
pleting the feasibility study, engineers recommended not con-
structing the small hydro project, because there is considerable
instability in the area and potential of earthquake damage.
State funding for the feasibility work was repealed, except for
the purchase price of the generator. The loan was forgiven in
return for transfer of the generator, which is in storage in
Seattle. The unit was tested in 1989 and found to be in excel-
lent condition. Alternate locations for its use are under con-
sideration.
*Reconnaissance: R.W. Retherford and Assoc.
*Feasibility: Ott Water Engineers, Inc.
*Preliminary Design: T.D. Humphrey
*Preliminary Information: Akutan Hydroelectric Proj-
ect. Ott Water Engineers, Inc., for City of Akutan, 1980.
*Preliminary Design Report, Akutan Hydroelectric
Project. T.D. Humphrey and Ott Water Engineers, Inc., for
81
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
82
City of Akutan, 1980.
*Akutan: Corps of Engineers Site No. 4. R.W. Rether-
ford and Associates for Alaska Power Authority, 1980.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $1,100,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 127,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (127,000)
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (973,000)
Total (Generator Purchase): $127,000
*Power Authority Board of Directors Resolution 1980-20,
dated June 26, 1980, approved a loan from the Power Develop-
ment Revolving Loan Fund for development of the Akutan
hydroelectric project.
*With funding from Rural Community Feasibility (SLA 1981,
Ch 90), a Request For Proposals (RFP) will be developed
during FY89 to update feasibility information (hydrology,
geology, electrical load) and to prepare construction drawings
for a small hydro project.
Anchorage Energy Pooling
Reconnaissance Study
Purpose:
Results:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
To ascertain technical solutions to problems of interconnected
electric utilities in the Anchorage area.
The Reliability Subcommittee of the Alaska Systems Coordi-
nating Council (ASCC), with funding from the Alaska Power
Authority, engaged Commonwealth Associates, Inc., to per-
form a study leading to short-term solutions to power outages
cascading from one system to the next within the Anchorage
area.
Immediate improvements recommended included: 1) initiating
protective relays on several circuits; 2) making sure that system
protection and backup was effective at all times; 3) revising
underfrequency load shedding relays. Short range improve-
ments recommended included: 1) adding a 115 kV switching
substation at the Power Administration’s Anchorage substa-
tion; 2) upgrading the autotransformer at University substation
from 75 MVA to 150 MVA; 3) revising the protection on the
24.9 kV circuit between Daves Creek and Seward, and 4) in-
stalling breaker failure relaying on 115 kV breakers in switch-
yards of Anchorage Municipal Light and Power.
Additional recommendations in the long-range category in-
cluded: 1) installing Chugach Electric Association’s planned
230 kV substation as soon as possible; 2) constructing a higher
capacity transmission line to the City of Seward; 3) installing
switched shunt capacitor banks in the Homer Electric Associa-
tion and Matanuska Electric Association systems; 4) construct-
ing a second transmission circuit from Bernice Lake to
Soldotna; 5) constructing a second transmission line between
the Anchorage Area and the Kenai Peninsula or installing ad-
ditional generating capacity on the Kenai Peninsula;
83
6) installing additional cooling on the Teeland 115/34 kV, 10
MVA transformer, and 7) coordinating long-range planning by
Anchorage-area utilities so that future installations will meet
the needs of the area and provide quality service. Implementa-
tion of the suggestions was up to the area utilities.
Contractor: Gilbert/Commonwealth, Inc.
Report: Anchorage Area Reliability Study. Commonwealth Associ-
ates, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, December 1982. (2
volumes.)
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $120,000
SLA 1984, Administrative Lapse (20,309)
Total: $ 99,670
84
Anchorage-Kenai Intertie
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
AS Vea. ore
To consider the feasibility of alternatives for a transmission
intertie between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula.
Funds paid for a study of alternatives for a transmission inter-
tie between Anchorage and the Kenai peninsula. A contractor
conducted the study which analyzed technical and environ-
mental aspects of upgrading the existing 115 kV transmission
line and of two alternate transmission line locations.
Funding for half of this project came from the Railbelt Alter-
natives appropriation by Special Order from the Governor.
The other 50 percent funding was provided by the Alaska Sys-
tems Coordinating Council (ASCC).
Power Engineers, Inc.
Anchorage-Kenai Transmission [Intertie Feasibility
Study. Power Engineers, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority and
Railbelt Utilities, May 1987.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1986, Ch 42; Special Order $151,000
Matching Funds from ASCC $151,000
Total: $302,000
This study is one of several Railbelt Alternatives Studies.
85
Bethel Area Power Plan 7 |
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies ° |
Purpose:
Results:
86 UW “4 fh tm a. aro
To study alternative sources of energy for the region. Commu-
nities included: Akiachak, Akiak, Atmatluak Eek, Kasigluk,
Kwethluk, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Nunapitchuk, Oscarville,
Tuluksak, Tuntutuliak, and Bethel.
A draft feasibility report was completed by Harza Engineering
and released in 1982. Recommendations included 9.5 MW and
24 MW hydroelectric projects at Lake Chikuminik. Power
Authority staff analysis showed these hydro projects to require
transmission and distribution systems too long for the load
served. Expensive monitoring and control equipment would
have been required to handle operating problems and line
losses would have been excessive.
Intertying different combinations of villages to Bethel as a
central diesel generation source was shown to be the best
solution in Power Authority staff analysis. Funds from Rural
Electrification appropriation and a Reimbursable Services
Agreement (RSA) with the Department of Community and
Regional Affairs (DCRA) are being used to design and con-
struct a Bethel-Oscarville intertie. Subsequently, Napaskiak
will be tied to Oscarville. Other interties can be constructed
between Bethel and Akiachak, Akiak and Kwethluk; and Be-
thel to Atmautluak, Nunapitchuk and Kasigluk in the future.
The draft feasibility report also provided preliminary right-of-
way routings, intertie cost estimates, waste heat recommenda-
tions, and essential basic data to support more detailed design
and feasibility calculations for individual community projects,
interties and waste heat. A final version of the report was
never completed. The Board of Directors approved staff
Findings and Recommendations for the Bethel Area
Contractors:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Power Plan in December 1985.
*Stream gaging: U.S.GS.
*Reconnaissance: R. Retherford and Associates
*Feasibility: _ Harza Engineering Company
Numerous reports were produced as part of these projects.
They may be accessed through the Power Authority library
catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $ 80,000
SLA 1980, Ch 54 2,000,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 1,000,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 500,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (2,000,000)
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (325,000)
Total: $1,245,800
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved Findings
and Recommendations for the Bethel Area Power Plan
on December 12, 1985. The Office of Management and Budget
approved the document on March 7, 1986.
*The thirteen communities included in the Harza feasibility
study are: Akiachak, Akiak, Atmatluak, Eek, Kasigluk,
Kwethluk, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Nunapitchuk, Oscarville,
Tuluksak, Tuntutuliak, Bethel.
*Projects included in the Bethel Area Power Plan are: Bethel
Alternatives, Kisaralik Hydropower, Lower Kuskokwim Power
Plan, Lake Chikuminik Hydropower.
87
Black Bear Lake Hydroelectric Project
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
nea. eet Us “a
To determine the feasibility of a hydropower project at Black
Bear Lake on Prince of Wales Island to serve the communities
of Craig, Hydaburg, Klawock and Thorne Bay.
The Power Authority started investigating energy needs and
sources of generation alternative to diesel for Prince of Wales
Island in 1977. Two potential hydroelectric facilities, the
Black Bear Lake project and the first stage of the Lake Mellen
project (Reynolds Creek), were identified as possible sources
of generation alternative to diesel to serve the communities of
Craig, Klawock, and Hydaburg. In 1979, under direction of the
Power Authority, a consultant refined the economics and envi-
ronmental concerns of the projects. The report recommended
that a detailed feasibility study of the Black Bear Lake project
be completed, and Harza and CH2M Hill Northwest completed
a detailed feasibility analysis in 1981.
The report’s conclusion declared the 6.0-megawatt Black Bear
project to be technically, environmentally and economically
feasible and recommended the preparation of a license appli-
cation for submittal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Com-
mission (FERC). In 1981, the Power Authority submitted a
license application to FERC for a 6-megawatt hydroelectric
facility on Black Bear Lake. The application was accepted by
FERC on June 15, 1982.
The power supply plan was revised in May 1983 to reflect new
load forecasts and other developments in the area to be served
by the project. The community of Thorne Bay was added to the
service area at its request. The resulting increase in power
requirements was offset in part by declining economic condi-
tions in the service area. Alaska Timber Corporation (ATC) in
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Klawock placed in operation a 2,000 kilowatt woodwaste-fired
turbine-generator unit. After investigation of project econom-
ics by consultants and the Power Authority staff, the agency
petitioned FERC to withdraw its license application and con-
sider a preliminary permit application for a 3.0-megawatt
project. A two-year preliminary permit was issued in Decem-
ber 1984.
In 1985 and 1986, environmental field work and continued
stream gauging were performed and different construction
concepts were analyzed. The preliminary permit was allowed
to expire in December 1986. In February 1987, consultants
completed the Black Bear Lake Feasibility Update. The Up-
date reflected revised oil price forecasts in use at that time by
the Power Authority, load forecasts, and cost estimates. In the
Update, cost estimates for access to the project were less than
in the initial estimate, as the Sealaska Corporation had con-
structed a road and extensively logged the area from Black
Bear Lake to the powerhouse site.
The results of the study showed that the woodwaste alternative
appeared to be one of the most economic under scenarios
assuming that a steady and reliable supply of wood could be
made available. Such a wood supply was always questionable.
Subsequent to the report, however, The ATC mill and power
facility ceased operation; the generating facility had been
considerably damaged in a fire and ATC was liquidated in a
bankruptcy proceeding.
In all, the Power Authority and consultants studied seven
different generating alternatives, including several hydroelec-
tric projects, woodwaste generation, and a transmission inter-
tie to Swan Lake. Power Authority staff reviewed the report
prepared by Harza Engineering Company and performed
additional analysis using updated parameters and project
costs. If the woodwaste generating alternative is not available,
the 3.0-megawatt Black Bear project would be the most eco-
nomic under all the conditions investigated. Economics can be
further increased by not including transmission lines to certain
load centers.
89
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
90
While the hydroelectric project appears to be economic over
its projected 50-year life under all assumptions analyzed,
short-term parameters are of concern. Under the load growth
assumed in 1986, the entire power output could not be fully
utilized in the early years of operation. This, coupled with the
high capital costs associated with this type of project, results in
significant initial increase in the cost of power. Furthermore,
the resulting costs of power do not become lower than the
diesel alternative for several years; the number of years de-
pends on the load growth and diesel cost assumptions made.
The utility which serves the village of Craig, Alaska Power and
Telephone (AP&T), has now received a FERC preliminary
permit to study the Black Bear Lake project. The Power Au-
thority is assisting AP&T with stream gaging, load evaluations,
and confirmation of the possibility of using a surface penstock
and the associated reduction of costs.
*Reconnaissance: Harza Engineering Company
*Feasibility: Acres American, Inc.
*Stream Gaging: U.S.GS.
Numerous reports were produced on this project. They may be
accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $ 440,000
SLA 1979, RP 305,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 1,400,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 1,000,000
SLA 1984, Ch 24 50,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (50,000)
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (900)
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (168,170)
FY85 Revised Program 271,123
Total: $3,247,053
From AP&T for stream gaging: $12,500
Supplementary
Information: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved staff Find-
ings and Recommendations for the Black Bear Lake
Hydroelectric Project at its meeting on December 11, 1987.
91
Regional Feasibility Assessment
Bristol Bay Region Power Plan |
Purpose:
Results:
92
To fund comprehensive assessment of power supply options for
the Bristol Bay Region which includes the Dillingham, Naknek,
and Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark sub-regions. Communities in-
cluded: Aleknagik, Clarks Point, Dillingham, Egegik, Ekuk,
Ekwok, Igiugig, Iliamna, King Salmon, Koliganek, Manokotak,
Naknek, Newhalen, Levelock, New Stuyahok, Nondalton,
Portage Creek, and South Naknek.
Work included extensive geotechnical, environmental, and
hydrologic evaluation of various hydroelectric sites, transmis-
sion line routes, and assessment of wind, diesel, and waste heat
alternatives for 18 communities.
Reconnaissance and feasibility work in 1980-81 indicated that
a 1500 kW hydroelectric project at Lake Elva was technically
and environmentally feasible. The Power Authority applied
for a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license
for the project, which would supply power to the Nushagak
Electric Cooperative grid at Aleknagik. In 1982, Lake Elva was
determined only marginally feasible economically, and the
project was dropped.
The Power Authority completed under contract an Interim
Feasibility Assessment for Bristol Bay Region (1982), and
a fisheries study on the Newhalen River (1985). The feasibility
report identified the Newhalen River regional hydroelectric
project as the preferred alternative to serve the entire Bristol
Bay area. The run-of-river project would consist of a canal
intake structure, three-mile diversion canal, a 1500-foot pen-
stock, and a 16 MW power plant at 55 feet of head. A series of
distribution lines would connect the powerhouse with 18 Bris-
tol Bay area communities.
Contractor:
Reports:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
After an economic re-evaluation of the project in 1985, it was
found that the overall costs were not competitive and that the
region should be divided into sub-regions for power planning
purposes. The Power Authority Board of Directors approved
Findings and Recommendations for Phase I (Iliamna-
Lake Clark) of Bristol Bay Power Plan in January 1986.
The economic re-evaluation indicated that the most promising
development within one of the sub-regions is a small hydro-
electric project on the Tazimina River to serve the communi-
ties of Iliamna, Newhalen, and Nondalton. The Power Author-
ity’s consultant completed a draft feasibility report on the
Tazimina River project in 1987. Staff analysis of project eco-
nomics and financing showed the project economics to be
marginally feasible and requiring a state grant between $2.3
and $5.4 million to make rates competitive with the existing
diesel generation. The size of the grant would depend on the
price of fuel, fuel escalation and the amount of growth in en-
ergy demand which might occur during the planning period.
Findings and Recommendations for the Tazimina River
Hydropower Project were presented to the Board of Direc-
tors in January 1988. The Board disapproved the findings,
because of the uncertainty of developing a project within the
Lake Clark National Park and the economics of the project.
The Power Authority withdrew its FERC preliminary permit
for the Tazimina project in September 1988. The local utility
(INNEC) has since filed a preliminary permit on the site and
has requested a determination of non-jurisdiction by FERC.
*Reconnaissance: R.W. Beck Associates, R.W. Retherford
Associates
*Feasibility: Stone and Webster Engineering, Inc.
*Stream Gaging: U.S.GS.
These projects produced numerous reports which may be ac-
cessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
93
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Supplementary
Information:
94
SLA 1979, Ch 980
SLA 1981, Ch 120
SLA 1981, Ch 120
SLA 1981, Ch 120
SLA 1982, Ch 90
SLA 1982, Ch 141
SLA 1982, Ch 141
SLA 1982, Ch 90
SLA 1984, Ch 171
SLA 1985, Ch 105
FY 86, Admin Lapse
Total:
$ 80,000
500,000
4,000,000
50,000
4,500,000
(4,485,000)
(3,450,000)
2,000,000
415,000
(1,852)
(7,000)
$3,601,148
*Projects included in the Bristol Bay Power Plan are:
*For information on related grant and loan projects, see en-
tries on Iliamna-Newhalen-Nondalton Electric Cooperative
grants and loans, Nushagak waste heat, Newhalen waste heat.
*Work related to the Bristol Bay Region Power Plan is con-
tinuing with appropriations for Regional Feasibility Studies
and Manokotak-Dillingham Transmission Line Feasibility
Study.
Lake
Elva hydropower, Tazimina River hydropower, Newhalen
River hydropower, and Newhalen River fisheries studies.
Chakachamna Lake Hydroelectric Project
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
sma. <00*
To study the feasibility of a hydroelectric project at Lake
Chakachamna as an alternative to the Susitna project.
Development of this power source would require a diversion
tunnel 23 feet in diameter and 12 miles long, and a power plant
which would have an installed capacity of 330 MW and could
produce 1,374,000 Mwh. The project was not considered a
viable power option for the Railbelt due to substantial con-
cerns on geotechnical and environmental problems.
An interim feasibility report was completed in February 1983
at a cost of $1,000,000. An addendum to the report was com-
pleted in October 1983 with $800,000 from Susitna Hydroelec-
tric Project funds. The report provides a good deal of informa-
tion on the fishery resource in the area, since a summer fisher-
ies study was undertaken to determine whether the
Chakachamna project would impact such a large fish popula-
tion that it would make the hydro project infeasible.
Bechtel Civil and Minerals, Inc.
*Railbelt Electric Power Alternatives Study. Batelle
Pacific Northwest Laboratories for Alaska Division of Policy
Development and Planning, 1982, Vol. XIV.
*Chakachamna_ Hydroelectric Project: Interim Feasi-
bility Assessment Report. Prepared by Bechtel Civil and
Mineral, Inc., 1983.
95
*A Summary of Fish Passage Facility Design Concept
and Preliminary Results of FY 1982-83 Fish Studies;
Chakachamna Hydroelectric Project. Prepared by Bech-
tel Civil and Mineral, Inc. and Woodward-Clyde Consultants,
1982.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriations:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $1,000,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (2,400)
From Susitna appropriations $800,000
Total: $1,797,600
Supplementary
Information: No final feasibility report with findings and recommendations
was completed for the Chakachamna project, because the
preliminary and interim findings did not justify pursuing com-
pletion of the study.
96
Chicago Creek Coal
Independent Cost Estimate and
Economic Analysis
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
i WO “a twa. eet
To provide independent cost estimates and economic analysis
for a feasibility study on using coal from Chicago Creek to
generate power for Kotzebue.
The Power Authority completed a reconnaissance study in 1982
which recommended feasibility analysis of coal-fired cogenera-
tion at Kotzebue. The Division of Geological and Geophysical
Surveys (DGGS) of the Alaska Department of Natural Re-
sources contracted with C.C. Hawley and Associates to analyze
the feasibility of using coal from Chicago Creek to generate
power at Kotzebue. The Power Authority signed a Reimbur-
sable Services Agreement (RSA) with DGGS to provide inde-
pendent cost estimates and economic analysis for the feasibil-
ity study. The money was returned to DGGS, because it was
determined that additional baseline data were needed before
cost estimates and economic analyses could be developed. In
1986, the funds to DGGS were repealed by the Legislature.
*Power Authority Reconnaissance: Ralph Stefano Associates
*DGGS Feasibility: Hawley Resources Group, Inc.
*Preliminary Feasibility Study of a Coal Mine at Chi-
cago Creek. Hawley Resources Group, Inc. for Alaska De-
partment of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and
Geophysical Surveys, April 1986.
*Kotzebue Coal-Fired Co-generation and _ District
Heating and Other Energy Alternatives, Feasibility
Assessment. Arctic Slope Technical Services, Inc.,
97
VECO, Inc., Ralph Stefano Associates, Inc., Joint Venture,
for Alaska Power Authority, 1982.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1984, Ch 171 to DGGS $400,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 Repealed Balance
98
City of Sitka Alternative Energy Study
Reconnaissance Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
To determine energy requirements and alternatives for the
City of Sitka following the construction of the Green Lake
Hydroelectric Project.
The study, performed under contract to the Power Authority,
recommended the use of heat pumps (conversion from oil
heating) along with a detailed feasibility study of Takatz Lake
hydroelectric project. Green Lake Hydroelectric Project was
under construction at the time of this study.
*Ott Water Engineers, Inc.
*Black and Veatch Consulting Engineers
City of Sitka Alternate Energy Study, Final Report. Ott
Water Engineers, Inc. and Black and Veatch Consulting Engi-
neers for Alaska Power Authority, February 1982.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $50,000
*Findings and recommendations based on the contractor’s
report were completed by Power Authority staff April 2, 1982.
When the City of Sitka asserted its interest in constructing and
owning the Green Lake project, the Power Authority ceased
further work in the area.
99
100
*In some Power Authority lists of appropriations and in legis-
lation, this appropriation is called “Takatz Creek.”
*See City of Sitka, Green Lake hydroelectric project, Power
Project loan description for more information on that project.
Cordova Area Power Plan
Feasibility Assessment
Purpose:
Results:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
oO
; |
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The Power Authority granted funds to the City of Cordova in
1979 to contract with an engineering firm to perform a recon-
naissance study to identify energy needs and power require-
ments for the City. In 1981 the Power Authority hired a con-
tractor to conduct a feasibility assessment to determine the
viability of various energy options.
The reconnaissance study was completed in FY82 and the
results incorporated into further feasibility studies. The Cor-
dova Power Supply Interim Feasibility Study (June 1982) con-
sidered five different coal generation options; hydroelectric
sites at Silver Lake, Allison Lake, Crater Lake, Power Creek,
plus 14 other small hydro sites; and seven transmission alterna-
tives. The addendum to the feasibility study (November 1982)
looked at two transmission alternatives in detail, as well as
Power Creek and Silver Lake. Altogether, consultants to the
Power Authority have submitted a feasibility analysis, a collec-
tion of hydrological data, an update of economic and financial
feasibility, and an evaluation of energy alternatives for Cor-
dova. In 1984, $250,000 originally appropriated to the Power
Authority for hydro feasibility studies to serve Cordova was
reappropriated as a grant to Cordova for the purchase of diesel
generators.
In January 1986, the Cordova Electric Cooperative (CEC)
completed a final feasibility report for Humpback Creek small
hydroelectric project. In FY87, Power Authority staff reviewed
and updated the feasibility analysis prepared by CEC and
consultants for energy alternatives for Cordova. Results
showed that bulk fuel storage, waste heat recovery, and phased
development of small hydroelectric projects were the plan of
choice. Findings and recommendations for the Cordova Area
Power Plan were approved by the Power Authority Board of
101
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
102
Directors in October 1986.
The Board of Directors approved a Power Project Fund loan
for $1,950,000 at 5 percent to Cordova Electric Cooperative for
design and construction of the Humpback Creek small hydro
project. Power Authority staff continue to give technical assis-
tance to CEC as a follow-up to the findings and recommenda-
tions. Staff assistance includes stream gaging, further small
hydro evaluation, and Humpback Creek project implementa-
tion. The Humpback Creek project will have 1250 kw installed
capacity when it is completed in 1989.
*Cordova Electric Cooperative
*City of Cordova
*Stone and Webster Engineering Company
*U.S.G.S.
*Harza Engineering Company, retained by CEC (Humpback
Creek)
*Numerous reports have been produced regarding these proj-
ects. They may be accessed through the Power Authority li-
brary catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
Grant $ 82,107
SLA 1979, Ch 80 500,000
SLA 1979, Ch 49 250,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 300,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 700,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 700,000
SLA 1984, Ch 171 (250,000)
SLA 1984, Ch 24 105,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (3,247)
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3 (38,282)
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3 (67,276)
Total: $2,196,195
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved Findings
and Recommendations for the Cordova Region Power
Plan at its meeting on October 21, 1986.
