HomeMy WebLinkAboutPreliminary Engineering Study Central Electrification, Lime Village, Alaska, December 1992AIESKE [MEG Y, ALMMOLLEY,
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING STUDY
CENTRAL ELECTRIFICATION
LIME VILLAGE, ALASKA
December 1992
Ronald A. Garzini, Executive Director
AUESKE EIELGY, ALM OCU:
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING STUDY
CENTRAL ELECTRIFICATION
LIME VILLAGE, ALASKA
December 1992
Ronald A. Garzini, Executive Director
LIME VILLAGE, ALASKA
CENTRAL ELECTRIFICATION
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING STUDY
Table of Contents
Summary
Introduction
Community Description
System Design
Economic Analysis
Additional Considerations
Exhibit 1: Proposed Generator Module Layout
Exhibit 2: | Map of Proposed Electric System
Exhibit 3: Design Considerations
Exhibit 4: Economic Spreadsheet
Exhibit 5: | Construction Cost Estimate
Exhibit 6: ISER Report
SUMMARY
Under a Legislative appropriation, the Alaska Energy Authority has investigated
the feasibility of establishing a centralized electrical system in Lime Village. Two
types of systems were evaluated. These were a conventional diesel/electric
generation system and a hybrid photovoltaic/battery storage diesel generation
system. In both cases the electrical distribution system was selected to be an
overhead system for both economic and maintenance reasons. The preliminary
finding is that the conventional diesel generator system would be the most
economical, and such a system could be installed at a cost estimated at
$400,000. The delivered cost of electricity before any PCE payments is
estimated at $0.56/kWh assuming all capital facilities are provided with State
grant funds; or $1.00/kWh assuming the capital facilities are financed with market
debt repaid by consumers. An economic profile of the village was completed by
the Institute of Social and Economic Research, under contract. This report
concludes that residents of Lime Village would be able to pay for electricity
priced below $0.20/kWh, which could be possible if PCE were applied to a basic
rate of $0.56/kWh. Many residents may still be willing and able to pay the full
$0.56/kWh when compared with their present energy cost. However, $1.00/kWh
appears to be more than the residents can afford.
INTRODUCTION
The Alaska State Legislature, in fiscal year 1992, appropriated $35,000 for an
investigation of the feasibility of a central electric system in Lime Village. The
objectives of the feasibility study were to determine the cost of delivered power to
the customer and to develop a construction cost estimate and conceptual design
for the system. This report presents a preliminary design, cost estimate and
economic analysis for such a system.
The AVCP Housing Authority requested that the cost of delivered power be
included in the study. This was important to AVCP to allow the Housing Authority
to determine, prior to installing new homes in Lime Village, if recipients of HUD
housing could pay for the upkeep of the homes. Thus, to keep the cost of
delivered electricity down to an acceptable level, the use of alternative renewable
energy was included in the evaluation of available technologies.
This study was initiated on the premise that construction of HUD homes in Lime
Village was contingent on the availability of central electrification. Subsequently,
AVCP has determined that HUD homes can be provided without a centralized
electric system. This study has continued, however, based on the interest of the
community in a central electric system.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
Lime Village is on the Stony River, approximately 50 miles south of its junction
with the Kuskokwim River. It has a population of approximately 30 persons living
a subsistence life style. There are 12 residences, a clinic, a community hall, a
chapel, several out buildings and a school. Unicom operates a telephone system
but the village has never had central electricity, water or sewage. The school
generates its own power with two 15 kW generators (one is on standby duty) and
the telephone utility self - generates with an 8 kW generator.
The Iditarod Area School District reports that it runs one generator at a time to
supply approximately 12 kW of load. The school building alone requires 8 kW
and the teacher housing 4 kW. This requires 13 gallons of fuel per day at a cost
of $2.57 per gallon. Unicom has a 6 kW load, supplying the telephone earth
station and back-up batteries and reports generating 3000 - 3500 kWh per
month.
SYSTEM DESIGN
Lime Village was identified as a possible location for a hybrid generation project.