*Projects related to the Cordova Region Power Plan include:
Cordova hydroelectric reconnaissance, Power Creek hydro
feasibility, Silver Lake hydro feasibility, Cordova-Valdez
transmission line feasibility, Cordova coal-fired generation,
Humpback Creek small hydro.
*See Humpback Creek small hydro grant and Power Project
Fund loan descriptions for more information on that project.
103
Discretionary Funds
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
104
To provide funding for feasibility work, stream gaging and
agency projects not yet identified in the course of SLA 1980.
Funds were used in support of several projects, including:
Kisaralik River stream gaging; LaTouche Island (Horseshoe
Bay) small hydro evaluation; reconnaissance studies for Sand
Point, King Cove, Akhiok, Old Harbor, Larsen Bay and Ouz-
inkie; stream gaging at Sheep Creek near Nikolski; Hoonah
wood-fired generation feasibility study; and Tanana energy
reconnaissance study.
In 1981 some funds were given as a grant to the Alaska Center
for the Environment to partially finance the Alaska Alterna-
tive Energy Conference that year.
*Kodiak and Aleutian Reconnaissance Studies: CH2M Hill
*Kisaralik River Gaging: U.S.G.S.
*Sheep Creek/Nikolski Gaging: Department of Natural Re-
sources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
*LaTouche Island Reconnaissance: Phillip Mather
*Hoonah Wood Generation: H. Galliett et alia
*Tanana Reconnaissance: Marks Engineering/Brown & Root
*Energy Conference: Alaska Center for the Environment
*Partial Funding of Accounting System: Accounting Systems
Ltd.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Reports: Reports which were produced as part of these studies may be
accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $75,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (1,000)
Total: $74,000
105
Fairbanks District Heat
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
106
UW nea eet
To fund a comprehensive study of the Chena coal-fired power
plant and description of a possible monitoring system.
The Power Authority, on behalf of the Fairbanks Municipal
Utility System (FMUS), contracted with Morrison-Knudsen to
determine improvements necessary to the power plant to pro-
vide reliable district heating service and electrical power to
meet the anticipated needs of Fairbanks. The study spanned a
period of two years; the final report was completed in April
1984. FMUS used the report to make decisions regarding
future improvements to the Chena power plant.
Morrison-Knudsen Company, Inc.
Chena Station Feasibility Study and Preliminary Engi-
neering Report: Final Report. Morrison-Knudsen for
Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $440,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (1,836)
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (8,979)
Total: $429,185
No findings and recommendations were completed for this
study, decisions regarding further action were up to FMUS.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
| | | |
S | Grant Lake Hydroelectric Project |
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report: Us y; * mm. ao
To determine the feasibility of a hydroelectric project at Grant
Lake to provide electrical power to the City of Seward.
A reconnaissance study (Seward Hydro) in 1980 indicated that
further study was needed for Grant Lake. A final feasibility
study was completed under contract. The proposed lake tap
project would include a 3200-foot overland, 9-foot diameter
tunnel/penstock and a 7 MW powerhouse at an estimated cost
of $31.2 million in 1983 dollars.
The project was found marginally feasible by Power Authority
staff because it is highly sensitive to changes in economic para-
meters and unresolved costs of environmental mitigation re-
quirements. The project is presently being pursued by a pri-
vate developer who has altered the project concept proposed
by the Power Authority. The developer has filed for a Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license, and FERC is
reviewing the design and application. The Power Authority is
one of several intervenors in the FERC license application and
is considering the impact of the project on Kenai Peninsula
power supply and demand and on the operation of a proposed
Anchorage-Kenai transmission system.
*Reconnaissance: CH2M Hill
*Feasibility: _ Ebasco Services, Inc.
Numerous reports were produced on these projects. They may
be accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
107
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriations:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $ 40,000
SLA 1981, Ch 9 1,000,000
SLA 1982, Ch 14 1,000,000
SLA 1984, Ch 24 105,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (105,000)
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (250,455)
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (63,600)
Total: $1,725,945
Supplementary
Information: *The Power Authority Board of Directors approved Findings
and Recommendations for the Grant Lake Hydroelec-
tric Project at its meeting on October 1, 1986.
*This project included Seward hydroelectric reconnaissance
and Grant Lake hydroelectric feasibility studies.
108
Gunnuk Creek Hydroelectric Project
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
UW nm. oe
To conduct reconnaissance and feasibility studies on the
hydroelectric potential of Gunnuk Creek near Kake. This work
was undertaken as part of a $1.0 million appropriation for
reconnaissance studies in communities served by Tlingit-Haida
Regional Electric Authority.
After the reconnaissance study was initiated, it was determined
that Cathedral Falls, rather than Gunnuk Creek, was the pre-
ferred site. The focus of the study shifted to Cathedral Falls.
The report showed the economic justification to be marginal
and recommended that a closer look be taken of other alterna-
tives, including wood-fueled generation and a transmission
interconnection to Petersburg.
Harza Engineering Company
Cathedral Falls Project: A Reconnaissance Report,
Harza Engineering Co. for the Alaska Power Authority, 1979.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $195,000
SLA 1979, RP (55,000)
Total: $140,000
See Kake-Petersburg Intertie and Southeast Intertie for re-
lated information.
109
Haines-Skagway Power Studies
Reconnaissance Studies
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
110
UW
To conduct reconnaissance and studies of power alternatives in j
the Haines-Skagway area.
In 1980 a contractor performed a reconnaissance study of
energy alternatives for Haines. The previously proposed
Chilkat hydroelectric project was not recommended as a viable
alternative for Haines. Instead, the Dayebas Creek project was
recommended for further study, and stream gaging was initi- I
ated.
Dayebas Creek was later dropped in favor of other alterna-
tives, when stream gage data showed that peak runoff period
did not coincide with electrical loads in Haines. The contrac-
tor’s report recommended West Creek near Skagway for more
detailed feasibility work in 1982.
*Chilkat Reconnaissance: CH2M Hill
*Haines-Dayebas: R.W. Beck and Associates
*Stream Gaging: Tryck, Nyman and Hayes; U.S.G:S.
*Chilkat River Basin Region Reconnaissance Assess-
ment of Energy Alternatives. CH2M Hill for Alaska Power
Authority, Draft Report, 1979 and Final Report, 1980.
*Addendum to Reconnaissance Report on Alternatives
for the Haines-Skagway Region. R.W. Beck and Associ-
ates for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
*Dayebas Creek Hydroelectric Project Feasibility
Analysis and FERC License Application. R.W. Beck and
Associates for Alaska Power Authority, June 1980.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Supplementary
Information:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $ 50,000
SLA 1980, Ch 120 400,000
Total: $450,000
*Studies included in Haines area reconnaissance were Chilkat
hydroelectric reconnaissance and Dayebas hydroelectric re-
connaissance.
*See West Creek Hydroelectric Project for information on
Haines-Skagway feasibility and West Creek hydroelectric
feasibility.
111
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Hoonah Area Power Alternatives ‘ |
Feasibility Studies |
; e
Purpose: To determine the feasibility of various alternatives for produc-
ing lower cost electrical energy for the community of Hoonah.
Results: Several studies reviewed overall Hoonah area power alterna-
tives, which included woodwaste generation, a hydroelectric
project on Gartina Creek, and a possible intertie with Juneau.
Reconnaissance level analysis indicated that an intertie with
Snettisham had a better benefit/cost ratio if the load from
Green’s Creek mine on Admiralty Island were included as well. =
If the load from the Green’s Creek mine were not included, ’
then either continued diesel or Gartina Creek with supplemen-
tal diesel would be the avenue to follow.
The Gartina Creek study was part of a $1.0 million appropria-
tion for reconnaissance studies in communities served by 4
Tlingit-Haida Regional Electric Authority (THREA). Funds
from the Gartina Creek and Discretionary Funds appropria-
tions were used for the Hoonah wood-fired generation study
completed under contract. The contractor’s report compared
generating power for Hoonah by various means: diesel, wood-
gasification, steam and Gartina hydro plus diesel back-up. The i
contractor recommended the use of forest residue for wood
fuel in wood - gas generation for Hoonah.
Additional recommendations included waste heat feasibility I
for district heating, intertie feasibility, and progressive conver-
sion from 100 percent diesel generation to wood-gasification
with district heating. The results of the study were incorpo-
rated into Hoonah intertie feasibility work.
112
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
*Hoonah Wood-fired Generation: H.H. Galliett, Jr.; Dryden
and LaRue; Forests North Ltd.; Howard Grey and Associates;
Gene Rutledge; Stefano and Associates, Joint Venture
*Transmission Line: Alaska Power Administration
*Gartina Creek: Harza Engineering Company
No one final report was issued, but these related reports were
published:
*Gartina Creek Project, A Reconnaissance Report.
Harza Engineering Company for Alaska Power Authority,
1979.
*Hoonah Wood Generation Feasibility Study, Hoonah,
Alaska. Harold H. Galliett, et al. for Alaska Power Authority
and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 1981.
*Juneau-Hoonah Transmission Line, Reconnaissance
Evaluations. Alaska Power Administration, 1981.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $400,000
SLA 1981, R.P. (130,000)
SLA 1985, R.P. (232,990)
SLA 1980, Ch 120 30,000
SLA 1980, Ch 120 7,578
From U.S.FS. 30,000
Total: $104,588
113
Supplementary
Information:
114
*Staff completed an analysis of the intertie project and pro-
vided this information to the Power Authority Board of Direc-
tors as an information item. The Power Authority executive
staff at the time did not advocate state grant funding for a
project which would benefit private enterprise (Noranda’s
Green’s Creek project), so no further action was taken.
*Subsequent work on Southeast Intertie Feasibility by Harza
Engineering (October 1987) indicated that a west route (Snet-
tisham to Kake) is preferred over an east route (Juneau,
Hoonah, Tenakee Springs, Sitka), and low diesel prices in the
mid- to late-1980’s continue to favor diesel generation for
Hoonah. Any further study of Gartina Creek should include all
northern Southeast Intertie assumptions.
*Hoonah area studies include: Gartina Creek hydroelectric
reconnaissance, Hoonah intertie feasibility, Hoonah wood-
fired generation feasibility.
Juneau Alternatives Study
Reconnaissance Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
7
Vee. oro
To provide analysis parameters and technical review of an
energy resource plan for Juneau.
The Power Authority provided analysis parameters and techni-
cal review of a 20-year energy resource plan for the City and
Borough of Juneau. The study was jointly enterprised by
Alaska Electric Light and Power, Glacier Highway Electric
Association, and the federal Alaska Power Administration.
Findings and recommendations were approved by the Board of
Directors at the meeting in May 1985. Implementation of the
plan was to be by the local utilities.
Ebasco Services, Inc.
Juneau 20-Year Power Supply Plan. Ebasco Services,
Inc., for Alaska Electric Light and Power Company, Glacier
Highway Electric Association, et al., November 1984.
The study was funded by Juneau’s utilities and the federal
Alaska Power Administration.
115
]
Feasibility Study r |
Kake-Petersburg Intertie
Le eC
Purpose: To determine the feasibility of an intertie between the commu-
nities of Kake and Petersburg.
Results: After a contractor completed a reconnaissance report on a
potential intertie between Kake and Petersburg in 1981, the
Power Authority contracted in 1982 with Ebasco Services, Inc.,
to evaluate alternative means for meeting the electricity re-
quirements for the community of Kake. Ebasco completed the
study in March 1984 and concluded that a transmission line
between Tyee and Kake was the best alternative for meeting
Kake’s future energy needs.
The line proposed was 24.9 kV and would meet the needs only
of Kake. More recent studies indicate that an overall South-
east Intertie may require a higher capacity link through Kake.
Contractor: *Feasibility: _ Ebasco Services, Inc.
*Cost Estimate: Diversified Engineers
Report: Tyee-Kake Intertie Project: Final Feasibility Report
and Recommendation. Ebasco Services, Inc., for Alaska
Power Authority, 1984.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $500,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (35,000)
Total: $465,000
116
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
*No findings and recommendations were completed for the
Kake-Petersburg intertie at the time the report was written;
the project was shelved until feasibility results could be ob-
tained for the proposed Southeast Intertie as a whole.
*See Southeast Intertie feasibility for additional information
regarding that project.
117
Ketchikan Alternatives Study
Reconnaissance Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
118
W Vea re
| |
To partially fund a preliminary assessment of energy needs and
alternatives for the City of Ketchikan.
In 1983, the Power Authority provided $50,000 to Ketchikan
Public Utilities (KPU) to perform load forecasts for the pre-
liminary assessment; KPU matched that amount. In drafts of
the report, only high load forecasts were included. The Power
Authority refused to pay KPU until additional low load scenar-
ios were included in the report.
R.W. Beck, on contract to Ketchikan Public Utilities
Future Hydropower Resources, Ketchikan, Petersburg,
Wrangell and Quartz Hill, Appraisal Study. R.W.Beck
and Associates, Inc., 1984 (draft copy only in project file).
This study was considered part of the Swan Lake hydroelectric
project construction and the related costs were capitalized
accordingly.
SLA 1981, Ch 92 $50,000
Kodiak Island Borough ~
Electrification Assessment
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Vemma. ooo |
To outline immediate and long-range electric energy demands
of communities in the Kodiak Island Borough.
The assessment was completed in May 1983 under a contract to
the Power Authority on behalf of the Kodiak Island Borough.
The final report provided a practical approach to electrifica-
tion and energy development planning for villages on Kodiak
Island.
Northern Technical Services (Nortec) and Fryer, Pressley
Engineering
Kodiak Island Borough Electrification Planning As-
sessment. Nortec and Fryer, Pressley Engineering for Alaska
Power Authority, 1983.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $100,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (3,016)
Total: $ 96,984
No findings and recommendations were completed for this
project, as it was an assessment of the electrical energy needs
of the Kodiak Island Borough and implementation was to be by
the Borough.
119
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
120
Kotzebue Coal and District Heat : |
Us 48; rma. aro"
To analyze the feasibility of coal-fired co-generation of elec-
tricity, district heating and other energy alternative for the City
of Kotzebue.
Despite associated environmental and technical problems,
coal-fired co-generation appeared economic at the preliminary
feasibility stage. Buckland River hydroelectric might be fea-
sible as well, but further environmental and geotechnical
studies would be required to confirm this.
Follow-up studies by the Power Authority were put on hold,
pending the outcome of resource evaluation studies by other
agencies on the potential for development at Chicago Creek
and Cape Beaufort coal fields. Those studies were completed
in 1988, and a FY89 budget request was made to fund an up-
date of the feasibility analysis of coal-fired generation based
on these resource evaluation studies. In FY89, an appropria-
tion was granted to the Alaska Native Federation through the
Power Authority to contract for these updates.
Arctic Slope Technical Services, Inc., VECO, Inc., Ralph
Stefano Associates, Inc., Joint Venture
Kotzebue Coal-Fired Co-generation and District Heat-
ing and Other Energy Alternatives, Feasibility Analysis.
Arctic Slope Technical Services, Inc., VECO, Inc., Ralph
Stefano Associates, Inc., Joint Venture, for Alaska Power
Authority, 1982.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Supplementary
Information:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $120,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 100,000
FY87 Administrative Lapse (879)
Total: $219,121
*Findings and recommendations of the contractor’s report
were prepared to be presented to the Power Authority Board of
Directors in March 1982, but Board consideration was deferred
at that time. No action appears to have been taken subse-
quently.
*For information on related projects, see Chicago Creek Coal,
Northwest Coal, Kotzebue Geothermal, Organic Rankine.
121
Kotzebue Geothermal
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
122
VW Vea. ares
To determine the feasibility of district heating with geothermal energy at
Kotzebue.
Geothermal potential was not found to be a viable alternative
on the basis of existing resource data. A three-volume report
regarding geothermal feasibility of the Kotzebue area was
completed in February 1981 on contract to the Power Author-
ity. This project was also considered as an alternative in the
Kotzebue Coal-Fired Co-generation, District Heating and
Other Energy Alternatives Feasibility Assessment.
A reservoir analysis was subsequently conducted in November
1984, and a re-analysis of the project was completed in Febru-
ary 1985, in an internal Power Authority memorandum. At that
time, the use of geothermal resources for district heating or for
power generation at Kotzebue was found to be neither eco-
nomically feasible nor competitive with other energy alterna-
tives.
Energy Systems, Inc.
*Kotzebue Geothermal Project. Energy Systems, Inc., for
Alaska Power Authority, 1980-81. Vol. 1--Analysis of Cur-
rently Available Information and Report of Advisory Group
Meeting. Vol. 2--Geologic Analysis. Vol. 3--Final Report.
*Memorandum: David Denig-Chakroff to Edwin Morris, Feb-
Tuary 2, 1985.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Supplementary
Information:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $600,000
SLA 1981, Ch 141 (540,000)
Total: $60,000
*Findings of the contractor’s work were presented to the
Power Authority Board of Directors in January 1981. At that
time Power Authority staff indicated that the City of Kotzebue
was more interested in coal-fired cogeneration/district heat-
ing; staff requested approval of pursuing feasibility of that
alternative rather than geothermal energy. The Board ap-
proved spending $125,000 of the appropriation listed above for
that purpose. Apparently the Legislature chose to reappropri-
ate these funds and to make a separate appropriation for the
cogeneration study (SLA 1981, Ch 90).
*Findings and recommendations for Kotzebue Geothermal
were presented in a memo dated February 7, 1985 from David
Denig-Chakroff to Edwin Morris. Formal findings and recom-
mendations, however, have not been presented to the Board of
Directors.
*For information on related projects, see Chicago Creek Coal,
Kotzebue Coal, Northwest Coal.
123
Larsen Bay Hydroelectric Project
Feasibility, Design Reconnaissance,
Purpose:
Results:
124
a
To determine the feasibility of a small hydroelectric project at
Larsen Bay.
An early reconnaissance study indicated that feasibility work
should be considered for a hydroelectric project; consultants to
the Power Authority finished a feasibility study in 1981. At
that time, a datapod flow recorder was installed in Humpy
Creek to verify the stream flow. In 1985, all data was analyzed
by computer; flow duration curves were generated, and annual
electric energy potential was determined. This data was com-
pared with actual consumption figures obtained from the
Larsen Bay utility to establish relationships.
In 1986, a consultant was directed to revise the 1981 feasibility
study based on actual data, conduct a field investigation and
complete design to a 30 percent level to insure accurate cost
estimates. The study was completed with scenarios of 335 kw
and 425 kw. The cost-to-cost ratios ranged from 1.53 to 2.04 if
non-contract labor were used on the project and from 1.18 to
1.59 if contract labor were used. Economically, this is one of
the best small hydro projects the Power Authority has identi-
fied.
In 1987, the feasibility study was forwarded to the community
for review and comments. The council elected to proceed with
the 425 kw option using loan funds from the Power Authority.
A loan of $493,694 at 7.65 percent was approved by the Power
Authority Board of Directors in August 1987. The Power
Authority is acting as technical advisor to the community for
the duration of the project. Permitting and design were com-
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
pleted in the spring of 1988, and construction began in the fall
of 1988 with clearing of the penstock route. Materials were to
be put on site in the spring of 1989, but the barge scheduled to
arrive was delayed by the Valdez oil spill. Project completion is
scheduled for April 1990.
*Reconnaissance: CH2M Hill
*Stream Gaging: U.S.G.S.
*Feasibility: _ Dowl/Tudor Engineering
*Design/Cost Estimate: Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.
Numerous reports have been produced on this project. They
may be accessed through the Power Authority library cata-
logue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $ 80,000
SLA 1980, Ch 120 200,000
Total: $280,000
*Additional funds from the Rural Community Feasibility
Program (SLA 1981, Ch 90) were spent on feasibility studies,
since Larsen Bay is one of the 29 communities named in that
appropriation.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved staff
Findings and Recommendations for the Small Hydro-
electric Project on Humpy Creek, Larsen Bay, Alaska,
on July 28, 1987 with Board Resolution 1987-12.
125
] | |
Nome-Kotzebue Assessment |
Reconnaissance Study |
= e
Purpose: To identify power generation alternatives in the Nome and
Kotzebue areas.
Results: The report was completed in 1980 on a contract to the Power
Authority. Since then, results have been incorporated into
several feasibility studies.
Contractor: General Electric Company
Report: Electric Power Generation Alternatives Assessment for
Nome, Alaska. General Electric Company for Alaska Power
Authority, 1980.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $80,000
126
North Slope Gas
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Vea. eros
To identify alternatives to the Susitna Hydroelectric Project.
A contractor developed preliminary cost estimates for three
alternatives: 1) construction of a small-diameter gas pipeline
from the North Slope to the Fairbanks area, electric genera-
tion in Fairbanks and use of the Anchorage-Fairbanks Intertie
to deliver power to the southern Railbelt; 2) electrical genera-
tion by gas-fired turbines on the North Slope and shipment of
electrical energy by wire to the Railbelt; 3) electrical genera-
tion on the Kenai Peninsula using North Slope gas assumed to
be available from a gas export line to Cook Inlet.
A preliminary ranking of these three alternatives suggested
that Kenai Peninsula generation may be most economic, Fair-
banks generation the least economic, with North Slope genera-
tion ranked between the two. No estimates were developed
regarding North Slope gas prices.
Ebasco Services, Inc.
Use of North Slope Gas for Heat and Electricity in the
Railbelt, Feasibility Level Assessment. Ebasco Services,
Inc. for Alaska Power Authority, 1983.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 141 $250,000
127
Northwest Coal
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
128
wwe aro
To determine the feasibility of using coal mined in Northwest
Alaska to displace oil for space heating and for electric power
generation.
The contractor investigated coal resources, transportation and
possible uses of coal extracted from the Seward Peninsula on
the northwest coast of Alaska. Coal appeared feasible for
displacing oil for space heating and possibly for electric power
generation in Nome or Kotzebue.
Dames and Moore
*Assessment of Coal Resources of Northwest Alaska,
Phase I. Dames and Moore for Resource Associates of
Alaska, Inc., and Alaska Power Authority, 1980. 2 Volumes.
*Assessment of Coal Resources of Northwest Alaska,
Phase II. Dames and Moore for Alaska Power Authority,
1981. 1 Volume.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 120 $250,000
*Subsequently, the Western Arctic Coal Development Project
was completed in 1988 by Arctic Slope Consulting Engineers
on contract to the Department of Community and Regional
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Affairs and the Alaska Native Federation. This project showed
that there are adequate coal reserves of good quality and suffi-
cient Btu value to be used for electric power generation in
Nome or Kotzebue. Economic feasibility of this project are
being completed under contract from Alaska Native Federa-
tion to Arctic Slope Consulting Engineers.
*For information on related projects, see Chicago Creek Coal,
Kotzebue Coal, Kotzebue Geothermal, Organic Rankine.