This project would have included photovoltaic solar collectors, batteries to store
the solar energy and diesel generators. The construction cost estimate of the
hybrid system was approximately $900,000.
The hybrid generation system was originally to be constructed using funds from
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for alternative energy research.
Subsequent to the investigation of the hybrid system, it was learned that DOE
funding was not available. Without DOE participation, a hybrid generation
system is not feasible.
The proposed system is a conventional diesel/electric generation system
including two generators, control equipment and paralleling switchgear mounted
in a permanent, weather tight enclosure. A diagram of the proposed generator
module is contained in Exhibit 1 of this report with generators driven by air-
cooled diesel engines. By using one 20 kW and one 40 kW diesel engine
generator, the system would provide the ability to load match as the load
fluctuates through the day and night and with the change of season. It would
also allow the operating flexibility to have one machine down for maintenance or
repair while operating from the other. Sizing of the generators would be critical
as the current PCE regulations will require utilities with less than 100,000 kWh
annual sales to maintain an efficiency of 8 kWh/gal by October 1, 1993.
A double wall fuel tank was identified as the most economical way to store bulk
fuel and would provide fuel storage and environmental protection from spills. At
ten kilowatt-hours per gallon (a conservative estimate for well maintained
generators in this size range), a 5,000 gallon tank would serve a year of
operation at the anticipated original load of 41,000 KWH per year. Piping from
the tank to the generator module would be short and uncomplicated.
To utilize the full capacity of the generation system, a three-phase, 7.2/12.47 kV
distribution system is recommended. This system would utilize standard REA
design documents and readily available materials. A map showing the proposed
distribution system is contained in Exhibit 2 of this report. A low voltage system
was considered in the initial evaluation of the system but was rejected due to the
long run to homes south of the village. This would have resulted in excessive
voltage drops and an inefficient system. Distribution within the community would
be routed using three, single-phase circuits to serve distinct areas of the
community. One single phase circuit would serve the area to the north, one the
area to the south, and one would serve the school.
The generator module could be constructed in Anchorage, dis-assembled for
shipment and re-erected on site. It should be sited near the fuel line from the
airport. Location of the module is critical to retain the option of providing waste
heat to the school in the future. (The design and cost estimates in this report do
not include a waste heat system.) Piping runs should be held to 40 to 50 feet for
efficient use of generator waste heat for space heating in the school building at a
future date. Generator output voltage would be stepped up through three, pole-
mounted transformers and distributed through the village.
Each served load would be individually metered for revenue and control
purposes. This project would supply the service masts, the meters and the main
disconnects at each location. A pre-payment metering and automated billing
system is incorporated in the cost estimate. No premises wiring is included in
this project. The cost of any modifications needed to homes or other buildings to
utilize central electrification would be borne by the property owners.
Project cost estimates assume project management by the local utility and
construction by local hire with assistance, training, oversight, and inspection by
AEA personnel. It is assumed that all tools and construction equipment could be
supplied by the utility, the village or AEA, at no cost to the project other than
associated freight costs.
Cost estimates assume that property for the generator module and fuel tank
would be donated by the Village and that right-of-way agreements for the
distribution line would be secured from local property owners by the Village at no
cost to the project. A summary of the design considerations can be found in
Exhibit 3 of this report.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
This economic analysis is summarized in a spread sheet in Exhibit 4 of this
report. The estimated capital cost of the system is $400,000. The details of this
cost estimate can be found in Exhibit 5 of this report.
The economic life of the capital investment, excluding the engine components of
the generator sets, can reasonably be established at 30 years. Although the
engines themselves are assumed to be replaced every two years, the cost of
replacing one of these engines (roughly $10,000) is only a small fraction of the
total capital investment. As a result, it is assumed that the total capital
investment can be depreciated over a 30 year period for the purposes of
estimating the annual cost of power. This analysis assumes that the initial capital
investment is funded by a State grant, with no interest expense, or payback. The
annual capital cost would, of course, be much higher under a debt financing
scenario.
Each year after the first year, one of the engines would be replaced at a cost of
$10,000, while the other engine would be given a "top-end overhaul" at a cost of
$3,682. Again, all other components of the system are assumed to function
properly with routine maintenance over a 30 year life. O & M labor is assumed to
average $1,000 per month, plus annual materials expense of $2,328. $500 per
month is added for administrative functions such as billing, ordering fuel,
personnel, etc. This results in an estimated non-fuel operating cost to Lime
Village of $34,010 per year.
This estimated non-fuel cost was compared to similar communities included in
the Power Cost Equalization statistical report, which includes "operating costs"
(excluding fuel costs) for each PCE utility. For Middle Kuskokwim Electric
Cooperative (MKEC), serving five other communities near Lime Village, average
costs reported per community for the last three years are as follows:
FY 1988 $44,025
FY 1989 $33,297
FY 1990 $42,796
The delivered cost of fuel to Lime Village is assumed to be $2.50 per gallon
based on the most recent price paid by the school. Presently, the school
generates power for the school building and the teacher's housing quarters. Fuel
must be flown to a nearby location and hauled to the fuel storage site. Fuel
purchased by the gallon in Lime Village is priced closer to $3.00 per gallon.
Generation efficiency is assumed at 10 kWh per gallon.
Average residential load is assumed at 200 kWh per customer per month based
on the Alaska Power Statistics report for 1990 which indicates that average
residential sales per customer was 177 kWh per month for all MKEC villages.
Estimates of existing housing units presently range from 13 to 15. HUD is
planning construction of new housing, though it is uncertain to what extent this
would supplement or replace existing housing. The assumption made for the
purpose of this analysis is 20 residential customers.
The school district presently generates power for the school building and for the
teacher housing. Load for the school is estimated at 8 kW for 6 hrs./day, 180
days/year. Load for the teacher housing is estimated at 4 kW for 10 hrs./day,
240 days/year.
Unicom, the telephone utility, also generates its own power at present. Its load is
estimated at 3,500 kWh per month.
PCE eligible sales were estimated as follows:
1. All residential sales (200 kWh/mo./customer) are PCE eligible.
2. The school was assumed to qualify for 750 PCE eligible kWh per month
for 9 months.
3. Unicom was assumed to qualify for 750 PCE eligible kWh per month for
12 months.
Including capital depreciation of $13,033 per year, the cost to provide each kWh
is estimated at $.68 for each year after the initial year. Again, the cost would be
much higher if the capital investment were debt financed. For example, if
$400,000 were financed at 8.5% interest over 15 years, the annual debt service
would be about $48,000. This would increase the annual cost per kWh to
approximately $1.00. Excluding depreciation (or any type of capital recovery),
the average rate per kWh without PCE is estimated at $.56 for each year after
the initial year.
These results assume no extraordinary events that would substantially damage
system components. This, in turn, is based on the assumption that the system is
properly operated and maintained.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
A socio-economic survey was performed to determine the ability and
willingness of consumers to pay for central electricity. The Institute of Social &
Economic Research (ISER) conducted this survey and their report is included
here as an Appendix. Identification of a utility willing to own and operate this
village system is also needed. Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative (MKEC)
has expressed interest in the community and further discussions with MKEC have
been held. Their suggestions have been incorporated in this report.
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EXHIBIT 3
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Assumptions:
Space is, or can be made, available in the village for a generator module.
Right-of-way for the equipment and poles is available at no cost.
There are no unusual soil conditions that would require special
construction.
A waste-heat system is NOT part of the package.
There is no skilled electrician in the community.
Equipment will be delivered by chartered aircraft, either on to the lake bed
in winter or into Sparehevon A.F.S. and moved overland to site.