129
Old Harbor Hydroelectric Project Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
130
wen. eee
To determine the feasibility of a small hydroelectric project at
Old Harbor.
By January 1986, the Power Authority had completed recon-
naissance studies, a feasibility study, and hydrology reports.
Out of a field of nine electrical energy supply alternatives,
consultants recommended a 340 kw project on Midway Creek
near the 355-resident community of Old Harbor on Kodiak
Island on the basis of technical and economic feasibility. Sup-
plementary stream flow data was collected on Midway Creek
for the period June 1985 through January 1986 and analysis was
provided by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS).
Actual stream flow did not prove to be as favorable as pro-
jected.
Power Authority staff updated the feasibility analysis on the
basis of the collected stream flow data and economic parame-
ters in use at the Power Authority in 1986. Historic energy use
obtained from the utility serving Old Harbor showed use to be
less than projected in the consultant’s feasibility report.
Hydrologic data analysis indicated that the stream flow at
Midway Creek could not supply enough energy to justify capital
investments in the project under conditions in 1986. Staff
concluded that this good resource should be re-evaluated when
conditions such as fuel price or load increase. Findings and
recommendations were approved by the Power Authority
Board of Directors at a meeting on October 21, 1986.
*Reconnaissance: CH2M Hill, Kevin Waring
*Feasibility: | Dowl Engineers
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
*Stream Gaging: Alaska Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Old Harbor. CH2M Hill for Alaska Power
Authority, 1981.
*Feasibility Study for Old Harbor Hydroelectric Proj-
ect. Dowl Engineers with Tudor Engineering and Dryden and
LaRue for Alaska Power Authority, 1982.
*Findings and Recommendations for the Midway Creek
Hydroelectric Project, Old Harbor, Alaska. Alaska
Power Authority, 1986.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $990,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (875,000)
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3 (8,813)
Total: $106,187
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved staff Find-
ings and Recommendations for the Midway Creek
Hydroelectric Project, Old Harbor, Alaska, on October
21, 1986.
131
Pelican Small Hydroelectric Project
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
132
9
2 7 e Vea. ares “o To investigate at reconnaissance and feasibility levels the
potential for dam failure at the old plant at Pelican on Chica-
gof Island.
Reconnaissance and feasibility studies were completed by a
contractor in February 1983.
USKH-Engineering Services, Joint Venture
*Pelican Power Alternatives: Phase I, Reconnaissance
Assessment. | USKH-Engineering Services for Alaska Power
Authority, 1982.
*Pelican Power Alternatives: Phase II, Feasibility
Study Final Report. | USKH-Engineering Services for Alaska
Power Authority, 1983.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $42,000
No staff findings and recommendations were prepared for this
project, since private ownership of the dam prevented the
Power Authority from continuing work on the project.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
s : *ye s S Regional Feasibility Studies :
| . 3 ® | ees |
|
Purpose: To fund environmental data gathering and detailed feasibility
Results:
analysis of energy alternatives identified for Lower
Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay, Lake Iliamna-Lake Clark, and Cor-
dova areas.
At its meeting on December 20, 1985, the Power Authority
Board of Directors formally adopted findings and recommen-
dations on a power system plan for the Lower Kuskokwim
region. The plan recommended developing a system of inter-
ties between the region’s villages and Bethel. Initial work was
recommended on a short, 4.65-mile intertie to Oscarville.
Subsequent phases included an extension of the Oscarville line
to Napaskiak; an extension from Bethel to Nunapitchuk, At-
mautluak, and Kasigluk; and an extension from Bethel to
Akiakchak, Akiak and Kwethluk.
In the Bristol Bay region, a special four-year fisheries study
was concluded in the summer of 1985 and economic analyses
were conducted on several hydroelectric and transmission
system alternatives. These analyses showed that the Bristol
Bay Region would best be dealt with as three distinct sub-
regions for power supply purposes. A system of interties and a
small hydroelectric project on the Tazimina River seem to be
practical and economical alternatives for the Lake Iliamna-
Lake Clark region. A transmission line between Manokotak
and Dillingham also appeared favorable.
Power Authority staff presented findings and recommenda-
tions and a financial assessment for the Tazimina hydroelectric
project to the Board of Directors at its meeting in August 1987.
The Board requested that the staff complete additional analy-
sis prior to any decision. At its January 1988 meeting, the
133
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
134
Board of Directors decided that the Power Authority should
not proceed with further investigation of the Tazimina hydro-
electric project until the uncertainty to developers within Lake
Clark National Park was resolved. The Board did encourage
the local utility and the Native land owner to continue to pro-
ceed with resolving the issue. The Power Authority has since
withdrawn its preliminary permit for the Tazimina project from
the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC).
*Bethel: Harza Engineering Company
*Bristol Bay: Stone and Webster Engineering Company
Numerous reports were produced on these projects; they may
be accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1984, Ch. 24 $505,000
For information on related projects, see Bethel Region Power
Plan, Bristol Bay Region Power Plan, Cordova Area Power
Plan.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Rural Community Feasibility Studies
Purpose: To conduct feasibility analyses, pre-construction design and
Results:
engineering of identified energy alternatives for 29 named
communities in rural Alaska.
This appropriation was used for additional reconnaissance and
pre-feasibility work, and feasibility analyses, design and engi-
neering for energy projects in 29 named communities.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proceeded at the same time
with feasibility analyses of hydroelectric alternatives for sev-
eral of the communities. Power Authority staff and the Corps
proceeded with relatively independent studies, after initial
coordination. Following is a list of work which was accom-
plished for each of the 29 communities named in this appro-
priation.
Akhiok -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981; waste
heat found not feasible, 1982.
Akutan -- Stream gaging continuous 1986-1989 on Loud and
North Side Creeks for potential hydroelectric projects. Feasi-
bility analyses will be conducted for a small hydro project at
Akutan in 1989. Legislative grant for centralized diesel elec-
trification, 1981.
Ambler -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981; waste
heat installed, 1983 and repaired, 1988.
135
136
Angoon -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981 and 1984;
small hydroelectric projects Thayer Creek and Favorite Bay
Creek found not feasible, 1984; waste heat constructed, 1983;
woodwaste generation and tidal power found not feasible by
contractors.
Atka -- Pre-feasibility of a small hydro project indicated in
1988 that further stream gaging was required and that commu-
nity load needed to grow before reevaluation occurred. Stream
gaging will start on Chuunisax Creek in 1989. Extension of
service to new subdivision, 1982, funded with Rural Electrifica-
tion Revolving Fund loan. Installation of waste heat recapture
system, 1988, with Power Authority design, specifications and
technical assistance (funding from the school district).
Chignik -- Corps of Engineers study completed 1984 found
small hydroelectric project possible. Stream gaging by Corps;
community to rehabilitate dam on Indian River and water
supply pipe.
Chignik Lagoon -- Corps of Engineers study completed
1984.
Chignik Lake -- Power Authority reconnaissance study,
1982; Power Authority provided design, cost estimate for cen-
tralized diesel electrification, 1987; Legislative grants for
system installation, 1987 and 1988; work being completed,
1989.
Chuathbaluk -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981;
waste heat grant repealed 1984 due to lack of community inter-
est.
Cold Bay -- Power Authority reconnaissance 1982; Power
Project Fund loans to utility after a fire destroyed the plant,
1984.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Elim -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981; waste heat
installed 1983 and repaired 1988; stream gaging program led to
negative findings for a small hydroelectric project in 1986.
False Pass -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1982; Legis-
lative grant for diesel electrification 1983.
Goodnews Bay -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981;
waste heat installed, 1983.
Grayling -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981; waste
heat installed, 1983.
Gustavus -- Corps of Engineers study completed 1984,
hydro infeasible.
Ivanoff Bay -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1982, and
update, 1986; centralized diesel electrical system not always
working since Public Health Service damaged underground
lines.
Kaltag -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981; waste heat
system installed, 1983, and repaired, 1988.
Karluk -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1982; Legisla-
tive grant for centralized diesel electrification, 1985.
Kiana -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981; waste heat
system installed, 1983, and repaired, 1988.
King Cove -- Corps of Engineers hydro reconnaissance,
1980; Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981, recommended
137
138
stream gaging on Delta Creek; streamflow monitoring continu-
ous 1982-1988 as part of feasibility evaluation of small hydro-
electric project; feasibility of 1000 kw project on Delta Creek
is positive. The City decided in 1988 to pursue financing and
development of the project on its own. Power Authority Board
of Directors approved staff findings and recommendations for
the project in December 1987.
Larsen Bay -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981;
streamflow data collected 1982-1985 and feasibility analysis of
small hydro project on Humpy Creek concluded, 1987; the
community is proceeding with development using Power Proj-
ect Loan Funds and Power Authority technical assistance.
Completion expected in 1990..
Nikolski -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1982; Legisla-
tive grants for diesel electrification purchase and upgrade,
1983 and 1985.
Old Harbor -- Small hydro development recommended
when community population and load grow to sufficient size to
improve economics of the project. Findings and recommenda-
tions approved by Power Authority Board of Directors, 1986.
Perryville -- Corps of Engineers study completed, 1984;
Legislative grants for centralized diesel electrification, 1982
and 1987. Power Authority reconnaissance update, 1986.
Scammon Bay -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981;
Corps of Engineers hydro reconnaissance, 1984; Power Au-
thority reevaluation of small hydro project led to negative
findings, 1985. Waste heat system installed 1983.
Shungnak -- Power Authority reconnaissance, 1981; waste
heat system installed, 1983 and repaired, 1988.
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Tenakee Springs -- Corps of Engineers hydro study com-
pleted with negative findings, 1984; Legislative grant for up-
grading centralized diesel electrification system, 1982; instal-
lation completed with Power Authority design, specifications
and construction inspection, 1982.
Togiak -- Small hydro found infeasible and waste heat in-
stallation recommended 1985; Southwest School District com-
pleted waste heat recovery project in 1988 with the Power
Authority design, specifications and construction inspection.
Unalaska -- Economic and financial feasibility analyses of
Unalaska Geothermal Project were completed in 1988. Al-
though the project is technically feasible, it is not feasible
under present economic conditions and fuel prices. The proj-
ect might become feasible in the future if there is significant
increase in fuel prices and/or load growth. The geothermal
test well at Makushin volcano was plugged and abandoned in
the summer of 1988 as required by the permit with Department
of Natural Resources.
For information regarding contractors on these projects,
please see the individual project descriptions referenced be-
low.
Numerous reports have been produced by these projects. They
may be accessed through the Power Authority library cata-
logue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $5,600,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (1,000,000)
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (984,400)
Total: $3,615,600
139
Supplementary
Information: For additional information, see the following entries regarding
projects which had separate appropriations:
Akutan Hydroelectric Project
Akutan Electrification Grant
Angoon Power Alternatives
Chuathbaluk/Crooked Creek Waste Heat Grants
Cold Bay Power Project Fund Loans
Discretionary Funds
Elim Power Alternatives
False Pass Electrification Grant
Goodnews Bay Waste Heat
Kaltag Waste Heat
Kiana Waste Heat
Larsen Bay Hydroelectric Project, Power Project Fund Loan
Nikolski Electrification Grant
Old Harbor Hydroelectric Project
Rural Community Reconnaissance Studies
Scammon Bay Hydroelectric Project
Shungnak Waste Heat
Tenakee Springs Electrification Grant
Togiak Power Alternatives
Unalaska Geothermal Project, Power Project Fund Loans, Waste Heat
Grant
Various Villages Reconnaissance Studies
Waste Heat Program
140
Trt
RURAL COMMUNITY
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
SaIpMS AVyqIseaqy pue asuEssteuuOd.ay
Rural Community Reconnaissance Studies
Purpose:
Results:
142
To identify energy requirements and alternatives in 40 rural
communities throughout the state.
Reconnaissance studies for the communities named in the
appropriation were completed by two consultants. The studies
were completed in 1982 by Acres American and Northern
Technical Services (Nortec), respectively. Each consultant
submitted a main report, explaining how the study was con-
ducted and what general results were found, and separate
reports for each village.
Because the price of diesel oil was high at the time, an empha-
sis was placed on alternative types of energy to satisfy the
energy needs of a community. In some instances, though,
diesel generation was the only alternative. The chart attached
indicated the energy alternatives which merited further investi-
gation or implementation for all the reconnaissance studies
conducted through 1982, including the studies funded by this
appropriation.
Villages studied under the two contracts included: Aniak,
Atka, Chefornak, Chignik Lake, Cold Bay, False Pass, Hooper
Bay, Ivanof Bay, Kotlik, Lower and Upper Kalskag, Mekoryuk,
Newtok, Nightmute, Nikolski, St. George, St. Mary’s, St. Paul,
Toksook Bay, Tununak, Alatna, Angoon, Atqasuk, Brevig
Mission, Diomede, Elfin Cove, Galena, Golovin, Gustavus,
Karluk, Koyuk, New Chenega, Ruby, St. Michael, Shageluk,
Shishmaref, Stebbins, Teller, Unalakleet, Yakutat.
Contractors:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
*Acres American, Inc.
*Northern Technical Services (Nortec)/VanGulik and Associ-
ates
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives, Main Report. Acres American for Alaska Power
Authority, 1982. Individual community reports: Alatna, An-
goon, Atqasuk, Brevig Mission, Diomede, Elfin Cove, Galena,
Golovin, Gustavus, Karluk, Koyuk, New Chenega, Ruby, St.
Michael, Shageluk, Shishmaref, Stebbins, Teller, Unalakleet,
Yakutat.
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives, Main Report. Northern Technical Services/Van
Gulik and Associates for Alaska Power Authority, 1982. Indi-
vidual community reports: Aniak, Atka, Chefornak, Chignik
Lake, Cold Bay, False Pass, Hooper Bay, Ivanof Bay, Kotlik,
Lower Kalskag, Mekoryuk, Newtok, Nightmute, Nikolski, St.
George, St. Mary’s, St. Paul, Toksook Bay, Tununak, Upper
Kalskag.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch. 90 $560,000
*No formal findings were approved by the Board of Directors
for these reconnaissance studies. Draft findings were com-
pleted and copies are in the Power Authority library.
*The map following this page shows the location of reconnais-
sance studies completed with this appropriation, Discretionary
Funds, Various Villages, and other single-community appro-
priations prior to the SLA 1984, Ch 24 appropriation for Rural
Energy Reconnaissance studies.
143
Pel
RURAL COMMUNITY
RECONNAISSANCE
STUDIES
Through October 1984
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Rural Electrification Program
Purpose:
Results:
To provide funding for design and construction of new power
systems and upgrades of existing electric generation and distri-
bution systems in rural communities.
The majority of this funding is used for purchase of materials,
contracts, and grants for project construction. The program is
operated in conjunction with Rural Technical Assistance,
which provides funding for Power Authority staff assistance on
tural electrification projects and administration of rural elec-
trification grants.
Since 1986, one to three professional services contracts have
been executed with local engineering firms to provide services
on an as-needed basis in suppport of Rural Electrification
projects.
Between 1984 and 1988, Power Authority staff completed the
following projects with funding from this appropriation:
Birch Creek emergency service parts procurement
Brevig Mission electrical system analysis
Coffman Cove electrical system upgrade
Cold Bay waste heat recovery system design
Galena power plant specification and selection of new
generators
Golovin design of waste heat recovery system
Hoonah waste heat analysis
145
Contractor:
Report:
146
Koyukuk design of waste heat recovery system
Lime Village electrical system analysis
Manokotak-Dillingham intertie feasibility
McGrath electrical system analysis
Metlakatla electrical system analysis
Nome design and specifications of co-generation system
Ouzinkie hydro project design review
St. George electrical system design
St. Paul wind project bid soliciation
Takotna electrical system analysis
Togiak waste heat recapture system design
Venetie emergency services, design, procurement and _in-
stallation of generators.
The Power Authority Board of Directors has approved using
Rural Electrification funds as grants in aid of construction for
several projects: Diomede Electrification, Elfin Cove Electri-
fication, Craig-Klawock Transmission Line Construction, Be-
thel-Oscarville Transmission Line Construction.
Most of the work listed above was completed by Power Author-
ity staff. Please see individual descriptions of the construction
projects for information regarding contractors on those proj-
ects.
Reports for the projects listed above are Power Authority files,
staff trip reports and actual plan drawings.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1984, Ch 24 $3,281,000
SLA 1988, Ch 173 (175,000)
Total: $3,106,000
147
Rural Energy Reconnaissance Studies
Purpose:
Results:
148
To fund reconnaissance studies of energy alternatives for rural
Alaskan communities.
Findings and recommendations for Elfin Cove and Diomede
were approved by the Power Authority Board of Directors in
1985. Subsequently, a grant agreement was negotiated for a
new power plant at Diomede, and electrification was com-
pleted in 1986 using Rural Electrification funds (SLA 1984,
Ch 24). Similarly, a new diesel plant and electrification were
completed in Elfin Cove (SLA 1984, Ch 24). Stream gaging in
Elfin Cove was completed to determine if there is enough
waste for an 80 kw run-of-river hydroelectric project.
Hydrologic data was collected 1986-1988 for a small hydroelec-
tric site near the village of Klukwan and a field survey was
conducted in 1987 to assist with the preparation of cost esti-
mates. An engineering firm under contract to the Power Au-
thority completed a reconnaissance study for the Walker Lake
project in 1987. Further staff analysis will consider feasibility
of the small hydro project.
After a fire destroyed the power house at Manokotak, an en-
ergy assessment of the community identified an intertie with
Dillingham as a possible alternative to centralized generation.
Further investigation is being carried out with fund from
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3.
As part of the Bering Straits Regional Strategy, Kawerak, Inc.,
and their consultants conducted energy assessments for the
villages of Brevig Mission, Wales, White Mountain, Golovin,
Gambell and Shaktoolik. Recommendations for efficiency
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
improvements to generating systems were developed for all the
villages and have led to Rural Electrification, Rural Technical
Assistance and Waste Heat projects.
During 1988, an invitation for bid was issued for test equip-
ment to conduct reconnaissance level surveys for electrifica-
tion projects and maintenance programs in rural communities.
Reconnaissance surveys are conducted in rural communities
prior to making recommendations for electrification projects
and circuit rider programs.
*Bering Straits -- Kawerak, Inc.
*Klukwan -- Ott Water Engineers, Inc.
Numerous reports have been produced as part of these proj-
-ects. They may be accessed through the Power Authority li-
brary catalogue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1984, Ch 24 $250,000
See individual entries on Elfin Cove electrification and Di-
omede electrification for additional information regarding
other phases of those projects.
149
Ost
RURAL ENERGY
RECONAISSANCE STUDIES
1985-1988
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Rural Technical Assistance
Purpose: To provide technical assistance to communities and utilities,
upon receipt of a written request for assistance, relating to
tural power system planning, construction, administration,
operation, or maintenance.
Results: This appropriation funds Power Authority staff work and con-
tracts to respond to technical assistance requests, including
travel to the requesting community, on-site evaluation of the
problem or situation, and recommendations for solutions.
Rural Technical Assistance is used in conjunction with Rural
Electrification to administer rural electrification grants or
contracts for upgrades or project construction, which often
result from recommendations made as part of Rural Technical
Assistance analysis. Through December, 1987, the following
assistance was provided to communities:
Alatna Generation/distribution system upgrade
Atka Overall system evaluation, waste heat recovery
system design, specifications, construction inspection
Beaver Inspection/design control
Birch Creek Emergency assistance
Chignik Hydroelectric evaluation/waste heat analysis
Chignik Lake Generation/distribution system planning
Coffman Cove Generation/distribution upgrade
Deering Generation/distribution upgrade
Diomede Generation system upgrade
Elfin Cove Hydroelectric evaluation
Galena Management assistance/system expansion
Glennallen Waste heat analysis
151
Contractor:
152
Golovin Generator sizing analysis
Hoonah Waste heat analysis
Hooper Bay Waste heat analysis
Hydaburg Waste heat analysis
Klukwan Electric system analysis
Kotlik Distribution system upgrade
Kotzebue Waste heat analysis
Kwethluk Distribution upgrade
Larsen Bay Hydroelectric evaluation
Napaskiak Electrical system evaluation
Newhalen Waste heat analysis
Nikolai Electrical system analysis
Ouzinkie Hydroelectric evaluation
Pilot Station Waste heat analysis
Quinhagak Distribution system upgrade
Sand Point Waste heat analysis
St. George System expansion
St. Michael Intertie evaluation
Stebbins Intertie evaluation
Takotna Electrical system upgrade
Tanana Waste heat analysis
Tenakee Springs Hydroelectric evaluation
Thorne Bay Generator upgrade/system expansion analysis
Togiak System upgrade/waste heat analysis
Venetie Emergency assistance - powerhouse fire
Wainwright Emergency assistance - powerhouse fire
White Mountain Electrical system evaluation
Alaska Power Authority
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Report: Power Authority files, staff trip reports and plans
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Operating Budget $143,474
FSSLA, Ch 3 $150,000
SLA 1988, Ch 173 $325,000
Total: $618,474
Supplementary
Information: In Fiscal Year 1988, a Circuit Rider maintenance component
was added to this program. It is designed to provide regularly
scheduled preventative maintenance and operations assistance
to small rural electric utilities. The Circuit Rider Program was
not funded in FY88 at a level sufficient to implement the pro-
gram as envisioned. Some preliminary activities were initiated
in FY88 to the extent funding was available. The Circuit Rider
Program was fully funded for FY90.
153
Project
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
154
Scammon Bay Small Hydroelectric
VW Vemma. aee*
To determine the potential for hydroelectric development at
Scammon Bay.
The federal Alaska Power Administration completed in 1979
an inventory of hydroelectric potential in communities served
by Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) and concluded
that Scammon Bay had good potential for hydroelectric devel-
opment. In April 1981, consultants under contract to the
Power Authority completed the Reconnaissance Study of En-
ergy Requirements and Alternatives for Scammon Bay and
recommended energy conservation, collection of wind data,
continued use of diesel generators, and investigation of hydro-
power feasibility. Preparation of findings and recommenda-
tions based on that reconnaissance study was postponed pend-
ing the outcome of a hydropower feasibility study then under-
way by the Corps of Engineers.
The Corps completed its feasibility study in March 1982, and
found that a 100 kw hydroelectric project produced a benefit/
cost ratio of 1.20. The Corps recommended development of
the hydroelectric system and proceeded with its formal ap-
proval process in an attempt to acquire federal funding for the
project. The Assistant Secretary of the Army recommended to
the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in May 1984 that
expenditure of federal funds for the project was not warranted
and that development of the project should be the prerogative
of local interests.
When the Corps relinquished the project, the Power Authority
reanalyzed its 1981 reconnaissance study and the Corps’ 1982
feasibility study and updated technical and economic analyses.