Basic design:
Two Deutz air-cooled diesel generators (20 & 40 kW) in an enclosure
Paralleling switchgear
Fire suppression in the module
Fuel tankage of 5,000 gallons with secondary containment
75 kVA Step-Up transformer bank to 12.47 / 7.2 kV
(12) 10 kVA distribution transformers
Three single phase circuits in town
40/5 poles, A1 construction
20 metered services
Lime Village Electrification
14-Oct-92
Initial Capital Cost 391,000
Amortization Period (yrs) 30
O&M Labor Cost per Month 1,000
O&M Materials per year 2,328
Admin Cost per Month 500
Residential Load
kWh per Customer per Month 200
Number of Customers 20
Other Load
School kWh per year 18,240
Unicom kWh per year 42,000
Fuel Cost
Generation Efficiency (kWh/gal) 10
Delivered Fuel Price ($/gal) 2.50
(All Costs in 1992 Dollars)
14,328
14,328
14,328
14328
14,328
14,328
14,328
14328
14,328
kWh Engine
Year Sales Depreciation Overhaul O&M
108,240 13,033 3,682
108,240 13,033 13,682
108,240 13,033 13,682
108,240 13,033 13,682
108,240 13.033 13,682
108,240 13,033 13.682
108,240 13,033 13,682
108,240 13,033 13,682
108,240 13033 13,4682
108,240 13,033 13,682 SC PvnoOmawn-— 14,328
Admin
6,00 .
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
Fuel
Cost
27,060
27,060
27,060
27,060
27,060
27,060
27,060
27,060
27,060
27,060
Total
Cost
64,103
74,103
74,103
74,103
74,103
74,103
74,103
74,103
74,103
74,103
Total Average PCE Consumer Total
Cost Rate PmtPer Pmt Per
per Without Eligible PCE Elig
kWh PCE kWh kWh
059 0.47 0.37 0.10
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
068 0.56 0.42 0.15
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
0.68 0.56 0.42 0.15
PCE Eligible
kWh
63,750
63,750
63,750
63.750
63,750
63,750
63,750
63,750
63,750
63.750
Total
PCE
Annual
Cost
23,27
26,648
26,648
26,648
26,648
26.648
26,648
26,648
26,648
26.648 bv LISIHXS
EXHIBIT 5
Cost Estimate
Both generators and switchgear, in 9'x9'x40' module
Tank with secondary containment 5,000 gal.
Fuel piping
40/5 poles (15)
Generator Step-Up Transformer
10 kVA service transformers (12)
Crossarms, insulators, hardware
Wire, primary and secondary
Meters, bases and service entrances (20)
(pre-paid metering system)
Air freight - Anch. - Lime $1727/ 300Ibs (50,000Ibs)
Tool & equipment purchase
Engineering and Construction
Travel & Per Diem
Local Labor 1200 hrs. @ $20.
SUBTOTAL
Contingency @ 20%
TOTAL
100,000.00
15,000.00
800.00
6,150.00
2,000.00
6,000.00
6,500.00
2,500.00
20,000.00
28,800.00
6,000.00
99,320.00
14,000.00
24,000.00
$331,000.00
69,000.00
$400,000.00
MEMO
mee Alaska Energy Authority
From: Alexandra Hill, ISER
Date: November 30, 1992
Re: Lime Village
ECONOMIC PROFILE
1. Description
Lime Village is a small Athapaskan community on the Stony River (a tributary of the
Kuskokwim). It lies within sight of the Alaska Range, about 180 miles west of Anchorage and
120 miles south of McGrath. The nearest other villages are Stony River, Red Devil, and
Sleetmute, between 60 and 100 miles away by river. The 1990 census counted 42 residents
in 14 households. | spoke with 11 households, identified two which were out of town
temporarily and one indefinitely, for a 1992 total of 13 or 14 households, and 13 occupied
housing units.
Public services in Lime Village are limited. The village has a school, a telephone utility,
and a Village Safe Water program well. With no electricity to maintain water circulation, the
well freezes often in winter. Residents still haul much of their water from the river. Houses
are heated with wood, which residents cut themselves or for their neighbors. Residents cook
with propane and on their wood stoves. Some use Coleman stoves. Light is provided by
Coleman lanterns, some kerosene lamps, and some personally generated electricity. Of the
eleven households | interviewed, six are connected to personal generators. Some people use
their generators only for light and radio or television; others have a variety of electric
appliances including power tools, freezers, and a coffee maker.
2. Income
The economy still has a large subsistence component. All those who are able hunt and
fish, and share with those who can’t. There are still several working dog teams in the village,
although most people now rely on snow machines for winter travel. Wage employment in
Lime Village is limited to one full time teacher and a part time job for the Iditarod area school
district; an airport runway maintenance contract with the Alaska Department of
Transportation, and a Health Aide position at the Clinic. In addition, there is occasional
contract work for the utility, school district, clinic and for state-funded capital projects. The
most recent of these was the reinforcement of the well building and road, which were
damaged at breakup. Two people reported work outside the community: one works seasonally
in Anchorage, and the other works as a hunting and fishing guide.
Much of the cash economy is based on transfers of various types. Residents receive
Permanent Fund Dividends and a small dividend from the village corporation. Elders receive
the Longevity Bonus, and several receive Social Security and disability payments. One
household reported AFDC payments.
The average household income of households | surveyed was $11,700. Reported
incomes ranged from $1000 (I doubt this, but he was quite specific) to $23,700. The per
household income numbers which | derived are somewhat lower than those in the 1990
census, and | believe mine are probably somewhat low. | was unable to interview the teacher,
who probably has the highest salary in town; in addition, language problems prevented me
from ascertaining the complete amount of transfer incomes to two of the elders. Nonetheless,
| believe the data to be reasonably accurate, and because it is low, somewhat conservative
in estimating ability to pay.
Slightly more than half of the village’s wage income is funded by the state government.
State funded money included school district and clinic jobs, work on state capital projects,
and the DOT contract for runway clearing. Private wages included work for Native
Corporations and for an private Anchorage firm, guiding, and miscellaneous self-employment.
Over three-quarters of village income comes from "on-going jobs", that is, jobs which
have existed with similar earnings and duties for several years, and may be expected to
continue. One time jobs ($14,000 out of $65,000 total) are primarily work on capital
improvement jobs in the village, and miscellaneous self-employment. One typical self-
employed job reported was that of recovering a plane crashed off the end of the runway, and
putting back into flyable shape. Like state capital projects, wage opportunities vary greatly
from year to year.
Slightly more than half of reported income was earned by the worker travelling out of
Lime Village for work. These jobs included work in Anchorage for a private firm and for native
corporations, and work in the interior guiding and for native corporations.
3. Future Development
a) Definitely Planned
HUD plans to fund construction of 7 units of new housing in the village, according to
Bill Zachares of HUD’s Indian Housing Division. The sites have been acquired and surveyed;
HUD plans to release bid packets in mid-December. Although it’s always difficult to say how
much local income an this project will generate, we might expect about 20% of the total cost
of just over $1 million, or about $200,000, in wages, some of which will go to local workers.
Based on interviews with residents, the housing would largely be replacement housing, not
housing for new households. The most optimistic new household projection | heard was two
or three new households in the next several years.
b) Potential Projects
Residents mentioned a number of other projects which they would like to see happen
and which several of them expected to work towards making happen. Many of these are
heavily or completely dependent on electricity. The primary information sources for these
projects were Philip Bobby, with the Kuskokwim Native Association, and Sandra and Jim
Williams. Sandra is on the Lime Village Traditional Council.
The Kuskokwim Native Association and the Traditional Council would like to open a
shared office. An office facility with modern computer and fax equipment and regular
staff could work to seek funding for some of the other projects listed.
Several residents mentioned the need for a community hall.
The well could be changed from manual to electric pumping, and could be kept from
freezing. Also, Lime Village could consider a community shower point/laundromat if a
hot water heater and running water were added to the well building.
Although it’s probably not high on DOT’s priority list, lighting the runway would be a
major safety improvement.
4. Long Term Outlook
The prospects for economic growth in Lime Village are limited. There is some potential
for tourism, and hunters and fishermen do pass though the area. However, the village is too
remote, expensive, and difficult to reach to attract large numbers of tourists. Currently, the
area’s economy is heavily dependent on state and federal transfers. The Permanent Fund
Dividend and Longevity Bonus programs alone make up over 30% of resident's cash incomes.