The Corps also updated its hydrologic and economic analyses
Contractor:
Report:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
in May 1985. These updated analyses incorporated current
diesel fuel prices (which had decreased significantly since
1982), lower fuel escalation factors, an increased standard real
interest rate used for evaluating federal projects, and in-
creased diesel generator efficiency factors. The resulting
benefit/cost ratios ranged between 0.70 and 0.79, depending
on specific assumptions and hydropower project size. Both
analyses resulted in the same conclusion that a hydroelectric
project was not economically feasible based on economic
parameters current in 1985.
A site visit by Power Authority staff also confirmed the findings
of previous studies that waste heat recovery was not a viable
alternative at Scammon Bay due to the distance between the
power house and potential waste heat users.
Analysis of the suitability of wind energy conversion systems in
small, remote villages shows that current wind technology
cannot economically meet the electricity needs of Scammon
Bay. Cost effective systems in sizes suitable for low power
demands are not available, and equipment has not been per-
fected to provide adequate load controls for small, integrated
diesel/wind systems.
Improvements to the existing diesel generation and distribu-
tion system appear to be the best alternative for reducing
energy costs at Scammon Bay. Findings and recommendations
were approved by the Board of Directors of the Power Author-
ity on December 12, 1985.
*Reconnaissance: Nortec/VanGulik
*Economic Analysis: Dowl Engineers
Numerous reports were produced on this project; they may be
accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
155
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Supplementary
Information:
156
SLA 1980, Ch 50 $100,000
Findings and Recommendations for Scammon Bay
Hydropower were approved by the Power Authority Board of
Directors on December 12, 1985. The Office of Management
and Budget approved the Findings on March 7, 1986.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
|
| |
|
eye. > | Southeast Intertie Feasibility Study ;
( |
. eP
| |
Purpose: To assess the feasibility of an intertie connecting major load
Results:
centers in the panhandle region of Alaska.
The idea of electrical connections between Southeast Alaska
communities has been discussed since 1947. Problems with the
idea have been small loads, difficult terrain, long distances,
climate, land ownership, and objections to overhead AC trans-
mission systems. In the 1960’s, use of DC technology emerged
as a solution to some of the problems. Due to the low cost of
diesel fuel at that time, however, interconnecting communities
and developing hydro resources received scant attention until
the 1973 oil embargo. Then renewed interest in hydro develop-
ment brought attention to the idea of a Southeast Intertie as
well.
This project is a detailed feasibility study assessing the techni-
cal, economic and financial feasibility of inter-connecting
Southeastern Alaska load centers and generation projects with
an intertie extending from the British Columbia (B.C.) Hydro
grid in the south, through major southeastern communities, to
the Northern Canada Power Commission system near Skagway
and Haines. Nearly 130 miles of such a system have already
been constructed as part of the Snettisham, Tyee, and Swan
Lake projects. This study determined the capacity and voltage
requirements of such an intertie, determined the most feasible
sequence of interconnection, and compared its costs against
other alternatives for meeting long term power needs of the
region. R.W. Beck completed peak and energy forecasts for the
Juneau area and other Southeast communities concurrent with
the Southeast Intertie study. The results of these forecasts
were used by Harza in completing the economic analysis for
the various segments of the line.
157
158
In October 1987, Harza Engineering Company completed a
study for the Power Authority which examined in detail the
transmission interconnection options between Southeast
Alaska’s major electric load centers and hydro generation
sources. The study established guidelines for implementing
particular segments of the transmission system in the near-
term, along with ensuring that these segments would be com-
patible with ultimate system development. The analysis also
included consideration of importing power from the Northern
Canada Power Commission (recently renamed the Yukon
Development Corporation) and B.C. Hydro.
The study indicated that the most economical long-term plan
would include new transmission line links between:
1. Snettisham and Sitka via Juneau, Green’s Creek Mine,
Hoonah, and Tenakee Springs ($82.76 million in 1987 dollars);
2. Petersburg, Wrangell, and Ketchikan via a Tyee Lake -
Swan Lake intertie ($41.29 million in 1987 dollars); and
3. Quartz Hill Mine near Ketchikan and B.C. Hydro at
Kitsault, British Columbia ($41.29 million in 1987 dollars).
In the near-term, however, only several small segments are
recommended. Short-term implementation of the recommen-
dations within the study would be to complete a detailed feasi-
bility of:
1. a 69 kV interconnection of Alaska Electric Light and
Power’s system on Douglas Island with Green’s Creek Mine
($19.69 million in 1987 dollars);
2. the Tyee-Swan interconnection ($29.10 million in 1987
dollars); and
3. the transmission interconnection between Ketchikan and
Metlakatla ($6.6 million in 1987 dollars).
Recent information which was not available for the study con-
ducted by Harza indicates that an interconnection between the
Tyee project and the Johnny Mountain mining area in Canada
Contractor:
Report:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
may show some potential for using surplus power from Tyee.
This area will be investigated in more detail in the near future.
During FY88, Power Authority staff will continue work on
recommendations from the Harza study and the Johnny Moun-
tain/Tyee proposal.
The Power Authority had been working with the Southeast
Alaska Transportation and Utility Corridor Group which is
comprised of several state, federal, and private entities and
meets about once a month. Included in the group are:
Alaska Power Authority Dept. of Transportation/
SeaAlaska Corporation Public Facilities
U. S. Forest Service Tlingit-Haida Rural Electric
Federal Highways Admin. Authority
Dept. of Natural Resources Bureau of Indian Affairs
The purpose of the group is to ensure that there is a coordi-
nated effort among these entities for transportation and utility
projects within Southeast Alaska.
The first appropriation titled ‘“Tyee-Swan Intertie Feasibility”
was renamed the next legislative session (SLA 1985, Ch 105) at
the request of the Power Authority, so that staff could consider
the whole Southeast Intertie and not just one segment.
*Submarine Surveys: Harding and Lawson
*Electrical Forecasts: R.W. Beck and Associates
*Feasibility: Harza Engineering Company
*Southeast Alaska Transmission Intertie Study. Harza
Engineering Company for Alaska Power Authority, October
1987.
159
Source of Funds:
160
*Addendum 1, Tyee/Johnny Mountain Transmission
Line Study. Harza Engineering Company for Alaska Power
Authority, 1988.
*Southeast Alaska Electric Load Forecast. R.W. Beck
and Associates, Inc., April 1987.
*Juneau Area Electric Load Forecast. R.W. Beck and As-
sociates, Inc., April 1987.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1984, Ch 24 $404,000
SLA 1986, Ch 128 100,000
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3 218,300
SLA 1988, Ch 173 76,700
Total: $799,000
Susitna Hydroelectric Project
Feasibility Study and Plan of Finance
Purpose:
Results:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
| | | |
| | | | | Us a
To determine the feasibility of constructing a hydroelectric
project on the Susitna River and if feasible to develop a plan of
finance and continue with project design and construction.
Awareness of Susitna’s energy potential began in the early
1950’s. The first definitive recommendation for Susitna was
made by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1961, with a proposal
for a four-dam system. Not until the massive Rampart dam
proposed for the Yukon River was abandoned was a project on
the upper Susitna revived in earnest. In 1975, the Corps of
Engineers completed a reassessment of the Susitna project and
recommended a two-dam hydroelectric project. Shortly after
receiving the Corps’ recommendation, both Alaska Senators in
the U.S. Congress indicated that, while the findings were en-
couraging, there was little likelihood for federal funding of the
Susitna project. Both Senators encouraged development of
Susitna under state sponsorship.
State feasibility studies were initiated in late 1979 to include
all the engineering, economic and environmental studies nec-
essary to file a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) license. The studies were completed by Acres Ameri-
can in 1982, and in February 1983 the state’s license applica-
tion for the Susitna project was filed. The proposed site is
located on the upper reaches of the Susitna River north of
Talkeetna and about 120 miles from Anchorage. The proposed
project would have consisted of two dams, the first or Watana
phase with a generating capacity of 1020 megawatts, followed
by the Devil Canyon phase with 600 megawatt generating ca-
pacity. Power would be delivered through 345 kilovolt trans-
mission lines (the existing Anchorage-Fairbanks intertie) to
the Fairbanks and Anchorage load centers.
161
Contractor:
Reports:
Source of Funds:
162
The Susitna Draft Plan of Finance determined that the Perma-
nent Fund revenues would be required as a guarantee of the
project debt financing until completion and first operation of
the project. In February 1986, the Board of Directors rejected
with Resolution 1986-04 any draft plan of finance requiring a
guarantee from the Permanent Fund. The Board directed the
staff to withdraw the two-dam FERC license application. In
April 1986, the Board approved the tasks to terminate the
Susitna project.
Power Authority staff pursued the wind-down of the Susitna
project in three areas: a) disposition of the Watana camp; b)
orderly accumulation of project data and information; c) de-
mobilization of contractor staff and permanent storage of data
and reports. All of these activities were completed by June 30,
1988.
*Acres American, Inc.
*Alaska Department of Fish and Game
*Harza-Ebasco Joint Venture
Numerous reports produced as part of this project may be
accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue, the
library at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and through the
State Archives in Juneau.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1979, Ch 76 (RSA from the Governor’s Office) $ 150,000
SLA 1979, Ch 76 (RSA from the Governor’s Office) 8,178,000
SLA 1980, Ch 120 3,095,800
SLA 1980, Ch 50 7,000,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 18,100,000
SLA 1982,Ch 7 2,540,000
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
SLA 1982, Ch 101 25,600,000
SLA 1983, Ch 107 28,000,000
SLA 1984, Ch 171 32,000,000
SLA 1984, Ch 171 100,000,000
SLA 1985, Ch 96 200,000,000
SLA 1986, Ch 41 (289,481,023)
Total: $135,182,777
Supplementary
Information: The balance of Susitna appropriations were lapsed into the
Railbelt Energy Fund, administered by the Alaska Department
of Revenue.
163
Tanana Power Supply
Reconnaissance Study
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
164
To determine energy options for the community of Tanana.
The contractor considered six alternative supply plans in addi-
tion to the base case of continued diesel electric generation.
The base case alone, a transmission intertie and a wood-fired
steam generation plan were dropped as excessively expensive.
Diesel with binary cycle was considered too complex for a
remote location such as Tanana, and a coal-fired steam alter-
native required a licensed boiler operator at all times.
While development of the Jackson Creek hydroelectric alter-
native appeared economically attractive, further site specific
work would be required to determine its feasibility. A waste
heat recapture system was determined a logical alternative to
help Tanana reduce energy costs associated with diesel genera-
tion. A waste heat recapture system was later constructed with
Waste Heat Program funds. Energy audits of all buildings,
implementation of a weatherization program, and increased
use of woodstoves were also recommended as means of reduc-
ing energy costs to the community.
Marks Engineering/Brown and Root, Inc.
*Tanana Reconnaissance Study of Energy Require-
ments and Alternatives, Preliminary. Marks Engineering/
Brown and Root, Inc. for Alaska Power Authority, 1981.
*Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Tanana: Report Summary. Marks Engi-
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
neering/Brown and Root, Inc., for Alaska Power Authority,
1981.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 50 $35,000
*This study was conducted at the same time reconnaissance
studies of communities in northern and western Alaska were
completed by five other contractors. Funding for these other
reconnaissance studies came from appropriations titled ‘“Vari-
ous Villages,’ and “Discretionary Funds.”
*Findings and Recommendations for Tanana Power
Supply were described to the Power Authority Board of Direc-
tors in May 1981, but no formal approval was requested by
staff.
165
The Wind Interagency Team
Interagency Reconnaissance Study
Purpose:
Results:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplemental
Information:
166
To identify Alaskan communities with a wind regime appropri-
ate for development of a wind turbine generating project.
Staff representatives from the Power Authority; Department of
Community and Regional Affairs; Department of Commerce
and Economic Development, Office of Energy, met in 1984 to
gather data regarding development of rural wind energy proj-
ects. The team issued an interim report in November 1984,
which analyzed the 45 most windy communities in rural Alaska.
As a result of this data gathering, the Power Authority later
gave technical assistance to the community of St. Paul, where a
third-party developer was to construct a wind farm. That proj-
ect fell through, due to obstacles such as remoteness of the
community, lack of tax incentives for the developer and com-
parative costs to diesel generation.
Alternatives for the Wind Interagency Team, the Power Au-
thority and Office of Energy, November 1984.
The appropriation, Rural Electrification (SLA 1984, Ch. 24)
was used to fund staff work on the project.
See St. Paul electrification for additional information on the
proposed wind farm.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Unalaska Geothermal Exploration * |
Resource Assessment
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor: UW Se oe
To establish the extent and value of the geothermal resource
on Unalaska Island in the Aleutians.
Field work which took place over three years included explora-
tion and drilling on the flanks of Makushin Volcano on
Unalaska Island. The largest commercial-quality geothermal
reservoir ever found in Alaska was discovered in the process.
Exploration revealed an extensive, water-dominated, geother-
mal resource at 1,950 feet with a flowing bottomhole tempera-
ture of 379 degrees Fahrenheit and a bottomhole pressure of
478 psi. A test flow rate of 63,000 Ibs/hr indicates that a single
commercial-size well could produce between 1 and 1.5 million
Ibs/hr of fluids -- sufficient to supply the current peak power
needs of the island (13_+MW) for several hundred years. The
project was completed within budget. The positive exploration
findings prompted the Board of Directors to approve a feasi-
bility study of geothermal power for the area with $640,000
funding from the Rural Community Feasibility appropriation,
since Unalaska is one of the named communities in that legis-
lation.
*Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological
and Geophysical Surveys: geological studies, engineering
feasibility report
*Republic Geothermal: — exploration
*The Producers: video coverage
*Department of Commerce and Economic Development,
Division of Energy and Power Development: initial geophysi-
cal engineering
167
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
168
*University of Alaska, Fairbanks: reservoir evaluation and
engineering
*Numerous reports were produced by this project. They may
be accessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
*Core from the drilling program is stored in the Division of
Geological and Geophysical Surveys warehouses in Eagle
River and Fairbanks.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $ 100,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 5,000,000
SLA 1984, RSA 44,259
Total: $5,144,259
Findings and Recommendations for the Unalaska/
Dutch Harbor Reconnaissance Study were approved by
the Power Authority Board of Directors in May 1985.
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Various Villages
Reconnaissance Studies
Purpose: To complete reconnaissance studies of communities in north-
ern and western Alaska.
Results: Reconnaissance studies of 30 communities in northern and
western Alaska were conducted in 1981. Five contractors
surveyed the following communities: Buckland, Chuathbaluk,
Crooked Creek, Hughes, Koyukuk, Nikolai, Red Devil, Rus-
sian Mission, Sheldon Point, Sleetmute, Stony River, Takotna,
Telida, Kaltag, Savoonga, White Mountain, Elim, Shungnak,
Kiana, Ambler, Togiak, Goodnews Bay, Scammon Bay, Gray-
ling, Old Harbor, Larsen Bay, Ouzinkie, Akhiok, Sand Point,
King Cove.
Contractor: *Wind Systems Engineering, Inc. -- Ambler, Kiana, Shungnak
*CH2M Hill -- Akhiok, King Cove, Larsen Bay, Ouzinkie, Sand
Point, Old Harbor
*Northern Technical Services/VanGulik Associates --
Goodnews Bay, Grayling, Scammon Bay, Togiak
*Holden and Associates, Fryer-Pressley-Elliot Consulting
Engineers -- Elim, Kaltag, Savoonga, White Mountain
*R.W. Retherford Associates -- Buckland, Chuathbaluk,
Crooked Creek, Hughes, Koyukuk, Nikolai, Red Devil, Rus-
sian Mission, Sheldon Point, Sleetmute, Stony River, Takotna,
Telida.
Report: These studies produced numerous reports which may be ac-
cessed through the Power Authority library catalogue.
169
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Supplementary
Information:
170
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $200,000
*The CH2M Hill contract ($30,000) was paid out of another
appropriation, Discretionary Funds, SLA 1980, Ch 120.
*At the same time these studies were conducted, Marks Engi-
neering-Brown and Root, Joint Venture, completed a recon-
naissance study of energy alternatives for Tanana with separate
funding (SLA 1980, Ch 50, $35,000). A small cost overrun was
paid from the Discretionary Funds appropriation.
*Findings and recommendations were completed for the con-
tractors’ reconnaissance studies and were described to the
Power Authority Board of Directors in May 1981. No formal
request for approval was made at that time. The findings were
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as
required by state statute and approved by that office in Sep-
tember 1981 (except for the study for Ambler, Kiana and
Shungnak, which seems not to have been submitted to OMB).
*See map of reconnaissance studies through 1984 for location
of communities covered by this appropriation.
West Creek Hydroelectric Project
Haines-Skagway Alternatives
Feasibility Study
Purpose:
Results:
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
UW a. 220%
To determine the feasibility of hydroelectric project with in-
stalled capacity of 6 - 22.5 MW near Skagway and a transmis-
sion intertie between Skagway and Haines. Detailed geotech-
nical investigations and preparation of a draft FERC license
were part of the project.
A reassessment of the Chilkat River hydroelectric reconnais-
sance in 1981 showed that the proposed Dayebas Creek project
near Haines was infeasible due to poor runoff regime. The
1981 legislature appropriated feasibility funding for an alter-
nate project to serve Haines and Skagway.
The West Creek project near Skagway was then identified as
the most economical hydroelectric project to serve the Haines -
Skagway area. In the feasibility study, three concepts were
investigated including 1) base case (continuation of diesel and
existing hydro); 2) West Creek project development with exist-
ing hydro in Skagway continuing to operate, while existing
diesel would serve as reserves and/or to make up capacity
needs beyond West Creek; and 3) installation of wood-waste
generation at the Schnabel mill in Haines to supply part of the
load for Haines plus continued diesel.
The feasibility study of a 6 MW project on West Creek near
Skagway was near completion in October 1982 when the White
Pass and Yukon Railroad announced an indefinite closure due
to the lack of freight from mines in the Yukon. As the closure
had an adverse effect of the economy in Skagway, continued
work on the West Creek project was deferred until the local
economy improved or a larger market would create demand for
energy from West Creek.
171
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
172
At hearings on the project in Haines and Skagway in December
1982, citizens presented testimony urging consideration of a
transmission intertie with the Whitehorse system as an alter-
nate option. Inquiries indicated that the Northern Canada
Power Commission (NCPC) was interested in exploring a
transmission intertie as it expected a large, long-term surplus
from its three hydroelectric plants near Whitehorse. Informa-
tion was exchanged between the NCPC and the State of Alaska
regarding a transmission line between the Yukon system and
Haines, Skagway, and Juneau. All parties desire to continue
investigation of the interconnection. The NCPC has since been
renamed the Yukon Power Corporation.
In 1985, documents were prepared for a land exchange between
the State and federal governments which would make the West
Creek site available for future development. The site has been
surveyed and discussions are continuing between the state
Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Serv-
ice to effect the land exchange. Further investigations and
work on this project will take place as part of the Southeast
Intertie Feasibility studies.
*Feasibility: _R.W.Beck and Associates
*Stream Gaging: U.S.G.S.; Tryck, Nyman & Hayes
Numerous reports were produced as part of this project. They
may be accessed through the Power Authority library cata-
logue.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $1,000,000
SLA 1982, Ch 14 $200,000
Total: $1,200,000
Reconnaissance and Feasibility Studies
Supplementary
Information: See Haines-Skagway Reconnaissance for information on
Chilkat hydro reconnaissance, Haines-Dayebas reconnais-
sance.
173
Chapter 4
GRANTS
AND
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Grants and Demonstration Projects
aaa . | Akutan Electrification | Grant =
eC
Purpose: Funding to plan, design, construct, own and operate an electric
Results:
Grantee:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
power generation distribution system for the City of Akutan.
A grant for diesel electrification was awarded to provide the
community with centralized electrification at the same time a
small hydro project was shelved. Diesel electrification would
also provide a base case for comparison in analyzing future de-
velopment of a potential small hydro project in the area.
The legislative intent of the appropriation was expanded in
SLA 1984 (Ch 171) to include street lighting in the electrifica-
tion project. In 1985, Akutan was also added to the named
communities in the Rural Community Feasibility appropria-
tion (SLA 1981, Ch 90), so that the feasibility of a small hydro
project could be determined.
City of Akutan
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $500,000
SLA 1988, Ch 173 (15,535)
Total: $484,465
City of Akutan
177
* ge % Anderson Coal/District Heat
Grant .
. eC
Purpose: To fund conversion of diesel heating systems in public build-
Results:
Source of Funds:
178
ings to coal-burning systems.
The community decided not to pursue the project, and the
funds were repealed.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 101 $50,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (50,000)
Total: 0
Aquifer Tap
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
Source of Funds:
To investigate a new method of generating hydroelectric en-
ergy. Existing technology would have been used to test a theory
which had not yet been tested.
An aquifer tap is a system of “french drains” placed in a very
pervious section on a hillside to collect water which would be
piped down a substantial distance to generate electricity. The
concept required a considerable amount of head, since the
amount of water collected would be limited. No known plant
of this type exists. Staff could not locate a site with the re-
quired conditions, although there was some suggestion of
Ptarmigan Creek near Thompson Pass. Consequently, the staff
never wrote a request for proposals for this project.
The source of this capital request to the Legislature is un-
known. It appears to have been an individual seeking to test a
theory. The Legislature reappropriated the funds, since the
original justification was deemed inappropriate.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 141 $430,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (430,000)
Total: 0
179
Bethel-Napakiak Single Wire Ground
Return
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
180
twa. aro
To determine the feasibility of a single wire ground return
(SWGR) transmission line and to construct a line between
Bethel and Napakiak.
The line was constructed in 1979-80 by the Department of
Commerce and Economic Development (DCED), Division of
Energy and Power Development (DEPD) and energized in
1980. The single wire ground return system uses the ground as
one conductor of the circuit.
Construction used a simple A-frame structure, supported by
guy wires and/or line tension, to support the one insulated
circuit conductor. A performance report and design manual
were published in April 1982.
The Bethel/Napakiak SWGR line connects the private Bethel
Utilities Company with the community of Napakiak, 8.5 miles
away. Although the Bethel/Napakiak line was one of five
projects included in the 1982 Engineering Excellence Awards
Program held by the Engineering Association of California, it
has experienced some design and construction problems. An
inspection in 1986 showed that frost heaves had uprooted bolts
and anchors designed to hold the A-frame structures in place,
and that the line was sagging considerably. Safety hazards
were also noted during that inspection. Subsequently, some
repairs were made.
The Power Authority is acting as the technical agent of the
State to determine the disposition of the line. The Napakiak
Ircinraq Power Company had intended to take over mainte-
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
nance of the line in 1986, but did not want to accept liability for
a project in need of repair. One option is dismantling the line
completely, as it was a demonstration project.
Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Divi-
sion of Energy and Power Development
Lower Kuskokwim Single Wire Ground Return Trans-
mission System. Phase I (1 volume), 1980; Phase II (1 vol-
ume), 1982, Design Manual and Construction Summary, R.W.
Retherford and Associates.