Most of the jobs and occasional construction work are paid out of the state budget. At a time
when state and federal budgets are under increasing pressure, there is reason for concern
about an economy so heavily dependent on government spending. However, their continuing
subsistence lifestyle means that Lime residents are potentially able to spend a higher
percentage of their small cash incomes on electricity than are urban dwellers. Their willingness
to do so is evident from the amount spent on generators: somewhere between 4% and 10%
of income for fuel alone.
ELECTRIC CONSUMPTION ISSUES
Residents are eager to see Lime Village electrified, and expect in many cases that their
cost of living will decrease. This is generally supported by the data | collected. In addition, the
telephone utility (Unicom) and the Iditarod Area School District both generate their own
electricity, and both organizations said they would very much prefer to buy from a utility.
1. Residential
a) Potential Uses for Electricity:
All residents reported that they would buy electricity for lighting. Five specifically
mentioned television as something they would definitely use electricity for; three mentioned
electronically controlled wood stoves (such as Toyostoves). As mentioned above, some
residents currently use generators to run freezers, power tools, and small kitchen appliances;
several others mentioned these as items they would be likely to acquire, if they could buy
electricity.
b) Current Costs
Lime villagers could avoid what they currently spend on light and on generator
purchase, maintenance, and fuel if they were purchasing electricity. These cost estimates
ranged from $7/month (low estimate, light only) to $300/month (high estimate, generator,
several electric appliances, lights, and power tools). The average low estimate was
$49/month; the average high estimate, $130/month.
Residents in general had difficulty exactly specifying those costs. Fuel prices varied
according to when fuel was bought, and whether the purchaser could join with others for a
larger order. Also, unleaded fuel is used not only for generators, but also for snow machines,
boats, and chainsaws, making it difficult to estimate fuel use for electricity alone. Likewise,
Coleman fuel for lanterns is also used in stoves; electricity would eliminate only the
consumption for light. Therefore, | calculated a high and low estimate. the low estimate is
based on low fuel costs, low consumption, and long generator life; the high estimate on high
fuel costs, high consumption, and short generator life. Where a generator owner could not tell
me about the costs of his/her generator, | ignored them. For the few people unable to tell me
about fuel prices, | used the range generally reported by the rest: $3.50 to $5/gal for unleaded
fuel, and $4 to $7/gal for coleman fuel.
c) Estimated Consumption
AEA estimated household consumption (AEA memo, 14 Oct 92, from Dick Emerman
to Dave Denig-Chakroff) at 200 kWh/month for 20 residential customers. This may be high.
The Third Annual Statistical Report of the Power Cost Equalization Program indicates that in
the villages of the Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative residents averaged just under 160
kWh/month per customer. Also, | did not identify 20 potential residential customers. There
are thirteen households currently residing in Lime village. Two of these expect to form new
households in the next year or so. A total of 15 households is likely. This helps to define a
range of expected consumption, ranging from 28,800 annual kWh (15 households at 160
kWh/month) to 48,000 annual kWh (20 households at 200 kWh/month).
4
d. Ability to Pay for Electricity
Based on their current spending patterns and incomes, Lime Villagers would easily be
able to pay for electricity at the prices projected by the AEA. The average monthly income is
$978. If average consumption is between 160 and 200 kWh at $.15/kWh, the average bill
would be $24 to $30. The average low estimate for lighting and generator costs is $48, so
at $.15/kWh, residents would enjoy substantial savings. The Oct 14 memo also mentions that
including capital costs would increase annual costs to $1/kWh. If this were the case, after
PCE residential cost would be $.582, for average bills between $93 and $116. This is still less
than the average high estimate of current costs.
2. Non-Residential
a) School
The Iditarod Area School District operates the Lime Village School, and, as part of
doing so, currently operates and maintains generators to supply power to both the school and
the teacher’s quarters. They anticipate that purchasing electricity would save them money by
1) relieving them of the need to spend time and resources dealing with the logistics of
fueling, operating, and repairing the generators; and
2)ending the school district subsidy to the teacher’s utilities. Currently, the District
charges the teacher for utilities, but at a subsidized rate; if power were commercially
available, the teacher would buy her own electricity.
The District fairly recently switched from generating their own power to purchasing power for
the school in Telida. This school building is identical to the one in Lime Village. Its annual
power consumption was 11,474 kWh from Oct 90 to Oct 91 and 13,245 kWh from Oct 91
to Oct 92. Thus, the school could be expected to consume around this amount annually.
Because the teacher would purchase her own electricity from a utility, as is the case in other
District schools, | have included the teacher housing consumption in the estimate of residential
demand.
b) Utility
Unicom, which operates the telephone utility, would also prefer to buy electricity. Like
the school district, they find it very costly to operate their Lime Village generator. Unicom’s
costs have included (in addition to the flight charter costs, fuel handling costs, and paperwork
costs) the cost of an expensive spill clean-up which has made them very careful about fuel
handling and storage. In contrast to the school district, which estimates its delivered fuel
costs at $2.65 to $2.70/gal, Unicom said that handling costs increase their fuel costs to $5
to $10 per gallon. The utility currently uses about 20,000 kWh/year.
c) DOT
The Department of Transportation contracts with a local resident to keep the runway
maintained; for this purpose DOT maintains a grader in Lime Village. This storage building
would probably be equipped with lights and a plug-in for the grader’s engine heater.
d) Clinic
The clinic currently operates without refrigeration, with Coleman lamps and oil heat.
With electricity, they would definitely use electric lights and a refrigerator; they might add
other medical electrical equipment as well.
3. Other Considerations
Village Layout:
The October 14 memo mentions 10 poles in the distribution system. However, not all
the houses in the village are closely located. Of the 15 housing units (2 not completed)
which were pointed out to me, 8 are in the “central village area", and 7 are along the
bank of the Stony River, from the edge of town to about one-half mile upstream (to
the mouth of Hungry Creek). Residents were quite concerned that everyone get power,
not just the houses in the village center. Three of these upriver houses belong to
households with relatively high incomes. The new HUD housing area starts at the edge
of the village and extends away from other homes.
Contaminated Soils:
Unicom was held liable for a spill and, as part of the clean-up, built a landfill for Lime
Village. They recommend sampling soil before building any fuel storage or generating
facilities, as fuel handling was reportedly quite lax in the past.
METHODOLOGY
The Lime Village study consisted of two phases: travel to the village and telephone
discussions both before and after travel with a variety of organizations. Prior to travel, |
discussed the Lime Village economy and potential electrification with Sandra and Jim Williams
(Traditional Council) and with Senator Lincoln’s office. | also reviewed census data on the
village.
| travelled to Lime Village from November 10 to 12, 1992. While there | looked at the
village physical layout and conducted interviews to gather income and expenditure data. |
interviewed an adult member of each household (whoever said they had the most knowledge
of household finances) using an interview form which is attached. The data is summarized in
the spreadsheet and graphs, also attached.
Based on the recommendations from the interviews, on my return | contacted the
utility, school district, HUD, and native corporations to fill in details of consumption issues and
potential future developments.
Contacts:
Lime Village Traditional Council:
Sandy and Jim Williams, Anchorage, 243-6846
Kuskokwim Native Association:
Philip Bobby, Lime Village, no phone
Calista Corporation:
June McAtea, Anchorage, 279-5516
HUD, Indian Housing Division
Bill Zachares, Anchorage, 271-4626
Unicom
Maryann Turner (Controller), Anchorage, 561-1674
Iditarod Area School District
Dave Shelbourne (Facilities Manager), McGrath, 524-3035 ext 231
Sen Georgianna Lincoln’s Office (Fairbanks)
Sandra Borbridge
(LIMEVIL. XLWILIME#S. XLS
Lime Village Households’ Annual Income
Native Corp Longevity Other Xfer Other Xfer
Dividend Dividend Bonus Type Amount Income
1 $934 none $0 $13,534
2 $4,657 Other HH Mbr unk] $23,757
3 $5,588 none $0 $8,938
4 $1,863 Soc Sec $4,200 $9,163
5 $3,725 none $0 $15,725
6 $0 none $0 $1,000
7 $1,863 BBNC help $143 $2,618
8 $1,863 disability $5,064 $10,069
9 $1,863 $6,000 | SSI & Disability unk $8,063
10 $3,725 AFDC $9,852 $19,977
11 $1,863 $3,000 ssl $3,000 $16,207
$65,042
$5,913
$27,943 $12,000 $22,259
$2,540 $3,000 $2,473
$129,051
$11,732
Note: Includes 11 of thirteen identified resident families. Does not include the teacher or one other family out of town
during the interview period.