The original $1.0 million for construction of the Bethel/Na-
pakiak SWGR was made to DCED, DEPD. Partial funding was
contained in SLA 1981, Ch 80 ($540,000).
Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
The Power Authority acted as technical agent for the State
when DEPD and, subsequently, DCED’s Office of Energy were
not funded by the Legislature. Funds remaining in DEPD’s
construction account were transferred to the Department of
Community and Regional Affairs, Division of Community
Development, in 1983 when DEPD lost its funding. DCRA
then effected a Reimbursable Services Agreement (RSA) with
the Office of Energy, DCED, to complete the Bethel/Napakiak
project. When the Office of Energy was not funded in FY86,
the RSA and the project moved to the Power Authority.
181
Birch Creek Power Failure
Technical Assistance
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
182
omen aret
To assist the community of Birch Creek to restore power when
both generators were down.
On October 23, 1986, the Power Authority received a request
from the Division of Emergency Services to investigate the lack
of electrical power in Birch Creek. Power Authority staff flew
to the village to assess the problem and to rig temporary power
from the school’s generator.
One of the community’s two 50 kw generators was in Fairbanks
being repaired, when the second generator also seized up. The
power plant operator prevented damage to the second genera-
tor by turning it off when the engine sound changed.
After Power Authority staff rigged a temporary connection
between the school’s generator and the village telephone,
replacement parts were ordered from Anchorage. The genera-
tor was repaired by the plant operator and working again on
October 25, 1986. The situation was the result of not regularly
maintaining the equipment.
Alaska Power Authority
Power Authority staff trip report, October 25, 1986.
Power Authority staff time and materials were funded through
Rural Electrification (SLA 1984, Ch 24).
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Supplementary
Information: *Birch Creek was included in the 42-village waste heat study
completed in 1985. Waste heat from the village generator
warms water in the community washeteria. The system was
installed by the Public Health Service.
*In the fall of 1988, the community requested and received
technical assistance from the Power Authority in upgrading its
electrical distribution system. The overhead 120/208 volt,
three-phase, four-wire system has been replaced with a more
efficient 7.2 kV, single-phase, two-wire system.
183
|
2 s s s . | Brevig Mission Electrification | ,
Grant 2 3g
Purpose: To fund planning, and design and construction of an electric
power distribution system for the City of Brevig Mission.
Results: Construction was completed in 1982-83.
Contractor: *Engineering: Marks Engineering
*Construction: Mukluk Telephone, Bob Blodgett
Report: Related reconnaissance reports are in the Power Authority
library.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 50 $50,000
Ownership: Community of Brevig Mission
184
Grants and Demonstration Projects
| | : | |
Cantwell Distribution System
Grant .
en ee O B
Purpose: To fund design and construction of a distribution system and
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
substations in the community of Cantwell. Funding for this
project was in part a specific grant and in part contributed from
Anchorage - Fairbanks Intertie construction appropriations.
The project consists of approximately 12.25 miles of single-
phase and three-phase distribution lines providing power to
the community of Cantwell. Central station power is provided
by the Anchorage - Fairbanks Intertie through the Cantwell
substation.
Following a $75,000 appropriation in 1982, the Power Author-
ity entered into an agreement with Golden Valley Electric
Association (GVEA) to design the Cantwell project. In 1983,
the Legislature appropriated $25,000,000 for construction of
the Anchorage-Fairbanks Intertie; this included funding of
$927,000 for construction of the Cantwell Distribution System.
In 1984, the Power Authority finalized an agreement with
GVEA to complete the design and construction of the project,
and to assume ownership, and operations and maintenance
responsibility. Construction began in November 1984, and was
completed in 1986. The Power Authority transferred the dis-
tribution system to GVEA on June 23, 1988.
Golden Valley Electric Association
Reports for this project are included with those for the An-
chorage-Fairbanks Intertie and may be accessed through the
185
Power Authority library catalogue.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 101 $ 75,000
Anchorage-Fairbanks Intertie funds 927,000
Total: $1,002,000
Ownership: *Distribution System: Golden Valley Electric Association
*Substation: Alaska Power Authority
186
s
Chester Lake Hydroelectric Project °
Feasibility Study and Updates :
Dam Repair, Water Line Construction eee. ome
Grant for Powerhouse Design
Purpose:
Results:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
U ee —
To ascertain the feasibility of a hydroelectric project at Ch-
ester Lake near Metlakatla on Annette Island. To replace the
existing water supply dam and to make other modifications to
the water supply system as necessary.
Chester Lake serves as the potable water supply for the federal
law city of Metlakatla, and water levels were controlled by an
old concrete dam which was in very poor condition. From 1927
to 1956, the lake provided 400 KW of hydroelectric power to
Metlakatla with the old dam. The Power Authority began
studying the feasibility of a hydroelectric project at Chester
Lake in 1981. Feasibility analysis called for the replacement
of the old water supply dam with a larger new dam. In 1983, the
Legislature authorized the Power Authority to construct the
Chester Lake Hydroelectric Project for $13.2 million under the
Energy Program for Alaska; however, no funds were appropri-
ated. The project was also exempted from Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission licensing about the same time.
Because the old dam was deteriorating badly, community lead-
ers became concerned about the water supply and the effect its
loss would have on the health and welfare of the community.
They successfully petitioned their legislators for funds to re-
pair the dam. The Legislature appropriated $100,000 as a
grant for Metlakatla through the Department of Community
and Regional Affairs to temporarily repair the dam with caulk-
ing and bracing. These repairs were completed by the commu-
nity in September 1984.
In 1984, $3.3 million was appropriated to the Power Authority
for construction of a replacement dam designed to be compat-
187
Contractors:
188
ible with future development of the hydroelectric potential. In
December 1984, the Power Authority Board of Directors ap-
proved a project management plan for the design and construc-
tion of the replacement dam. Final design was initiated in
January 1985, and construction started in the summer of 1985.
The dam was substantially completed in April 1986. With
savings realized in the dam replacement, the valves and water-
line were replaced and upgraded to be compatible with future
hydroelectric development.
While work on the dam was going on, Power Authority staff
updated the Chester Lake hydroelectric feasibility study in
conjunction with a Metlakatla Power Plan. The hydro project
was found feasible in comparison with the diesel base case.
The Board of Directors approved the findings and recommen-
dations in May 1986. A transmission intertie with Ketchikan
continues to receive attention as part of the Southeast Intertie
Feasibility Studies. Some funds were reappropriated from the
Chester Lake project to the Southeast Intertie project to study
the feasibility of this particular segment of the Southeast Inter-
tie.
The Power Authority agreed to give the community a grant for
the design of the powerhouse. The community and Metlakatla
Power and Light awarded a powerhouse design and construc-
tion contract early in 1987. Besides funding the design con-
tract, the Power Authority provided technical assistance in the
form of proposal review, and review of the design and of the
construction activities. Construction of the powerhouse is
being financed by a Rural Electrification Administration
(REA) loan to Metlakatla, and construction was completed in
June 1988. Warranty work on dam modifications and the water
line during the power plant’s initial operations will require
Power Authority monitoring and inspections in FY89.
*Feasibility: Harza Engineering Company
*Dam and Water Line Construction: Wyman Construction
Company
*Powerhouse Design: Ott Water Engineers
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Several reports were produced as part of this project. They
may be accessed through the Power Authority library cata-
logue.
Legislative Appropriations:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $1,000,000
SLA 1984, Ch 171 3,300,000
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3 (218,300)
SLA 1988, Ch 173 (50,000)
Total: $4,031,700
Construction cost as of June 30, 1989: $2,726,397
The community owns and operates the powerplant. The dam
and waterline have been turned over to the Metlakatla Indian
Community for operation and maintenance. Formal transfer
of the dam and waterline will follow waterline support testing
in FY89.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the Chester
Lake Project Management Plan in December 1984. The Board
also approved the Findings and Recommendations of the
Metlakatla Power Plan at its May, 1986 meeting.
189
Coffman Cove Electrification
Technical Assistance, Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
190
VY ta. 70
To assist the community of Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales
Island in establishing a safe electrical system.
In March 1986, Power Authority staff responded to a request
for technical assistance from the community of Coffman Cove.
A field inspection by Power Authority staff found a dangerous
electrical system and a community to be without power, when
the local logging company pulled out its power plant.
With used equipment from Mt. Edgecombe in Sitka and a 125
kw diesel generator leased from the Power Authority, power
was established May 7, 1986. Electrical distribution safety
deficiencies were corrected by August 15, 1986. Community
enthusiasm, volunteer labor, and use of rehabilitated equip-
ment stretched available funds. The end result was a system,
safe though temporary in nature, which had 40 percent less line
loss than the original system.
The Legislature appropriated additional funds in 1987 to
completed electrification as originally planned. At the same
time, however, two logging companies moved into town, and
Coffman Cove’s population increased by 65 percent in 1987.
Additional work required to increase the community's distribu-
tion system is being completed with a loan from the Power
Project Fund. Further information regarding the loan is con-
tained in the section on Power Project Fund loans.
*Technical Assistance: Alaska Power Authority
*Installation: Community of Coffman Cove
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1986, Ch 130 $ 35,000
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3 100,000
Total: $215,000
Ownership: Coffman Cove Utilities Association
191
Delta Agricultural Project I
Electrification ji
Grant BLL eC
J
Purpose: To fund design and construction of central electrification for
the Delta Agricultural subdivision.
Results: A three phase, 14.4/24.9 kV distribution system 40 miles long
is complete. The Power Authority contracted with Golden
Valley Electric Association (GVEA) to construct the distribu-
tion line from Delta Junction to the Delta agricultural project.
The project was conveyed to GVEA on September 24, 1985.
Contractor: Golden Valley Electric Association
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $2,500,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (345,000)
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (135,610)
Total: $2,019,390
Ownership: Golden Valley Electric Association
192
Dillingham Peat
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Source of Funds:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
oman. aro
| ° | | |
To determine the feasibility of harvesting peat in the Dilling-
ham area and potential uses for harvested material.
In the early 1980’s, groundwork was laid for a residential peat
project in Dillingham. Objectives of the project were to: 1)
test the federal and state permitting processes for peat harvest-
ing; 2) measure environmental impact on the ecology of the
bog; 3) measure community reaction to peat harvesting for
residential heating use; 4) test wet bog harvesting, drying,
storage and delivery mechanisms, and 5) gather data on a
sample of residential woodstove users burning peat.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Development,
Division of Energy and Power Development (DEPD) started
the peat project. It was transferred to the Power Authority for
completion. The project was officially abandoned when the
contract expired in June 1984, and difficulties with equipment
made continuing with the project unrealistic. No formal narra-
tive report was submitted on the project, although financial
planner Fred Nishamura with Bristol Bay Native Association
gave an informal account of the project. Harvesting equipment
which remained from the project was transferred to the De-
partment of Natural Resources, Division of Agriculture.
Bristol Bay Native Association
An appropriation for this project was made originally to
DEPD, which budgeted $160,000 to complete the peat harvest-
ing study.
193
Eagle Village Generator :
Grant . . eS
Purpose: To fund the purchase of a diesel generator to replace an exist-
ing generator which was in need of major overhaul.
Results: The Village purchased a 40 kw John Deere diesel generator to
replace the existing 20 kw Lister which needed a major over-
haul. Installation was completed by December 31, 1985.
Power Authority staff inspected the project in January 1988.
Grantee: Village of Eagle
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 82, Ch 101 $25,000
SLA 86, Ch 130 (2,939)
Total: $22,061
Ownership: Village of Eagle
Supplementary
Information: Further work in FY89 may include a distribution line from
Eagle Village to Eagle and retiring the village generator to
standby capacity.
194
Fairbanks Wind and Solar Equipment
Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Vv mea. oe
To fund purchase of wind and solar monitoring equipment for
the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fair-
banks.
This project was initiated in the Department of Commerce and
Economic Development, Office of Energy, and completed by
the Power Authority in 1986. The Geophysical Institute at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks used the funds to purchase
equipment to measure wind velocities, solar radiation, and
weather data such as site temperature and relative humidity,
and the effectiveness of passive solar design installations.
Although all equipment was ordered prior to June 30, 1985,
delivery of some items was not complete until December 1985.
The grant was officially closed out in April 1986.
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute
Equipment inventory and letter from Gerd Wendler, received
by Alaska Power Authority on April 28, 1986.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 82 $50,000
The Power Authority acted as technical agent of the State to
close out the grant, but it did not receive an appropriation for
this project.
195
False Pass Electrification
Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
196
To provide funds for planning and construction of new diesel
electric generation, fuel storage, and distribution system for
the community of False Pass on Unmak Island in the Aleutians.
In 1983, False Pass received grant money from the Department
of Community and Regional Affairs to complete a feasibility
study and design of a central station, diesel-powered genera-
tion facility and underground distribution system.
In 1984 the Legislature appropriated $600,000 to the Power
Authority as a grant-in-aid of construction of the False Pass
project. In May 1984, the Power Authority and the False Pass
Electric Association entered into an agreement to construct
the project.
Power Authority staff assisted in designing and planning the
new system, monitored construction, inspected the completed
system, and monitored the system for a year after it was com-
pleted in November 1984. The agreement stipulated that False
Pass Electric Association would own and operate the project,
which was transferred to the community in March, 1986.
*Reconnaissance: Northern Technical Services/VanGulik
Assoc.
*Design: Thomas D. Humphrey, P.E. Company
*Construction: Northline Electric, Inc.
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Related Report: Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and Al-
ternatives for False Pass. Nortec/WanGulik for Alaska
Power Authority, 1982.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1983, Ch 107 $600,000
Ownership: Community of False Pass
197
Humpback Creek Hydroelectric Project
Grants
Purpose:
Results:
Grantee:
Source of Funds:
198
VW a Sea. eet
To fund design of a small hydroelectric project on Humpback
Creek near Cordova.
The Legislature made two grants to the city and utility, respec-
tively, through the Power Authority to partially fund design of
a small hydroelectric project on Humpback Creek near Cor-
dova. This run-of-river project, being developed by Cordova
Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEC), consists of a wood crib diver-
sion structure (weir); a 1700-foot penstock of 42-inch steel; a
30’ by 60’ powerhouse containing a Turgo-type turbine and two
Francis units which will generate 1200 kW at 12,470 volts,
three phase; an energy-absorbing tailrace structure; and a
submarine transmission line which will extend to the shore of
Orca Inlet to connect to CEC’s existing distribution system.
CEC is contributing $650,000 to the project, in addition to
these state grants and a Power Project Fund loan of $1,950,000
at 5.00 percent interest. Power Authority staff continue to give
technical assistance to CEC in the form of design and construc-
tion monitoring, and stream gaging. The Humpback Creek
project is scheduled to be completed in April 1990.
*City of Cordova
*Cordova Electric Cooperative
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1986, Ch 128 $250,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 $ 33,600
Total: $283,600
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Ownership: Cordova Electric Cooperative
Supplementary
Information: See Cordova Electric Cooperative, Humpback Creek in Power
Project Fund section, and Cordova Area Power Plan for addi-
tional information.
199
Ketchikan Public Utilities
Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
200
a S
SCADA Equipment ; °
Snel. ao
To fund the purchase of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisi-
tion (SCADA) equipment to interface between Ketchikan
Public Utilities (KPU) equipment and SCADA equipment at
Swan Lake hydroelectric project.
At the time the Power Authority acquired the Swan Lake
hydroelectric project from KPU, the Power Authority granted
funds to the utility for upgrading their SCADA equipment to
make it compatible with the SCADA equipment installed at
Swan Lake.
The equipment was purchased and installed in 1981-83 under
contracts to KPU. Installation was complete by the time of
Swan Lake project start-up early in 1984.
*Engineering/Construction Management: R.W. Beck and
Associates, on contract to KPU
*SCADA Installation: Wismer and Becker, Contracting Engi-
neers
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 54 $1,614,523
Grant from DCED $420,000
Total: $2,034,523
Ketchikan Public Utilities
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Supplementary
Information: *A 1982 loan from DCED (Water Resources Loan Fund) was
converted to a grant at the time the Power Authority acquired
the Swan Lake hydroelectric project.
*The Power Authority continues to pay 50 percent of the cost
of modifications by KPU to SCADA equipment under the
agreements covering the grant.
201
Kobuk/Shungnak Transmission Line
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
202
Vs Von. aot
To determine the feasibility of a single wire ground return
transmission line in an arctic environment with construction of
a line between the communities of Kobuk and Shungnak.
The line was constructed in 1981 by the Department of Com-
merce and Economic Development (DCED), Division of En-
ergy and Power Development (DEPD) and energized early in
1982. Construction was partially funded through a Reimbur-
sable Services Agreement (RSA) from the Power Authority.
The line, which was operational and being monitored in Febru-
ary 1982, uses the ground as one conductor of the circuit.
The line is part of the Energy Program for Alaska. In 1985,
language in the appropriation was amended so that the line
could be leased to the Village of Kobuk. The Kobuk utility is
presently operating the line and wheeling power from the
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative plant in Shungnak. The
line is maintained by a contractor of the Kobuk utility who also
provides maintenance of the village distribution system.
Flooding has caused the line to fail on several occasions.
*Design: Raj Bhargava Associates
*Construction: Northline Electric, Inc.
*Contracting Agency: Division of Energy and Power Dxvelop-
ment, Department of Commerce and Economic Development
Kobuk-Shungnak Single Wire Ground Return Trans-
mission Line. Thomas D. Humphrey, P.E. Company, 1984.
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation (Power Authority only):
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $200,000
Ownership: Alaska Power Authority, State of Alaska
Supplementary
Information: *Additional funding to DEPD covered the cost of constructing
the line.
*The Power Authority became the owner of the line as agent
for the State, when the builder, DEPD, lost its funding in 1983,
and a subsequent agent, DCED’s Office of Energy, was not
funded in FY86.
203
Kotzebue Wind Generator
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
204
UW nme aot
To determine the feasibility of installing a wind turbine gen-
erator intertie with the city grid in Kotzebue.
This $190,000 project was originally funded as a research and
development demonstration project through the Department
of Commerce and Economic Development (DCED), Division
of Energy and Power Development (DEPD). The contractor,
Kinetic Energy Systems, sought to install a wind turbine gen-
erator (WTG) on village corporation land. The utility was
excluded from the project, although the wind machine was to
be tied into the city grid. It appears that the village corpora-
tion wanted 100 percent of the revenue produced from power
purchased by the utility.
Other problems arose when the contractor did not secure
Federal Aviation Administration permits to erect the tower
and when the turbine manufacturer showed only mild support
for the project, given the weather conditions to which the
machinery would be subjected. There also did not appear to be
any individual(s) in Kotzebue who could maintain the WIG on
a long-term basis.
Equipment was in storage in Kotzebue during the winter of
1984-85 until the project was abandoned due to the problems
cited above. Because the equipment had not been fully paid
for, an effort was made to return the material to its manufac-
turer, Energy Systems, Inc. for a refund of $33,700 paid by the
State. Letters from the ESI comptroller and the company
president agreed to an exchange with provisions for deductions
based on potential damage and time since delivery. ESI did
not follow through with a refund after the generator was
shipped back to California. ESI was taken over by Interna-
Contractor:
Source of Funds:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
tional Turbine Manufacturing; the company later filed for
protection from creditors. The Power Authority’s legal coun-
sel in the Department of Law submitted a claim to recover
approximately $22,000 owed the State. This claim request is
still pending.
Kinetic Energy Systems
The Power Authority acted as technical agent to the state to
close out the project. Original funding for the project was to
the Department of Commerce, Division of Energy and Power
Development.
205
Mary Siah Solar Panel :
Demonstration Project
7 . eC
Purpose: To construct a demonstration solar panel to heat the water at
the Mary Siah Center in Fairbanks.
Results: 720 square feet of solar collectors of the evacuated tube type
with parabolic cusp reflectors provide heat for the water in the
swimming pool at the Mary Siah Community Center in Fair-
banks. After the panel was initially installed, the system was
re-designed to allow data collection with thermisters and py-
rometer. The project has been on-line since December 1985.
The Power Authority acted as a technical agent for the Depart-
ment of Commerce and Economic Development to complete
the project.
Contractor: Fairbanks North Star Borough
Report: Letter report from Borough engineer, Stan Reed, September 5,
1985.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $120,000
Supplementary
Information: *This project was funded originally by the federal Department
of Energy through the Division of Energy and Power Develop-
ment (DEPD), Alaska Department of Commerce and Eco-
nomic Development (DCED). The project was transferred to
the Department of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA),
when DEPD lost its funding in fiscal year 1983. A second
206
Grants and Demonstration Projects
transfer took the project back to DCED in FY84, to the new
Office of Energy. When the Office of Energy was not funded in
FY86, this project was transferred to the Power Authority. The
Power Authority acted as a technical agent to the State in
order to close out the project.
*In some records, this project is called the Fairbanks solar
panel.
207
Nikolski Electric Utility Upgrade
Grants
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Related Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
208
To fund acquisition and upgrade of a diesel utility system by
the village of Nikolski.
With this grant, the Aleutian Island community purchased and
upgraded the central station service after the owner ap-
proached the community with a proposal to sell the utility. The
Legislature appropriated $200,000 in 1983 for the purchase
and upgrade of the utility. The funds provided for a new elec-
tric distribution system, one new generator, and a new power-
house. The job was completed December 15, 1985.
Nikolski’s consultants planned construction using local labor
and acted as construction manager for Nikolski:
*Charles Evans, Attorney
*Nancy Lee-Evans, Construction Manager
Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and AI-
ternatives for Nikolski. Nortec/VanGulik for Alaska
Power Authority, 1982.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1983, Ch 107 $200,000 i
SLA 1985, Ch 96 $158,500
Total: $358,500
Village of Nikolski
Grants and Demonstration Projects
peathciienll Noatak School Boilers
Demonstration Project UW a
Purpose: To convert an oil heating system to a wood-fired boiler at the
Noatak elementary school.
Results: A test burn was conducted with locally purchased wood and
some supplies were purchased. Due to obstacles in completing
the project as proposed, it was dropped. Problems included
not enough wood available in the area, difficulties in obtaining
permits, and poor economics. Funding was repealed in 1984.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $225,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (211,004)
Total: $13,996
209
Organic Rankine
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
Source of Funds:
210
To fund the purchase of two Rankine cycle generators which
would reduce energy costs for diesel generating systems.
Rankine engines work like conventional steam power plants.
The heat source (hot exhaust gas or geothermal steam) vapor-
izes a secondary fluid in the Rankine engine’s boiler. Hot,
pressurized vapors move a turbine which drives an electric
generator. The vapors cool to liquid again in a condenser and
are pumped back to the boiler in the closed system.
If hot exhaust gases from a diesel engine are used as the heat
source, the whole generating system provides more power than
the diesel generator alone, without increasing the fuel require-
ment. Although Rankine cycle generators increase the effi-
ciency of diesel generating systems, their application in Alaska
would be limited to some of the larger community powerplants,
such as Bethel or Nome.
The original appropriation was for $5.0 million. Proposals for
the project exceeded the appropriation amount, so funding was
repealed by the Legislature.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $5,000,000
SLA 1982, Ch 141 (4,999,500)
1984 Admin Lapse (294)
Total: $206
Grants and Demonstration Projects
|
wu a . | Ouzinkie Hydroelectric Project
Technical Assistance, Grant , |
ee. eee |
Purpose: To design and construct a small hydroelectric project at Ouz-
Results:
Grantee:
Report:
inkie on Kodiak Island.
The 117 kw hydroelectric project consists of a wood crib dam, a
powerhouse, Pelton turbine, penstock and tailrace. The actual
cost of the project at completion was approximately $610,000.
State funds were used by Ouzinkie to cover city costs associ-
ated with the project and as an initial grant as aid-to-construc-
tion.
In 1987 the project developer, Focus Energy, Inc., and the City
signed a power sales agreement; all permits were obtained, and
the developer arranged financing for the project. Work on the
dam, penstock and powerhouse sites was completed in 1988.
The project began operating in June 1988.
The City and Focus Energy agreed in the power sales agree-
ment that the City could exercise its option to acquire the
project in 1993, with an initial contribution by the City of
$250,000 as aid-to-construction and a closing payment of
$300,000.
City of Ouzinkie
No report was published on this specific grant project, how-
ever, reconnaissance and pre-feasibility reports leading to the
construction of the project may be accessed through the Power
Authority library catalogue.
211
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
212
SLA 1986, Ch 128 $160,000
SLA 1988, Ch 173 $100,000
Total: $260,000
Focus Energy, Inc., until 1993, when the City may elect to ac-
quire the project.
*After the City indicated it was planning to use a state loan for
purchasing a completed project rather than for designing and
constructing the project, the Power Authority Board of Direc-
tors reduced a previously approved Power Project Fund loan,
as the acquisition of a completed project is not contemplated
by this loan program (AS 44.83.170).
*See City of Ouzinkie in Power Project Fund section for addi-
tional information on the $50,000 loan.
Pedro Bay Electrification
Hydroelectric Feasibility Study
Electrification Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Source of Funds:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
| | VW Nv mea. ore
To investigate potential for small hydropower development
and to provide centralized electrification and a distribution
system for the community of Pedro Bay.
Early reconnaissance studies indicated that further investiga-
tion of small hydropower development in the Pedro Bay area
was warranted. The legislature appropriated funds to the
Power Authority for both a feasibility study and power plant
construction. At the same time, the legislature appropriated
funds for electrification projects in unincorporated communi-
ties to the Department of Community and Regional Affairs
(DCRA). The community completed its initial diesel electrifi-
cation with funds from DCRA.
The legislature also repealed both appropriations to the Power
Authority for the community and reappropriated them to
Pedro Bay through the Department of Community and Re-
gional Affairs. One appropriation was subsequently used for
road construction, while $500,000 was also used to complete
electrification. The Power Authority provided technical assis-
tance with design review, and later audit when DCRA became
concerned about project overexpenditures. The Power Au-
thority received from DCRA project surplus materials includ-
ing 22 miles of submarine cable.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 101 $200,000
SLA 1983, Ch 107 $500,000
SLA 1984, Ch 171 (500,000)
SLA 1984, Ch 171 (200,000)
Total: 0 213
Point MacKenzie Electrification
Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
To fund design and construction of an electric distribution
system to provide power to the Point MacKenzie Agriculture
Project.
The work was undertaken by Matanuska Electric Association
(MEA) on contract to the Power Authority. MEA designed
and constructed a distribution substation at Knik/Goose Bay
Road and Point MacKenzie Road, and approximately 29 miles
of 25 KV distribution line from the substation to service loca-
tions for each agricultural tract within the Point MacKenzie
agricultural project.
Construction was completed in June 1987. Final close-out
occurred in January 1988. Project is to be transferred to MEA.
Matanuska Electric Association
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
214
SLA 1984, Ch 24 $3,057,000
1987 Admin Lapse (107,700)
Total: $2,949,300
Power Line Extensions Along Interior
Alaska Highways
North Nenana, Nenana Canyon, and Old
Edgerton Highways
Grants
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Vs twa. ore
To fund construction of extensions of distribution lines along
Interior Alaska highways.
Three sections of extensions to distribution lines were con-
structed by Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) and
Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) through grant
agreements with the Power Authority. All three segments were
transferred after construction was completed. The three ex-
tensions are:
1. To serve the North Nenana area and the local agricul-
tural project, an extension of approximately five miles north
along the Parks Highway (GVEA).
2. To serve the Nenana Canyon area, an extension about
one mile south along the Parks Highway (GVEA).
3. An extension of the distribution line along the Old Edg-
erton Highway (CVEA).
*Golden Valley Electric Association (1, 2)
*Copper Valley Electric Association (3)
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1985, Ch 96 $500,000
*Golden Valley Electric Association (1, 2)
*Copper Valley Electric Association (3)
215
Seward-Daves Creek Transmission
Line
Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
216
UW nm oot
To contribute funds for constructing a transmission line be-
tween Seward and Anchorage, particularly the section around
Moose Pass, as a grant to the City of Seward.
The total cost of the Seward-Daves Creek transmission line
was $15,000,000. The City of Seward received a direct grant
from the Legislature through the Department of Community
and Regional Affairs, and a loan secured with bonds for a
portion of the cost. The Legislature gave the City another
grant-in-aid of construction for $5,500,000 through the Power
Authority.
The City and the Power Authority entered into an agreement
on August 16, 1982. The Power Authority reimbursed the City
for construction costs incurred. Upon completion of construc-
tion, the City of Seward assumed full ownership, and responsi-
bility for operation and maintenance of the transmission line.
City of Seward
Some information on Seward-Daves Creek is contained in the
Grant Lake Project Feasibility Analysis, Ebasco Services,
Inc., for Alaska Power Authority, 1984.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1984, Ch 171 $5,500,000
City of Seward
Grants and Demonstration Projects
% Skagway Wind Generator |
Demonstration Project | .
| ae eC |
| | |
Purpose: To fund a wind generator at Skagway and monitoring of the
wind regime there.
Results: A 10 kw Jacobs wind-powered electrical generator was erected
in September 1981 as a demonstration project. Construction
was accomplished by the Division of Energy and Power Devel-
opment through a Reimbursable Services Agreement from the
Power Authority. Monitoring of the wind regime was not to-
tally successful, as the wind generator has worked only inter-
mittently since it was erected.
Contractor: Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Divi-
sion of Energy and Power Development
Report: Skagway Windgenerator Demonstration Project: Final
Report. Polarconsult Alaska, Inc., prepared for the City of
Skagway under contract to Alaska Division of Energy and
Power Development for Alaska Power Authority, 1982.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120
SLA 1985, Ch 105
Total:
Ownership: City of Skagway
$100,000
(3,826)
$ 96,174
217
Snettisham Hydroelectric Project
Grant s
. e
Purpose: To fund engineering and design for the Crater Lake addition to
Results:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
218
the federally owned Snettisham Hydroelectric Project.
The State proposed to pay for the engineering and design of
the Crater Lake expansion which the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-
neers undertook. The Legislature repealed state funding for
the project. The Corps of Engineers is constructing the proj-
ect, which is substantially complete and operational as of May
1989.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $4,500,000
SLA 1983, Ch 106 (4,500,690)
Total: 0
In 1988, the State of Alaska made a bid proposal for purchase
of the completed hydroelectric project. On February 10, 1989,
a purchase agreement was signed by the Alaska Power Admini-
stration and the Alaska Power Authority. Federal legislation
has been drafted and will be submitted to the Congress mid-
1989. Action on the bill is expected mid-1990.
Grants and Demonstration Projects
| |
; ; % Tanana Loop Electrification |
Grant i
3
=<. «20°
Purpose: To construct a distribution line along Tanana Loop Road to
Results:
Contractor:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
enhance the state Delta Agricultural Project.
The Power Authority entered into an agreement with Golden
Valley Electric Association (GVEA) for the construction of
the facilities. The project was conveyed to GVEA on Septem-
ber 24, 1985.
Golden Valley Electric Association
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1983, Ch 106 $145,000
Golden Valley Electric Association
219
U
Tenakee Springs Electrification 4
Grant
Purpose: To upgrade the electrical distribution system for the commu-
nity of Tenakee Springs.
Results: At the request of the mayor of Tenakee Springs, Power Author-
ity staff provided an assessment of the existing system and
specifications for upgrading it. The City then provided the
Power Authority's assessment to the Legislature, and grant-
funding for a system upgrade ensued. As a result, the old
120/208 three-phase system was removed and a new system de-
signed and installed. The new system, 7200/12470 three-phase
overhead, included new service drops, new meters, and an
upgrade of the power plant switchgear. Installation was com-
pleted by the community in the fall of 1982. Power Authority
staff inspected the project in October 1982.
Contractor: City of Tenakee Springs
Report: Power Authority staff trip report, files and photographs
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1982, Ch 101 $200,000
Ownership: City of Tenakee Springs
220
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Thomas Bay Power Commission
Loans Redesignated
Purpose:
Results:
Grantee:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
to Grants aS a ee
To fund completion of a license application to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Tyee Lake
Hydroelectric Project.
The Legislature made two appropriations to the Power Author-
ity for loans to the Thomas Bay Power Commission (TBPC).
Two loan agreements were entered into between the Power
Authority and the Thomas Bay Power Commission to perform
work related to completing a FERC license for the Tyee proj-
ect. At the time, TBPC was developing the Tyee Lake project
on behalf of the City of Petersburg and the City of Wrangell.
One loan for $120,000 was signed December 22, 1978, while the
second loan for $60,000 was signed July 8, 1979. Both the loans
were later redesignated as grants by the Legislature.
Thomas Bay Power Commission
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1978, Ch 152 $120,000
SLA 1979, Ch 80 $60,000
Total: $180,000
Tyee Lake Hydroelectric Project, Alaska Power Authority.
(Operated by Thomas Bay Power Commission for the Alaska
Power Authority.)
221
Supplementary
Information:
222
*The Legislature redesignated these two loans as grants in
SLA 1981, Ch 91.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$120,000 with Board Resolution 1978-07, dated November 28,
1978.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$60,000 from the Power Project Revolving Loan Fund with
Board Resolution 1979-06 on June 21, 1979.
Unalakleet Wind Project »
Demonstration Project Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Related Report:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Vs * mea. eet
To fund a study of wind energy development, including instal-
lation of demonstration wind turbine generators at Unalakleet,
a coastal arctic environment.
Three 10 KW wind turbine generators were installed in 1982 by
the Division of Energy and Power Development, Department
of Commerce. The horizontal axis machines were intertied to
the city utility grid and have been successfully maintained by
the Unalakleet utility. Through a Reimbursable Services
Agreement, the Power Authority provided grant financing for
the project.
Division of Energy and Power Development, Department of
Commerce and Economic Development
Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and Al-
ternatives for Unalakleet. Acres American, Inc., for Alaska
Power Authority, 1982.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 - $100,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (2,217)
Total: $97,730
Unalakleet Valley Electric
223
Venetie Emergency Repairs
Loans Redesignated to Grants
Purpose:
Results:
224
To provide funding for emergency repairs and to assist the
village of Venetie in replacing generators which were down due
to a major breakdown in February 1986 and were again de-
stroyed in a fire in January 1987.
In February 1986, the village of Venetie experienced a major
breakdown of generating equipment which resulted in the
village being without power. The village appealed to the Of-
fice of the Governor for emergency assistance and received a
$50,000 loan at five percent to replace the generators. The
loan was administered through the Power Authority by a Reim-
bursable Services Agreement (RSA) with the Division of
Emergency Services in the Department of Military Affairs.
Power Authority staff negotiated the loan with the community
and traveled to Venetie to assess the damage and then ar-
ranged to have replacement generators flown into Venetie.
Power Authority staff and contractors assisted with installation
of the generators.
In January 1987, the village had a fire which burned the gener-
ating equipment, and graders, dozer, loaders beyond repair.
Another appeal to the Governor’s office resulted in a second
loan for $65,000 at five percent to replace the generators and
the building in which they were housed. Again, the loan was
administered through the Power Authority, by an RSA from the
Division of Emergency Services. Power Authority staff located
replacement equipment, arranged for it to be flown into
Venetie along with a grader provided by the Department of
Transportation (DOT) to cut transportation costs. The module
housing the generators was then set up and reconnected to the
distribution system. The distribution system was reconnected
except to the school, where remodeling was underway. The
school was connected to the system later on.
Contractor:
Report:
Grants and Demonstration Projects
At a teleconference Board Meeting on April 22, 1988, the
Board approved a request from Governor Cowper, solicited by
the community, to convert the two loans from the Disaster
Fund to grants.
Alaska Power Authority
Power Authority staff trip reports: March 3, 1986 and March 2,
1987.
Source of Funds: The Governor’s Disaster Fund provided funding for two loans
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
to the community; funds were made available to the Power Au-
thority through Reimbursable Services Agreements (RSA)
from the Division of Emergency Services, Department of Mili-
tary Affairs. The RSAs provided $50,000 and $65,000, respec-
tively.
Village of Venetie
*The first loan was approved by the Power Authority Board of
Directors on March 7, 1986 by Resolution 1986-03.
*The second loan was approved by the Power Authority Board
of Directors on February 5, 1987 by Resolution 1987-02.
*The two loans were converted to grants at the request of the
Governor on April 22, 1988 by Resolution 1988-07.
225
Village Electrical Cooperative Fuel Conversion Project
Demonstration Project
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
226
To develop a technology that provided alternatives to expen-
sive diesel generation for rural Alaskan communities. The
village of Nulato was used as the model for the project.
This was a research and development project that involved the
fabrication of a 250 KW, wood-fired fuel handling, combustion
and gas-cleaning system. The objective was to produce a me-
dium-Btu gas of high enough quality to fire a conventional
Caterpillar generator. The project was terminated before
testing was completed.
MARENCO, Inc.
*Wood Gasification Power Generation Development
Project Final Report. _MARENCO, Inc., for Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative, Inc. U.S. Department of Energy et al.,
1982.
*Use of Wood in Remote Interior Alaskan
Communities. Reid-Colling of Alaska, Inc., for Alaska De-
partment of Commerce and Economic Development, Division
of Energy and Power Development, 1981.
*Qualitative Assessment of MARENCO Wood Gasifica-
tion System. Institute of Gas Technology for Department of
Commerce and Economic Development, Division of Energy
and Power Development, March 1982 and October 1982.
Grants and Demonstration Projects
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation (Power Authority only):
Supplementary
Information:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $125,000
*These funds were made available to Alaska Village Electric
Cooperative (AVEC) through a contract.
*State funding in addition to the $125,000 cited above was
through Department of Commerce and Economic Develop-
ment, Division of Energy and Power Development (DCED/
DEPD). The DCED Office of Energy and, later, the Power
Authority closed out the project, after DEPD lost funding in
FY83.
*This project had six or seven phases; each phase provided new
federal and state matching funds each year. Total estimated
state expenditures over the four-year life of the project were
about $500,000. Federal matching funds were approximately
$600,000.
*After the project was terminated, $75,000 in additional fed-
eral funds were spent on environmental clean-up.
*This project was listed as “Village Electric’ in Power Author-
ity appropriations. It was called “AVEC-Mitkoff Wood Gasi-
fier Project” in DEPD and Office of Energy files.
227
Additional Information: Information regarding additional grants is found in
the following sections:
*Construction/Operating Projects
Port Lions Transmission Line
*Waste Heat Program
Entire section
*Power Project Fund Loans
Tliamna-Newhalen-Nondalton Electric Cooperative
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative
228
Chapter 5
ADMINISTRATIVE PROJECTS
Administrative Projects
Alaska Electric Power Statistics
Purpose: To collect and analyze data on electric power production and
use in Alaska, and to publish an annual document of these
Statistics.
Results: The Power Authority assumed responsibility for publishing the
Alaska Electric Power Statistics from the federal Power
Administration in 1985. The Alaska Power Authority ex-
panded the document to include current data on utility market-
ing and power costs as well as on statewide generation and
transmission facilities. The publication includes data on elec-
tric utility systems, national defense installations, and indus-
trial facilities which supply power for their own use. The an-
nual report provides statistics for utility planners, private
companies, research organizations and others interested in
tracking historical trends in the electrical generation industry.
The Power Authority published a supplement entitled Sum-
mary Supplement on Railbelt Utilities in 1986, and up-
dated it in 1987. This publication provided an in-depth look at
electrical statistics for the intertie utilities in the Railbelt area.
The report is of particular interest to the utilities because of
the Bradley Lake hydroelectric project, proposed Anchorage-
Kenai intertie and upgrades to the Anchorage-Fairbanks inter-
tie.
Preparation of the Alaska Electric Power Statistics was
not supported by a specific state appropriation after the Power
Authority assumed responsibility for the document in FY8S.
Staff worked on the project on an ad hoc basis until 1988. In
1988, the Alaska Systems Coordinating Council (an association
of Alaska’s electric power systems promoting improved relia-
bility through systems coordination) and the Alaska Power
Authority jointly funded publication of the thirteenth edition
of the report.
231
Contractor: Alaska Power Authority
Report: Alaska Electric Power Statistics
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1988, Ch 154 * $35,400
SLA 1989, Ch 116 * $35,400
* The Alaska Systems Coordinating Council provided matching
funds for these two years.
232
Administrative Projects
Long-Term Energy Plan
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
To provide funding for the compilation and printing of a long-
term energy plan for the State in fiscal year 1986.
A coordinator put together a steering committee of state and
public individuals representing various state agencies, public
and private corporations. The committee’s objective was to
publish a compilation of Alaskan energy resources, problems
and proposed solutions. The final report was released in Janu-
ary 1986, and a data summary in February 1986.
Alaska Power Authority assisted the Department of Commerce
and Economic Development.
Alaska’s Energy Plan - 1986: Executive Summary,
Planning Report, Regional Data Summary, Appendix.
Department of Commerce and Economic Development, 1986.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1985, Ch 105 $75,000
233
Microhydro Booklet
Revision and Printing
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
234
To revise and republish a booklet titled Small Hydro Evalu-
ation Guidelines with funding from the federal Department
of Energy, Alaska Power Administration.
The original version of the microhydro handbook was pub-
lished in 1981 by the Division of Energy and Power Develop-
ment (DEPD) as the Aydroelectric Commercialization
Kit. The U.S. Department of Energy, Alaska Power Admini-
stration, initially offered funding to the Department of Com-
merce and Economic Development, Office of Energy, to revise
the booklet. When that agency lost its funding in 1985, the
grant was transferred to the Power Authority. The booklet was
rewritten by Power Authority staff and reprinted in June 1986.
The Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Division
of Community Development, assisted with funds for a second
printing later in 1986. There was substantial popular interest
in this booklet, and approximately 600 copies were distributed
to the public free of charge by April, 1988.
The 100-page manual describes how to evaluate potential sites,
methods for estimating power potential, and types of equip-
ment necessary to generate up to 200 kilowatts of electricity.
Also included is discussion of permits and licenses that may be
necessary for such development, a comprehensive bibliogra-
phy, a list of equipment manufacturers, and conversion tables.
Alaska Power Authority
Small Hydro Evaluation Guidelines, a Sourcebook for
Microhydropower Development in Alaska. Alaska Power
Administrative Projects
Authority, 1986.
Source of Funds: This project was federally funded with a grant for $48,300 from
the U.S. Department of Energy.
235
Power Cost Equalization Program
Power Cost Assistance
Purpose:
Description:
236
To reduce the cost of electricity in rural Alaskan communities.
The 1984 Legislature amended and renamed an earlier pro-
gram which lowered the cost of generating and transmitting
electricity in rural Alaskan communities. The Power Cost
Equalization (PCE) program replaced the Power Cost Assis-
tance Program and expanded benefits. Utility eligibility was
more restricted, however, with larger, urban utilities and the
utilities which purchased wholesale power from the Power
Authority’s Four Dam Pool ineligible for participation.
To be eligible to participate in PCE, an electric utility must:
a) provide electric service to the public for compensation; b)
during calendar year 1983, have had less that 7,500 MWH’s of
residential consumption or less than 15,000 MWH’s if two or
more communities were served, and c) during calendar year
1984, have used diesel-fired generators to produce more that
75 percent of its electrical consumption.
The Alaska Public Utilities Commission (APUC) determines
whether or not a utility that applies for PCE is eligible to par-
ticipate, and it decides the amount of subsidy for a utility in
cents per kilowatt-hour. Payment can be made to utilities for
costs that exceed 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. The rate of
assistance cannot exceed 95 percent of the eligible power costs,
with a maximum amount of assistance set at 41.8 cents per
kilowatt-hour. PCE applies to actual consumption up to 750
kilowatt hours per customer per month for residential and
commercial use and 70 kilowatt hours per resident per month
for community facilities whose operations are not paid for by
the state or federal government or by private commercial
interests.
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Administrative Projects
To receive a PCE payment, a utility must submit a monthly
report to the Power Authority providing details of kilowatt-
hours generated or sold, fuel purchase and consumption.
Power Authority staff checks calculations in the monthly re-
ports and makes a disbursement based on the rate established
by the APUC. Appropriations are made to the Power Author-
ity by the Legislature to cover the disbursements.
In 1988, one hundred two utilities serving 170 communities are
participating in the PCE program. Twenty-five of these utili-
ties are regulated; 77 are unregulated. Six of the utilities
receive the maximum PCE rate of 41.8 cents per kilowatt hour.
Legislative Appropriations to the Power Cost Equalization
Program (previously Power Cost Assistance and Power Produc-
tion Cost Assistance):
PPCA SLA 80 $ 2,657,600
PCA SLA 81 9,300,000
PCA SLA 82 8,300,000
PCA SLA 8&3 8,300,000
PCA SLA 8&4 2,800,000
PCE SLA 84 16,300,000
PCE SLA 8&5 21,700,000
PCE SLA 8 13,840,299
PCE SLA 87 15,067,000
Total: $98,264,899
Further historical and statistical information regarding the
PCEP can be found in the First Annual Statistical Report
of the Power Cost Equalization Program, Alaska Power
Authority, 1988.
237
State Energy Policy Task Force
Purpose: To review State energy policy and programs and to recommend
where improvements can be made.
Results: The Task Force consisted of 13 public members, four ex-officio
members from the Administration and five ex-officio members
from the Legislature. Issues which received significant atten-
tion by the Task Force include energy program organization,
the Power Cost Equalization Program, energy conservation
programs, and power project financing.
In 1987, the Task Force completed a review of State energy
policy and programs and drafted recommendations for im-
provements. The Task Force then provided a report on its
recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature in 1988.
Additional work was performed in drafting legislation, admin-
istrative orders, and reports directed at implementing recom-
mendations of the Task Force.
Report: Chairman’s Report of the Energy Policy Task Force;
Final Report of the Energy Policy Task Force, February
1988.
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
238
Chapter 6
ALASKA BIOENERGY PROGRAM
Bioenergy Program
Alaska Bioenergy Program
Purpose:
Results:
Reports:
To assist communities and private businesses to identify and
develop biomass resources for energy use.
This federally-funded program has been active since 1980. The
program’s major promotional effort has been in the area of
wood residue for residential and small commercial heating
applications. Assistance has also been provided to the private
sector on the feasibility of using woodwaste for larger scale
electrical generation and co-generation.
In addition to seeking alternatives to high cost diesel fuels, the
Alaska Bioenergy Program promotes economic development.
Preparation of biomass fuels for energy use generates employ-
ment opportunities, particularly in the wood harvesting and
transportation areas. The Program promotes energy opportu-
nities for the use of agricultural and municipal solid waste, as
well as wood wastes.
The Program has been administered by the Alaska Power
Authority since the beginning of fiscal year 1986. It is jointly
funded by the State and the U.S. Department of Energy
(USDOE).
*BIOENERGY Quarterly Newsletter
*Alaska Bioenergy Program Annual Report
*Other reports produced by the Alaska Bioenergy Program are
included with individual project descriptions following this
page.
241
Source of Funds: Annually, and through FY 89, the Alaska Program received
Supplementary
Information:
242
$50,000 from the USDOE and about $20,000 from the State. In
addition, individual contractors perform work for the program
on an in-kind match basis, and the federal government contrib-
utes some funding to most of these projects.
For information on individual projects under this program,
see: Assessment of Biomass Resources in Alaska; Biomass
Inventory and Disposal Costs on State Agricultural Land;
Biomass Permit Handbook; Charcoal Plant Prospectus; Con-
version from Fossil Fuels to Biomass Fuels; Ft. Wainwright
Woodchips/Coal Test Burn; Juneau and Sitka Woodwaste
Plans; Palmer Correctional Center Wood Heat; Valley Saw-
mill; Woodchips for Commercial Energy Use in the Tanana
Valley; Wrangell Forest Products.
Bioenergy Program
Assessment of Biomass
Resources in Alaska
Purpose:
Results:
The Statewide Biomass Resource Assessment (1986) pres-
ents an overview of data that is available in Alaska to estimate
biomass volumes and energy potential from biomass. Wood
biomass, agricultural, animal and municipal solid wastes are
included in this review.
The report provides information on interior and coastal Alaska
standing timber inventories, fire-killed timber and land clear-
ing residue. It also estimates energy potential from landfills in
Anchorage, Fairbanks, and larger communities in Southeast
Alaska. An analysis of Alaska crop volumes and livestock is
included in this report, along with calculations for estimating
energy potential from agricultural waste.
The Biomass Resource Update (1987) is a continuation of
the research work described above. It provides additional
wood inventory data, and presents a model for calculating the
cost of moving different species of Alaska timber from point of
harvest to energy production sites. While the earlier Assess-
ment focused on landfills in larger Alaskan communities, the
Update provides an inventory of permitted landfills and popu-
lation figures for smaller communities throughout the state.
This inventory provides insight into the potential for using mu-
nicipal solid waste as an energy resource in remotely scattered
locations.
The Update presents data from the most recent annual report
of the the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and reviews
energy conversion calculations used estimating energy poten-
tial from animal waste.
243
Contractor: Alaska Power Authority
Report: Statewide Biomass Resource Assessment (1986)
Biomass Resource Update (1987)
Source of Funds: This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program.
244
Biomass Inventory and Disposal Costs on State Agricultural Land ; °
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Bioenergy Program
To quantify wood residue volumes on state agricultural lands
and to establish a cost center for use in economic analysis of
large-scale clearing projects.
The contractor identified long-term, woodwaste supply on
agricultural lands in the northern and southcentral regions of
the State. Project results are available in a final report which
discusses the state land disposal program and its limitations
that affect the supply of woodwastes. Location and cost of
woodwaste recovery are also discussed.
Barbara Hansen, Division of Forestry, Big Lake, Department
of Natural Resources.
Biomass Inventory and Disposal Costs on State Agricul-
tural Lands. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, 1987.
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program. The U.S. Department of Energy contributed
$20,081 and the contractor’s in-kind match was $12,110 to
complete this project.
245
Biomass Permit Handbook
Purpose:
Results:
Report:
Source of Funds:
246
To provide information on developing biomass energy proj-
ects, and on federal and state permits that should be consid-
ered in biomass project planning.
This publication describes centralized permit information
services available from the State, along with a brief description
of land use, waste disposal, building and operating, and health,
fire and safety permits. Many other permits are included,
along with citations of pertinent statutes and regulations.
The final report describes environmental considerations in
project planning by using seven hypothetical biomass projects.
This discussion of alcohol fuel, peat, sawmill waste, and coal/
wood projects illustrates the types of permits that might be
needed in project planning. The report also covers business
organization and licensing costs; federal, state and local tax
information; and state loan resources. Information on the
Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) is included.
The final section of the report includes contact information on
state agencies, and describes the types of permits handled by
each office.
Biomass Permit Handbook (1986)
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program.
Bioenergy Program
| |
. | Charcoal Plant Prospectus : |
Matanuska-Susitna Area 7 £ |
Woodwaste Feasibility 7 ees ° |
Purpose: To determine the economic feasibility of siting a wood charco-
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
alizing plant in the Matanuska-Susitna area.
This federally-funded study identified wood resource volumes,
charcoal plant equipment costs, siting criteria, and potential
domestic and export markets for charcoal. Although the con-
tractor determined that the fuel supply was adequate, eco-
nomic aspects of locating a plant in Willow (including high
costs for the equipment considered) reduced the feasibility of
such a project.
Resource Management, Ted Smith
Alaska Charcoal Production Feasibility Study. Resource
Management, November 1985.
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program. The U.S. Department of Energy contributed
$13,200 and the contractor’s in-kind match was $22,900 to
complete the project.
247
Conversion from Fossil Fuels to Biomass Fuels
Resource Development Potential
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
248
To identify potential conversion of heat systems in small and
large commercial facilities to biomass fuels.
Questionnaires were sent by Alaska Bioenergy Program staff to
businesses, state institutions and municipalities in the fall of
1986. Areas of the state where wood biomass is available and
wood fuel does not compete with natural gas were surveyed.
Survey results identified obstacles to fuel conversion, quanti-
fied the then current fuel costs, and determined where infor-
mation, technical assistance and recommendations for legisla-
tion would promote the use of wood as an energy resource.
Alaska Power Authority
Biomass Conversion Opportunities. Alaska Power Author-
ity, 1987.
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program.
Ft. Wainwright Woodchips/Coal
Air Quality Test
Purpose:
Problem
Statement:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Bioenergy Program
rma. 270%
To test burning woodchips with coal in a water-wall boiler in
Fairbanks, Alaska.
Air quality associated with burning coal has long been a prob-
lem in the Fairbanks area. All major electrical generation
plants use coal as a feed stock fuel. By mixing woodchips with
coal, there is potential to significantly reduce particulate
emissions and lower the amount of ash accumulation in the
boilers. Other long-term benefits include lower fuel costs and
the availability of woodchips as a supplementary fuel in case of
coal supply disruption.
Logs were delivered to the plant at Ft. Wainwright and chipped
on-site prior to beginning the test burn. About 730 tons of
whole tree chips were produced. Chip burning took two
phases: 1) determining the optimum mixture of wood chips and
coal based on stoker capabilities and boiler response for both
green and fire-killed material; 2) testing stack emissions at the
optimum and next lower chip ratios for both green and fire-
killed material. One boiler was fueled with the chip/coal
mixture, while the second was fueled only with coal. Mixtures
were adjusted so that from 10 percent to 30 percent Btu’s
burned by weight of woodchips were burned.
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Large-Scale Woodchip/Coal Test Burn at Fort
Wainwright, Alaska. University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 1987.
249
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $20,000
University Funds * $21,250
*The contractor (UAF) contributed a total of $46,747 (cash and in-kind
match) to complete this project. The U.S. Department of Energy did not
contribute to this Alaska Bioenergy Program project.
250
Juneau and Sitka Woodwaste Plans |
Woodwaste Recovery and Use |
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
Bioenergy Program
VW Vm. eros
To estimate volumes of woodwaste from municipal land clear-
ing over a 15-year planning period for the boroughs of Juneau
and Sitka.
Estimates in Juneau and Sitka led to consideration of
woodwaste and municipal solid waste (MSW) as energy sources
and for other uses. The study suggested potential disposal
markets and offered the boroughs alternative strategies for
long-term wastc management. The study considered co-firing
as one solution to limited landfill and other environmental
problems in Juneau and Sitka.
Environaid
Recovery and Use of Woodwastes Generated in the City-
Boroughs of Juneau and Sitka. Environaid, May 1985.
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program. The U.S. Department of Energy provided
$28,550 to match the contractors in-kind contribution of
$27,028 to complete the project.
251
Palmer Correctional Center
Wood Heat °
Technical Assistance : “ e
Purpose: To provide technical assistance to the Department of Correc-
Results:
Contractor:
Source of Funds:
252
tions for feasibility of installing a small commercial wood-
burning system.
Power Authority staff determined that it was feasible to install
a small commercial wood-burning system to supply primary
heat to two greenhouses and a shop building. Even though the
price of oil in 1986-87 was low (85 cents/gal), the Department
of Corrections had a large supply of free wood, which made the
cost of conversion inexpensive. Simple payback for the instal-
lation was approximately seven years.
Power Authority staff designed the distribution system and
assisted Corrections personnel in locating an appropriate type
of boiler. Funding to purchase and install the system was not
forthcoming from the Department of Corrections, and the
project was dropped by the Power Authority.
Alaska Power Authority
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program. Additional Power Authority staff time for
technical assistance was funded by Rural Electrification (SLA
1984, Ch 24).
Bioenergy Program
| | |
° % Valley Sawmill |
Wood Residue Marketing Study . |
— —_?e |
Purpose: To consider sawmill production economics in the Railbelt.
Results: This federally funded study considered sawmill production
economics and identified potential urban, Southcentral Alaska
wood residue markets. The contractor evaluated the econom-
ics of cutting wood so as to minimize wood residue; he also
considered the marketing value of each type of residue pro-
duced in a small sawmill operation. Additionally, the contrac-
tor detailed potential markets for each type of residue and
possible distribution systems. The project report is designed
for use by small sawmill operations in Alaska.
Contractor: Cal Kerr, Kerr and Associates
Report: Small Sawmill Residue Utilization Demonstration. Kerr
Source of Funds:
and Associates, December 1985.
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program. The U.S. Department of Energy contributed
$23,757 and the contractor’s in-kind match was $16,400 to
complete the project.
253
Woodchips for Commercial Energy Use
in the Tanana Valley
Timber Volume Estimates
Purpose:
Results:
Contractor:
Report:
Source of Funds:
254
To identify a stable, long-term supply of wood chips for com-
mercial energy use in the Fairbanks area.
A contractor inventoried standing and burn-killed wood resi-
due in the Tanana Valley to identify a stable, long-term wood
chip supply for the Fairbanks area. The inventory included in
the study was within a 60 mile radius of Fairbanks and acces-
sible by road. The study also considered production and trans-
portation economics related to the long-term supply of wood
chips for commercial energy use in the Fairbanks area.
University of Alaska-Fairbanks, School of Agriculture and
Land Resource Management
Estimation of Potential Timber Volumes in the Tanana
Valley Available for Woodchip Fuel. University of
Alaska, 1987.
This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program. The U.S. Department of Energy contributed
$17,588, and the contractor’s in-kind match was $30,522 to
complete the project.
Bioenergy Program
Wrangell Forest Products
Cogeneration Study °
. e
—~. «-0* |
Purpose: To examine the sawmill’s woodwaste and city municipal solid
waste in context of expansion at the mill in Wrangell.
Results: The contractor presented four cost and project scenarios to
support alternatives for expansion of the wood-fired cogenera-
tion system at the Wrangell Forest Products mill. At the time
the study was completed, however, it was less expensive for the
mill to purchase electricity from Wrangell than to expand
cogeneration facilities.
Contractor: Carroll Hatch and Associates
Report: Plant Site Power Generation Study for Wrangell Forest
Products. Carroll Hatch and Associates, August 1985.
Source of Funds: This project was federally funded through the Alaska Bio-
energy Program. The U.S. Department of Energy contributed
$23,800, and the contractor’s in-kind match was $11,200 to
complete the project.
255
Chapter 7
POWER PROJECT LOAN FUND
Power Project Fund Loans
Power Project Loan Fund
(AS 44.83.170)
Purpose:
Description:
Source of Funds:
To provide financing for small-scale power production facili-
ties, or facilities for conservation, bulk fuel storage or trans-
mission and distribution. Potable water projects are also eli-
gible.
Eligible borrowers may qualify for loans to finance projects in
the categories listed above. An eligible borrower could be an
electric utility, a local government, a village council, a regional
electric authority, a regional or village corporation, or a non-
profit marketing cooperative. Loan size is determined by the
requirements of the particular project and the balance of the
loan fund available at the time application is made. Although
the maximum term of a loan permitted is 50 years, the term is
usually matched to the productive life of the assets acquired
with the loan funds. The interest rate for Power Project Fund
loans is an average of the municipal bond rate over 12 months
or a rate which makes the project financially feasible, but not
less than five percent. Some security is required to obtain a
loan from the fund, unless the borrower is regulated by the
Alaska Public Utilities Commission and has a substantial
history of repaying long-term loans.
*Prior to fiscal year 1986, loans for each specific project were
funded by appropriations to the Power Project Loan Fund.
Subsequently, appropriations have been made to the Fund for
the program in general.
259
Supplementary
Information:
260
*Legislative Appropriations to
SLA 1978, Ch 152
SLA 1979, Ch 49
SLA 1979, Ch 80
SLA 1980, Ch 54
SLA 1980, Ch 120
SLA 1980, Ch 50
SLA 1981, Ch 90
SLA 1981, Ch
SLA 1981, Ch 90
SLA 1981, Ch 90
SLA 1981, Ch 90
SLA 1982, Ch 141
SLA 1982, Ch 141
SLA 1983, Ch 106
SLA 1985, Ch 105
SLA 1985, Ch 105
SLA 1985, Ch 98
SLA 1986, Ch 129
FSSLA 1987, Ch 3
SLA 1989, Ch 116***
Total Appropriated:
Outstanding Loans as of June 30, 1989:
the Power Project Loan Fund:
$ 500,000
250,000
200,000
1,500,000
300,000
200,000
4,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
4,500,000
1,000,000
4,000,000
15,000,000
(4,500,000)
(4,000,000)
(250,000)
2,000,000
6,000,000
2,700,000
(2,377,000)
$38,023,000
$34,633,030
**This amount was paid off and retired from the Fund in 1987.
***The Legislature reappropriated the unexpended and un-
obligated balance of the appropriation in SLA 1989, Ch 116.
The $2,377,000 is an estimated balance.
Power Project Fund Loans
*Descriptions of individual loans made through the Power
Project Fund are included alphabetically following this page.
Borrowers include:
Alaska Electric Light and Power (Juneau)
Bethel Utility Corporation, Inc.
Bettles Light and Power, Inc.
Chitina Electric, Inc.
City of Clarks Point
City of Galena
City of King Cove
City of Larsen Bay
City of Ouzinkie
City of Sitka
Coffman Cove Utilities Association, Inc.
Cordova Electric Cooperative
Eagle Power Company
Fairbanks Municipal Utility System
Far North Utilities (Central)
G and K, Inc. (Cold Bay)
Iliamna-Newhalen-Nondalton Electric Cooperative
Kwig Power Company (Kwigillingok)
Levelock Electric Cooperative
McGrath Light and Power Company
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative (Red Devil, Sleetmute)
Port Authority of the City of Nenana
Tanana Power Company
261
Alaska Electric Light and Power Loans
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
262
wen. are Vs
To upgrade and expand the electric power system of the City of
Juneau.
Loan funds have been disbursed for the following specific
projects:
1. Automate Annex Creek hydroplant
2. Build substation & 69 KV trans line
3. Automate U. Salmon Ck. powerhouse
4. Upgrade trans & distribution system *
5. Upgrade trans & distribution system *
6. Upgrade Lower Salmon Ck hydro
7. Upgrade trans & distribution system
8. Upgrade Lower Salmon Ck hydro
9. Upgrade trans & distribution system
10. Upgrade trans & distribution system
Total:
*These two loans were paid off in 1987.
Alaska Electric Light and Power
$500,000
$1,000,000
$200,000
$2,300,000
$1,700,000
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$500,000
$2,000,000
$2,000,000
$13,200,000
at 6.50%
8.60%
7.00%
11.80%
13.23%
9.95%
9.29%
9.95%
9.95%
9.29%
Power Project Fund Loans
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriations:
SLA 1978, Ch. 152 $ 500,000
SLA 1979, Ch. 80 200,000
SLA 1980, Ch. 54 1,500,000
SLA 1981, Ch. 90 7,000,000
SLA 1982, Ch. 141 4,000,000
Total: $13,200,000
Ownership: Alaska Electric Light and Power
Supplementary
Information: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved these loans
with the following Board Resolutions keyed to the specific
loans detailed above:
1. Unanimously approved on October 26, 1977
2. Resolution 1980-14, dated August 29, 1980
3. Resolution 1980-04, dated February 7, 1980
4. Resolution 1981-11, dated November 13,1981
5. Resolution 1982-12, dated June 24, 1982
6. Resolution 1983-05, dated July 7, 1983
7. Resolution 1983-05, dated July 7. 1983
8. Resolution 1983-04, dated July 7, 1983
9. Resolution 1983-03, dated July 7, 1983
10. Resolution 1983-03, dated July 7, 1983
263
264
Bethel Cogeneration Utility |
gor | on oe B
|
Purpose: To fund the construction of a waste heat recapture system
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
on the diesel generators at Bethel Utility Corporation, Inc.
A loan for $1,000,000 at interest rates varying between five
and 11 percent was made to the Bethel Utility Corporation,
Inc. (BUCI) in August 1981 for construction of a waste heat
recapture system on the diesel generators at Bethel Utility.
The loan is fully disbursed.
On April 22, 1988, the Power Authority Board of Directors
voted to restructure repayment of the loan, because waste
heat sales were not earning revenue at the rate originally
estimated on higher cost of the replaced fuel.
Bethel Cogeneration Utility, Inc.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $1,000,000
Bethel Utility Corporation, Inc.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the
original loan August 18, 1981 with Resolution 1981-07. The
restructuring of the loan was approved by the Board on
April 22, 1988 by Resolution 1988-04.
Bettles Light and Power
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans
Y | Sea. aces |
To fund additional fuel storage tanks and an expansion of the
powerhouse at Bettles.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$55,000 at 7.33 percent to Bettles Light and Power, Inc., in
April 1988. The utility completed construction of additional
fuel tanks with $30,500 of loan funds and used other funds for
the powerhouse expansion.
Bettles Light and Power, Inc.
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan to
Bettles by Board Resolution 1988-03, dated April 22, 1988.
265
Central Electrification |
Loan by Specific Appropriation . | + 3 |
a er |
Purpose: To fund construction of a diesel generation plant and distribu-
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
266
tion system to provide electric service to residential and com-
mercial users in Central, Alaska.
In 1980, the Legislature made an appropriation to the Power
Authority specifically for the Central electrification project.
The Power Authority loaned funds of $200,000 at 9.05 percent
to the utility providing service to Central, Far North Utilities,
for the project. The project is complete, with power on line
early in 1986.
Far North Utilities
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $200,000
Far North Utilities
The Power Authority Board of Directors originally approved
by Resolution 1980-24 (August 29,1980) a loan to Circle Utili-
ties for Central electrification, however no action took place at
that time. On June 24, 1985, the Board approved a loan with
Resolution 1985-10 to fund electrification of Central by Far
North Utilities.
Chitina Electric
Chitina Hydroelectric Project
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans 7 | | YW Vemma eet
To provide funding to complete restoration of a mini-hydro
project at Chitina.
The traditional village council in Chitina was awarded a grant
for $261,000 to restore an existing mini-hydro system. Excava-
tion of a tunnel showed it had collapsed; this required rede-
signing the restoration plan. The community also encountered
other problems which contributed to unanticipated cost over-
runs. The community applied to the Power Authority for a loan
to complete the project.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$101,500 at 7.65 percent to Chitina Electric, Inc., to provide
funding for a new powerhouse and turbine which are part of the
110 KW hydroelectric project. All equipment has been pur-
chased and is on site. Final placement of the turbine will take
place when weather permits in the spring of 1989.
Chitina Electric, Inc.
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
Chitina Electric, Inc.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan by
Resolution 1986-06 on August 13, 1986.
267
City of Clarks Point
Power Project Fund
Rural Electrification Revolving Fund Loan
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
268
Loan : VW emma ees
To fund initial electrification of the community of Clarks Point
in the Bristol Bay region. To funding an extension of existing
service in Clarks Point.
The Board of Directors approved a Power Project Fund loan
for $177,000 at 7.5 percent and a Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Loan Fund loan at two percent for $250,000 to the City of
Clarks Point. The City used the funds to complete initial elec-
trification for the community.
City of Clarks Point
Legislative Appropriations to the loan funds:
Power Project Fund: SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
Rural Elect.RL Fund: SLA 1981, Ch 90 $6,500,000
City of Clarks Point
At its meeting on August 13, 1986, the Power Authority Board
of Directors delegated to the Executive Director the authority
to conclude the two loan agreements, which are dated Septem-
ber 12, 1986.
City of Galena Loans *
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans
a
To finance an expansion of the electrical generation and distri-
bution system in the City of Galena to provide power to the Air
Force base.
In 1987, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved two
Power Project Fund loans to finance work required by a con-
tract of the City of Galena to provide electrical power to the
Air Force Base. The scope of the project was redefined in
1988-89, and the City is presently considering additional fund-
ing for the project.
The first loan, for $1,350,000 at 7.71 percent, was approved to
finance expansion of the existing generating and distributing
system. The second loan, for $245,000 at 6.86 percent was
approved to provide funding for a new 750 KW generator,
related switchgear and heat recovery.
City of Galena
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
City of Galena
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved these two
loans with Board Resolution 1987-01 (February 5, 1987) and
1987-08 (May 26, 1987), respectively.
269
City of King Cove Loans | |
: , | . eS Vee. arom |
| J
Purpose: To fund the purchase of new diesel generators and the exten-
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
270
sion of the City’s distribution system to seven homes.
Two Power Project Fund loans have been made to the City of
King Cove for the purchase of new diesel generators. The first
loan, made in 1980 for $200,000 at 7 percent, funded the pur-
chase of two 300 kw generators. The second loan made pos-
sible the purchase and installation of a 520 kw generator in
1986; this loan was for $120,000 at 7.95 percent. Both loans
have been fully disbursed, and neither of the loans is in default.
A third Power Project Fund loan covered the costs of extending
the City’s distribution system to the west side of town to pro-
vide electrical service to seven homes which had been generat-
ing their own power. This loan for $55,000 at 7.2 percent was
made by the Power Authority in 1988.
City of King Cove
Legislative Appropriations to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1980, Ch 50 $200,000
SLA 1985, Ch 98 $2,000,000
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
City of King Cove
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the first
loan in August 1980 with Board Resolution 1980-16. The
second loan was approved by Board Resolution 1985-13 on July
26, 1985. On December 15, 1988, the Power Authority Board
of Directors approved the third loan by Board Resolution
1988-12.
271
City of Larsen Bay 3
Humpy Creek Hydroelectric Project
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
272
ma. oret
To fund design and construction of a small hydroelectric proj-
ect on Humpy Creek at Larsen Bay.
In 1987, a feasibility study completed by a consultant and
Power Authority staff was forwarded to the community for
review and comments. The council elected to proceed with
construction of a 425 kw small hydroelectric project on Humpy
Creek using loan funds from the Power Authority. A loan of
$493,694 at 7.65 percent was approved by the Power Authority
Board of Directors in August 1987. The Power Authority is
acting as technical advisor to the community for the duration
of the project. Permitting and design were completed in spring
1988, and construction began in the fall of 1988 with clearing of
the penstock route. Materials were to be put on site in the
spring of 1989, but arrival of a barge was delayed by the Val-
dez oil spill. Project completion is scheduled for April 1990.
City of Larsen Bay
Legislative appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
City of Larsen Bay
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan by
Board Resolution 1987-12, dated July 28, 1987.
Power Project Fund Loans
City of Ouzinkie * |
Small Hydroelectric Project ° |
vee FS OD |
Purpose: To fund a transmission line between the City’s distribution
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
system and a small hydroelectric project.
In May 1987, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved
a loan of $350,000 to the City of Ouzinkie for design and con-
struction of a small hydroelectric project within the commu-
nity. After the City indicated that it was planning to use the
loan to acquire by purchase a completed project rather than for
design and construction, the Power Authority Board of Direc-
tors resolved that the acquisition of a completed project is not
an eligible use of the Power Project Fund loan program, and
reduce the amount of the loan to $50,000 at 7.34 percent inter-
est.
The reduced loan amount funded the construction of a trans-
mission line between the small hydro project built by a private
developer and the City’s distribution system. The project is
complete.
City of Ouzinkie
Legislative appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
City of Ouzinkie
273
Supplementary
Information: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the loan of
$350,000 to the City of Ouzinkie by Board Resolution 1987-09,
dated May 26, 1987. The loan amount was reduced to $50,000
by Board Resolution 1988-02, dated March 4, 1988.
274
City of Sitka i
Green Lake Hydroelectric Project i i
Power Development Fund Loan
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Report:
Power Project Fund Loans
|
| | | | | UW nm ero
To fund construction of a 15 MW capacity hydroelectric project
to supply power for the City of Sitka.
Originally $45 million was appropriated to the Power Author-
ity for acquisition of the hydro project. The following year,
upon solicitation of the City of Sitka, the Legislature repealed
that appropriation and made a specific appropriation of
$15,000,000 to the Power Authority for a loan to the City at
three to five percent rate of interest to finance construction of
the hydro project. The Power Authority Board of Directors de-
termined the interest rate to be four percent. The City of Sitka
needed these additional funds above the amount it had already
bonded for the Green Lake project (approximately $55 mil-
lion) in order to cover cost overruns of approximately
$15,000,000. The overrun was incurred because of poor rock in
one of the dam abutments. The project has been constructed
and is supplying power to Sitka.
City of Sitka
Numerous reports were produced as part of this project. They
may be accessed through the Power Authority library cata-
logue.
275
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
276
SLA 1982, Ch 141 $15,000,000
City of Sitka
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the loan of
$15,000,000 at four percent in Board Resolution 1982-14,
dated August 1982.
*The Power Authority made an initial investment in the Green
Lake project of $39,959, which covered costs of a feasibility
study. Contractors involved in that work were: Landfield Serv-
ices, Touche Ross, Wohlforth and Flint, and the Alaska De-
partment of Law.
Coffman Cove Generator
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans
. |
eP |
To fund purchase and installation of a new diesel generator in
the community of Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales Island.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a Power
Project Fund loan of $70,000 at 6.86 percent to the Coffman
Cove Utilities Association, when the closing of a local logging
camp left the community without a power generating plant.
The utility used the funds to purchase and install a new 150 kw
diesel generator with parallel switchgear, and transmission and
distribution network equipment. The project was completed in
1987.
Coffman Cove Utilities Association, Inc.
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Loan Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
Coffman Cove Utilities Association
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan by
Board Resolution 1987-10, dated May 26, 1987.
277
Governor’s Disaster
Power Project Fund
|
Cold Bay Power Plant : |
|
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
278
Fund Loan
Loans UW “4 wee. are
To provide emergency assistance to the community of Cold Bay
when generating facilities were burned. To finance the re-
building and expansion of the Cold Bay generation and distri-
bution system.
On July 23, 1984, the City of Cold Bay suffered a total failure of
its power generating facilities due to a fire. The City requested
and was granted emergency relief by the Governor. The Power
Authority received $500,000 through a Reimbursable Services
Agreement (RSA) from the Department of Military Affairs,
Division of Emergency Services, to administer as a loan to
G & K, Inc. The loan, for $500,000 at six percent, was to re-
place the generators destroyed in the fire. The generator re-
placement was completed and the final disbursement of the
loan made in September 1985.
Also in September 1985, G & K, Inc., received a Power Project
Fund Loan for $1,283,836 at 9.8 percent to upgrade the electri-
cal generation and distribution system in Cold Bay. Subse-
quently, G & K obtained a second Power Project Fund Loan for
$1,000,000 at 8.11 percent to undertake the second and third
phases of upgrading the generation and distribution system.
G &K, Inc.
*Initial funding for this project came from the Governor’s
Disaster Fund; funds were made available by RSA from the
Department of Military Affairs: $500,000
Power Project Fund Loans
*Legislative appropriations to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $1,000,000
Ownership: G &K, Inc.
Supplementary
Information: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved Loan #1 by
Resolution 1985-11 on July 26, 1985 and Loan #2 by Resolu-
tion 1986-06 on July 9, 1986.
279
| |
Humpback Creek Hydroelectric Project
Cordova Electric Cooperative |
s | a |
|
Purpose: To fund design and construction of a small hydroelectric proj-
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
280
ect on Humpback Creek near Cordova.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$1,950,000 at 5.00 percent interest to Cordova Electric Coop-
erative (CEC) for design and construction of a small hydro-
electric project on Humpback Creek. The run-of-river project
will have 1250 kw installed capacity when it is completed in
1989. State grant funds totalling $283,600 and an equity contri-
bution of $650,000 from CEC will provide the remainder of the
required funding for the $3.3 million project.
Cordova Electric Cooperative
Legislative appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
Cordova Electric Cooperative
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan
by Board Resolution 1986-13, dated November 19, 1986.
*See Humpback Creek grant for more information on this
project. See Cordova Area Power Plan for information on
other projects in the Cordova area.
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans
|
wea. oro
To fund the purchase of a generator, and related switchgear
and waste heat equipment for the community power plant in
Eagle.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$32,000 at 6.71 percent interest to Eagle Power Company for
the purchase and installation of a 180 kw generator and related
switchgear and waste heat equipment. The project is complete,
and all funds have been disbursed.
Eagle Power Company
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
Eagle Power Company
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan by
Board Resolution 1989-04, dated April 7, 1989.
281
Fairbanks Municipal Utility System
Repealed Loan
Purpose:
Results:
Source of Funds:
282
UW Va. oret
To provide Fairbanks Municipal Utility System (FMUS) with
funding for improvements to the Chena coal-fired power plant,
specifically engineering and design of a boiler system.
The City and FMUS wanted the funds as a grant instead of a
loan. The Legislature repealed the appropriation originally
made to the Power Authority for the purpose of the loan.
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $4,000,000
SLA 1985, Ch 105 (4,000,000)
Total: 0
Tliamna-Newhalen-Nondalton
Electrification
Power Project Fund
Rural Electrification Revolving Fund Loans
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Power Project Fund Loans
Loan, Grant
To fund initial electrification and extensions of electrical
service in the [liamna-Newhalen-Nondalton area.
In 1980, the Legislature authorized a Power Project fund loan
to Iliamna - Newhalen - Nondalton Electric Cooperative
(INNEC) to construct a diesel power plant and distribution
system to serve Iliamna and Newhalen. The utility constructed
the system and then requested more funds to connect the vil-
lage of Nondalton to the grid. In 1981 INNEC received a grant
for $961,000 to construct a transmission line to Nondalton.
The line was finished in 1983.
Subsequently, INNEC has received two Rural Electrification
Revolving Loans to extend distribution lines to newly settled
areas. The first of these loans, for $1,340,000 at two percent,
was approved in 1982, while the second, for $230,202 also at
two percent, was approved in 1983. All work has been com-
pleted.
Iliamna-Newhalen-Nondalton Electric Cooperative
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1980, Ch 120 $300,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $961,000
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $1,340,000
SLA 1983, Ch 107 $230,202
Total: $2,831,202
283
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
284
Iliamna-Newhalen-Nondalton Electric Cooperative
*The Power Project Fund loan was approved by the Power
Authority Board of Directors on August 29, 1980 with Resolu-
tion 1980-27.
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the first
RERLF loan on June 24, 1982 with Resolution 1982-13, while
the second RERLF was approved June 6, 1983 with Resolution
1983-01.
*See Bristol Bay Power Plan and Regional Feasibility Studies
for information about other projects in the Bristol Bay area.
Kwig Power Company
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans
|
| i} |
|
Sm. ore™
To fund the acquisition of a new diesel generator at Kwigillin-
gok.
A loan for $25,000 at five percent was approved in February
1987. Kwig Power Company at Kwigillingok in the Lower
Kuskokwim area used the funds to purchase a new diesel gen-
erator. The term of the loan was 12 months.
Kwig Power Company
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 29 $6,000,000
Kwig Power Company
The Board of Directors approved the loan at their meeting on
February 27, 1987 by Resolution 1987-03.
285
Levelock Electric Cooperative
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
286
YW Vemma aes
To fund the purchase of a new diesel generator for Levelock
Electric Cooperative.
In 1985, the Board of Directors made a loan of $30,000 at 8.90
percent to Levelock Electric Cooperative (LEC). LEC used
the funds to acquire a new diesel generator for the community.
Levelock Electric Cooperative
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1985, Ch 98 $2,000,000
Levelock Electric Cooperative
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this Power
Project Fund loan by Board Resolution 1985-09 on August 14,
1985.
McGrath Power and Light
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Power Project Fund Loans
tm. <r Y
To provide funding for efficiency improvements at the power-
house in McGrath.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$339,000 at 7.33 percent to McGrath Light and Power to fi-
nance the purchase and installation of a new 665 kw generator,
automatic switchgear, and other equipment. The project is
basically complete, although funds are not yet fully disbursed.
McGrath Light and Power Company
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan by
Board Resolution 1988-06, dated April 22, 1988.
287
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative :
Red Devil Electrification Sn ON eens
Power Project Fund Loan and Grant
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
288
Avs
To fund electrification of the community of Red Devil on the
Kuskokwim River.
In November 1985, Power Authority Board of Directors ap-
proved a Power Project Fund loan for $250,000 at five percent
to Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative (MKEC) to fund
electrification of Red Devil. Loan funds of $187,890 were
disbursed as of April, 1988.
Shortly after the loan was approved, Red Devil received a grant
from the Legislature for design and construction of a generator
building, installation of two air-cooled Deutz diesel genera-
tors, and the design and construction of a 2400-volt, wood-pole
distribution system at Red Devil. Approximately 80 percent of
the grant was distributed as of April, 1988.
The grant agreement was restructured in 1989 so that remain-
ing funds can be used for electrification projects in other com-
munities served by MKEC.
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative
Legislative Appropriation:
SLA 1986, Ch 128 $125,000
SLA 1985, Ch 98 $2,000,000
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative
Power Project Fund Loans
Supplementary
Information: *The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the loan
on November 11, 1985 with Board Resolution 1985-23.
*On June 14, 1989, the Power Authority Board of Directors
adopted Resolution 1989-05, authorizing the Executive Direc-
tor to restructure this loan with MKEC. This action was neces-
sary to adjust the loan repayment schedule to a level which
could be afforded by MKEC.
*See Sleetmute Line Extension for information regarding
another loan to MKEC.
289
Middle Kuskokwim
Electric Cooperative °
Sleetmute Line Extension/Powerhouse e
Improvements ne
Purpose: To fund a distribution line extension in the community of
Sleetmute and upgrades of powerhouse facilities in all five
communities served by Middle Kuskokwim Electric Coopera-
tive.
Results: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$153,000 at 7.56 percent interest from the Power Project Fund
to Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative (MKEC) in 1987.
The utility funded an extension of the distribution system in
the community of Sleetmute and upgrades of powerhouse
facilities in Sleetmute, Stony River, Red Devil, Chuathbaluk
and Crooked Creek. As of May 31, 1989, $125,872 had been
disbursed. The project is complete.
Borrower: Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
290
Legislative appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1986, Ch 129 $6,000,000
Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative
*The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan
with MKEC by Board Resolution 1987-13, dated August 26,
1987.
*On June 14, 1989, the Power Authority Board of Directors
Power Project Fund Loans
adopted Resolution 1989-05, authorizing the Executive Direc-
tor to restructure this loan with MKEC. This action was neces-
sary to adjust the loan repayment schedule to a level which
could be afforded by MKEC.
*See Red Devil Electrification for more information on that
Power Project Fund loan to MKEC.
291
Port Authority of the City of Nenana
Nenana Coal-Fired Power Plant
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
292
AS twa. oro
To fund a feasibility study of a coal-fired power plant at
Nenana, Alaska.
The Power Authority Board of Directors agreed to loan
$323,000 at 7.97 percent to the Port Authority of the City of
Nenana to fund a feasibility study of a coal-fired power plant at
Nenana. The Board stipulated that if, with information from
other Railbelt studies, the coal-fired powerplant at Nenana
would be determined non-feasible, the study funded by the
loan would be terminated.
Port Authority of the City of Nenana.
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
FSSLA 1987, Ch. 3 $2,700,000
*The Power Authority Board of Directors addressed this
Power Project Fund loan with three separate resolutions. In
the first resolution, 1987-14, the Board resolved to loan funds
from the Power Project Fund to the City of Nenana for the
feasibility study. In the second resolution, 1987-15, the Board
requested the City of Nenana to submit a proposal commensu-
rate with the amount of $323,000 which was available in the
Power Project Fund for this loan and to detail the means of
repaying the loan. The third resolution, 1988-08, replaced
1987-14, and the Board resolved to loan funds to the Port
Authority of the City of Nenana.
Power Project Fund Loans
*It should be noted that as of publication, the unexpended and
unobligated portion of the original appropriation was reappro-
priated during SLA 1989.
293
Tanana Power Company |
ee
|
Purpose: To provide financing for a new powerhouse in Tanana.
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Ownership:
Supplementary
Information:
294
In 1985, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved a
loan for $130,000 at 9.55 percent from the Power Project Fund.
Tanana Power Company used the loan to finance the construc-
tion of a new powerhouse in the community. Loan funds are
fully disbursed.
Tanana Power Company
Legislative Appropriation to the Power Project Fund:
SLA 1985, Ch 98 $2,000,000
Tanana Power Company
This loan was approved by the Power Authority Board of Di-
rectors in Board Resolution 1985-08, dated June 24, 1985.
Chapter 8
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
REVOLVING LOAN FUND
Rural Electrification Revolving Loans
Rural Electrification Revolving Loan Fund (AS 44.83.361 and 44.83.363)
Purpose:
Description:
Source of Funds:
To fund extensions of new electrical service to additional
customers within a community.
Electric utilities with certification from the Alaska Public
Utilities Commission for the area to be served are eligible to
borrow up to $250,000 or $500,000 (depending on the Fund
balance at the time of application). Loans will be made for
projects which demonstrate the ability to repay the Fund within
10 years of the loan date. Interest on all loans made through
the Rural Electrification Revolving Loan Fund (RERLF) is
two percent. Security may be required.
Additional requirements include 1) that a local loan review
committee must recommend the loan, 2) that the project must
serve at least three new customers, and 3) that the utility make
a minimum investment in the project which equals the cost for
acquisition and installation of one transformer, one span of
line, one pole and one service drop for each initial customer.
Legislative Appropriations to the Rural Electrification Re-
volving Loan Fund:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $6,500,000
SLA 1983, Ch 107 1,000,000
SLA 1985, Ch 98 1,000,000
SLA 1986, Ch 130 (1,779,900)
SLA 1988, Ch 173 (1,614,900)
Total: $5,105,200
Committed as loans: $5,283,603
297
Supplementary
Information:
298
*Some costs of administering the program have been paid out
of loan funds.
*Descriptions of individual loans are included in the section
following this page; see section on Power Project Fund Loans
for descriptions of Rural Electrification Revolving Fund loans
to City of Clarks Point and [iamna-Newhalen-Nondalton
Electric Cooperative.
*Borrowers include the following utilities:
Alaska Power and Telephone (Tok)
Andreanof Electric Company (Atka)
City of Clarks Point
City of Saint Paul
City of Unalaska
Egegik Light and Power
Golden Valley Electric Cooperative (Fairbanks area)
Illiamna-Newhalen-Nondalton Electric Cooperative
Yakutat Power, Inc.
Rural Electrification Revolving Loans
Alaska Power and % Telephone Company .
i e
Purpose: To fund an extension of electrical service to the Tok Alaska
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Subdivision near Tok.
Residential and commercial customers of Alaska Power and
Telephone (AP&T) in and near Tok Alaska Subdivision gained
electrical service funded by a loan of $247,000 at two percent
interest. The loan funded electrification for 136 lots in the
subdivision and provided individual hookups for an estimated
10 new customers during the first year.
Population in Tok will increase over the next few years, during
the construction and operation of the Backscatter (Over the
Horizon) Radar installation by the Department of Defense.
Construction is scheduled to be completed in 1992.
Alaska Power and Telephone
Legislative appropriation to the Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Loan Fund:
SLA 1985, Ch 98 $1,000,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan by
Board Resolution 1988-05, dated May 31, 1988.
299
Andreanof Electric Company i
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
300 UW y; pen. --o-
To fund an extension of service to a new housing subdivision in
the community of Atka, in the Aleutian Islands.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan of
$200,000 to Andreanof Electric Company which serves the
community of Atka. The loan is at two percent over a period of
20 years. The loan provided an upgrade of generating equip-
ment and an extension of service to a new housing subdivision,
the school and the airport.
Andreanof Electric Company
Legislative Appropriation to the Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Loan Fund:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $6,500,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan
with Board Resolution 1982-16, dated September 14, 1982.
City of Saint Paul
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Rural Electrification Revolving Loans
| | | |
| | | | Y Vn. eet |
|
To fund an extension of electrical service in the community of
Saint Paul on the Pribilof Islands.
In 1985, the Power Authority Board of Directors approved a
loan of $687,285 at two percent interest to the City of Saint
Paul for an extension of electrical service to a housing subdivi-
sion, the U.S. Coast Guard base, the airport, and a proposed
wind farm on Telegraph Hill. By using force account labor, the
City was able to realize substantial savings in completing the
project. The amount of the loan was reduced by $100,000 to
$587,285. The project is complete.
City of Saint Paul
Legislative Appropriation to the Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Fund:
SLA 1985, Ch 98 $1,000,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan to
Saint Paul by Board Resolution 1985-05, dated June 24, 1985.
The loan agreement was amended to reflect the reduction of
the loan amount in September 1988.
301
City of Unalaska Loans |
8 " ‘e. e
Purpose: To fund extensions of electrical service to new customers in the
City of Unalaska.
Results: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved two loans to
the City of Unalaska from the Rural Electrification Revolving
Loan Fund. The first loan, for $250,000, connected the harbor,
dock and airport to the city’s electrical grid. The second loan,
for $1,560,486, was for a feeder connection to Unak and Amkak
powerhouses and substation installation. Both the loans are at
two percent for a 20 year period.
Borrower: City of Unalaska
Source of Funds: Legislative Appropriation to the Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Loan Fund:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $6,500,000
Supplementary
Information: The Power Authority Board of Directors approved these loans with Board Resolutions 1982-17 and 1983-06, dated October 22, 1982 and July 7, 1983, respectively.
302
Egegik Light and Power Loans :
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Rural Electrification Revolving Loans
oman. ores
S| |
To fund an extension of electrical service to new customers of
Egegik Light and Power.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved two loans
from the Rural Electrification Revolving Loan Fund to Egegik
Light and Power. The first loan, for $130,000, funded electri-
cal service to 12 homes and 36 lots, while the second loan, for
$83,830, provided funds to complete Phase II of the same
project. Both loans are at two percent interest over a 20 year
period.
Egegik Light and Power
Legislative Appropriation to the Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Loan Fund:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $6,500,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved these loans
with Board Resolutions 1983-09 and 1984-11, dated September
16, 1983 and July 9, 1984, respectively.
303
Golden Valley Electric Association
Loans
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
304
To fund distribution line extensions to Tungsten and Rosie
Creek Subdivisions in Fairbanks.
A loan for $90,000 at two percent interest was approved in Oc-
tober, 1986. Extension of Golden Valley’s distribution system
to Tungsten Subdivision in Fairbanks was completed in June
1987, and all funds were disbursed at that time.
A second loan from the Rural Electrification Revolving Fund
funded an extension of electrical service to the Rosie Creek
Subdivision in 1988. The loan of $180,000 at two percent inter-
est funded a single phase, 7.2 kV distribution line to 91 lots
within the subdivision; eleven customers were provided new
electrical service during the first year.
Golden Valley Electric Association
Legislative appropriation to the Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Loan Fund:
SLA 1985, Ch 98 $1,000,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved the first
loan by Resolution 1986-09 on October 21, 1986. The second
loan was approved on September 16, 1988 by Board Resolution
1988-10.
Yakutat Power, Inc. 7
Purpose:
Results:
Borrower:
Source of Funds:
Supplementary
Information:
Rural Electrification Revolving Loans
rma. oro ¢ NS
To fund an extension of service to a new housing subdivision in
Yakutat.
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved a loan to
Yakutat Power, Inc., for an extension of electrical service to a
new Alaska State Housing Authority subdivision. The loan of
$134,000 is at two percent over a period of 20 years.
Yakutat Power, Inc.
Legislative Appropriation to the Rural Electrification Revolv-
ing Loan Fund:
SLA 1981, Ch 90 $6,500,000
The Power Authority Board of Directors approved this loan
with Board Resolution 1983-08, dated July 7, 1983.
305