Page 1
(LIMEVIL.XLWILIME4S.XLS Chart 1
Source of Funds for Lime Village Wage Earnings
Private
44%
State
56%
$28,500
$36,542
Page 1
(LIMEVIL.XLWILIME#S.XLS Chart 2
Estimated Duration of Lime Village Jobs
one-time
22% $14,000
ongoing
78%
$51,042
Page 1
(LIMEVIL. XLWILIME4S. XLS Chart 3
Location of Lime Village Wage Jobs
Out of Village
45% Local
55%
$35,542
29,500
Page 1
(LIMEVIL.XLWIExpends
Lime Village Costs for Lighting and Generators
Generator Related Costs
Fuel Generator
hi
Lamp Related Costs
Fuel
lo —-OCOONONFWH — ~ = Page 1
Monthly
Total Costs
lo
$137
lo
3%
3%
7%
7%
12%
6%
32%
1%
3%
3%
1%
Percent of Monthly Income:
hi
26%
8%
18%
40%
23%
15%
65%
2%
3%
5%
3%
Interview Protocol: Lime Village
Section A: What people currently pay
Fuel Uses:
How do you light your home?
Propane Coleman Lamp Kerosene Lamp Electric Light (generator) Electric
Light (battery) Other
Would you light your home with electricity if it were available?
What Fuel do you use to cook?
Wood Propane Coleman Fuel Kerosene Other
Would you cook with electricity if it were available?
How do you heat your home?
Wood Kerosene Propane Oil Other
Would you heat all or part of your home with electricity if it were available?
Do you own any electric appliances?
\f yes, how do you provide electricity for the appliances?
Would you use electricity provided by a utility instead of your generator if it were available?
Costs:
IL HH has a generator:
How many galions/month of fuel do you use in your generator in the winter?
In the Summer?
Type of Fuel
How much does it cost per gallon?
Other Fuels:
How much Propane do you use for (uses id’d above) in a winter month?
In a summer month?
How much does propane cost?
How much Coleman Fuel do you use for (uses id’d above) in a winter month?
In a summer month?
How much does it cost?
How much Kerosene do you use for (uses id’d above) in a winter month?
In a summer month?
How much does it cost?
How much Diesel do you use for (uses id’d above) in a winter month?
In a summer month?
How much does it cost?
How much (Other Fuel) do you use for (uses id’d above) in a winter month?
In a summer month?
How much does it cost?
————
Section B: Income
How much income did your HH receive in the last year from Permanent Fund
Dividends?
And how much income did someone in the HH earn as wages?
__0-10,000 ___10-20,000 ___20-30,000 __30-40,000 __40-50,000 ___more than 50,000
How much was other government transfers? (identify)
Longevity Bonus
AFDC
Other
What other sources of income, besides those listed above, did your household have in 1991?
Write types and probe for amounts:
Type Amount
Type. Amount.
Type. Amount
Type Amount
So, altogether, what was your household’s total cash income in the last twelve
months?
\f necessary:
__0-10,000 ___10-20,000 ___20-30,000 ___30-40,000 __40-50,000 ___ more than 50,000
Do people in Lime Village travel out of Lime Village for jobs?
Are there projects planned for the future that might provide new local jobs for Lime Village residents?
Details: