HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrant Application (signed)Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
Application Forms and Instructions
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
This instruction page and the following grant application constitutes the Grant Application Form for
Round 14 of the Renewable Energy Fund (REF). A separate application form is available for
projects with a primary purpose of producing heat (see Request for Applications (RFA) Section
1.5). This is the standard form for all other projects, including projects that will produce heat and
electricity. An electronic version of the RFA and both application forms is available online at:
https://www. akenergyauthority. org/What-We-Do/Grants-Loans/Renewable-Energy-F und/2021 -
REF-Application .
What follows are some basic information and instructions for this application:
• The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) expects this application to be used as part of a two-year
solicitation cycle with an opt-out provision in the second year of the cycle.
• If you are applying for grants for more than one project, provide separate application forms for
each project.
• Multiple phases (e.g. final design, construction) for the same project may be submitted as one
application.
• If you are applying for grant funding for more than one phase of a project, provide milestones
and grant budget for each phase of the project (see Sections 3.1 and 3.2.2).
• In order to ensure that grants provide sufficient benefit to the public, AEA may limit
recommendations for grants to preliminary development phases in accordance with 3 Alaska
Administrative Code (ACC) 1 07.605(1 ).
• If some work has already been completed on your project and you are requesting funding for
an advanced phase, submit information sufficient to demonstrate that the preceding phases are
completed and funding for an advanced phase is warranted. Supporting documentation may
include, but is not limited to, reports, conceptual or final designs, models, photos, maps, proof
of site control, utility agreements, business and operation plans, power sale agreements,
relevant data sets, and other materials. Please provide a list of supporting documents in
Section 11 of this application and attach the documents to your application.
• If you have additional information or reports you would like the Authority to consider in
reviewing your application, either provide an electronic version of the document with your
submission or reference a web link where it can be downloaded or reviewed. Please provide a
list of additional information; including any web links, in Section 12 of this application and attach
the documents to your application. For guidance on application best practices please refer to
the resource-specific Best Practices Checklists; links to the checklists can be found in the
appendices list at the end of the accompanying REF Round 14 RFA.
• In the Sections below, please enter responses in the spaces provided. You may add additional
rows or space to the form to provide sufficient space for the information, or attach additional
sheets if needed.
• If you need assistance with your application, please contact AEA's Grants Coordinator by email
at grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771-3081.
AEA 23001 Page 1 of 36 11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
REMINDER:
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
• AEA is subject to the Public Records Act AS 40.25, and materials submitted to AEA may be
subject to disclosure requirements under the act if no statutory exemptions apply.
• All applications received will be posted on the Authority web site after final recommendations
are made to the legislature. Please submit resumes as separate PDFs if the applicant would
like those excluded from the web posting of this application.
• In accordance with 3 AAC 107.630 (b) Applicants may request trade secrets or proprietary
company data be kept confidential subject to review and approval by AEA. If you want
information to be kept confidential the applicant must:
o Request the information be kept confidential.
o Clearly identify the information that is the trade secret or proprietary in their application.
o Receive concurrence from the Authority that the information will be kept confidential. If
the Authority determines it is not confidential, it will be treated as a public record in
accordance with AS 40.25 or returned to the applicant upon request.
AEA 23001 Page 2 of36 11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
SECTION 1 -APPLICANT INFORMATION
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHOR ITY
Please specify the legal grantee that will own, operate, and maintain the project upon completion.
Name (Name of utility, IPP, local government, or other government entity)
City of Homer, Department of Public Works
Tax ID # 92-0030963
Date of last financial statement audit: 12/31/2020
Mailing Address: Physical Address:
3575 Heath St. 3575 Heath St.
Homer, AK 99603 Homer, AK 99603
Telephone: Fax: Email:
(907) 235-3170 Fax: (907) 235-3145 OMeyer@ci. homer.ak.us
1.1 Applicant Point of Contact I Grants Coordinator
Name: Owen Meyer Title: Project Technician
Mailing Address:
3575 Heath St.
Homer, AK 99603
Telephone: Fax: Email:
(907) 435-3124 Fax: (907) 235-3145 OMeyer@ci.homer.ak.us
1.1.1 Applicant Signatory Authority Contact Information
Name: Janette Keiser Title: Public Works Director
Mailing Address:
3575 Heath St. Homer, AK 99603
Telephone: Fax: Email:
(907) 435-3141 Fax: (907) 235-3145 jkeiser@ci.homer.ak.us
1.1.2 Applicant Alternate Points of Contact
I Name I Telephone: I Email:
AEA 23001 Page 3 of 36 11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
ALAS KA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
1.2 Applicant Minimum Requirements
Please check as appropriate. If applicants do not meet the minimum requirements, the application
will be rejected.
1.2.1 Applicant Type
D An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05
CPCN # , or
D An independent power producer in accordance with 3 AAC 107.695 (a) (1)
CPCN# , or
181 A local government, or
D A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities)
Additional minimum r uirements -
181 1.2.2 Attached to this application is formal approval and endorsement for the project by the
applicant's board of directors, executive management, or other governing authority. If the
applicant is a collaborative grouping, a formal approval from each participant's governing
authority is necessary. (Indicate yes by_ checking the box)
181 1.2.3 As an applicant, we have administrative and financial management systems and follow
procurement standards that comply with the standards set forth in the grant agreement
(Section 3 of the RFA). (Indicate yes by checking the box)
181 1.2.4 If awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and conditions of the award as
identified in the Standard Grant Agreement template at
httQs:/ /www .akenergy:authority: .orgN.J hat -We -Oo/G rants-Loans/Renewable-Energy:-
Fund/2021-AEF-A!;!Qiication (Any exceptions should be clearly noted and submitted with the
application .) (Indicate yes by checking the box)
181 1.2.5 We intend to own and operate any project that may be constructed with grant funds for
the benefit of the general public. If no please describe the nature of the project and who will
be the primary beneficiaries. (Indicate yes by checking the box)
AEA 23001 Page 4 of36 11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
I SECTION 2-PROJECT SUMMARY
..
2.1 Project Title -
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Provide a 4 to 7 word title for your project. Type in the space below.
Homer Energy Recovery Project
2.2 Project Location
2.2.1 Location of Project -Latitude and longitude (preferred), street address, or
community name.
Latitude and longitude coordinates may be obtained from Google Maps by finding you project's
location on the map and then right clicking with the mouse and selecting "What is here? The
coordinates will be displayed in the Google search window above the map in a format as follows:
61.195676.-149.898663. If you would like assistance obtaining this information, please contact
AEA's Grants Coordinator by email at grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771-
3081.
Latitude I I Longitude I
Site 1 Latitude: 59.66458, Longitude: -151.52532
(City of Homer PRV04-EF Fireweed Ave. site)
Site 2 Latitude: 59.6625, Longitude: -151.52255
(City of Homer PRV05-SK East Hill Rd. site)
Site 1 Latitude: 59.65956, Longitude: -151.52017
(City of Homer PRV06-BT East Hill Rd. site)
2.2.2 Community benefiting-Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
City of Homer
~ -
2.3 Project Type
Please check as appropriate.
'-I 2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
D Wind D Biomass or Biofuels (excluding heat-only)
~ Hydro, Including Run of River D Hydrokinetic
D Geothermal, Excluding Heat Pumps D Transmission of Renewable Energy
D Solar Photovoltaic D Storage of Renewable
D Other (Describe) D Small Natural Gas
I
l 2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply),_ ____ __,
AEA 23001 Pa ge 5 of36 11/16/2021
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Grant Application -Standard Form
Pre-Construction
D Reconnaissance 181
D Feasibility and Conceptual Design 181
AEA 23001 Page 6 of 36
Construction
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Final Design and Permitting
Construction
11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
2.4 Project Description
Provide a brief, one-paragraph description of the proposed project.
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
In the City of Homer, there exist three pressure control facilities located in the City's distribution
system. This a mission critical pipeline where the City manages pressure for the potable water
supply from the treatment plant to residences and business customers. These pressure control
facilities are currently venting excess pressure that the City wants to recover and use to produce
renewable energy. The proposed project will create a flow bypass around the existing pressure
control valve at each site to flow through an energy recovery system. This system shall utilize an
integrated solution, a pressure recovery valve that will generate a new source of renewable
energy, reduce Homer's carbon footprint, save water and extend the life of its infrastructure. The
proposed project shall have a capacity of 19 kW and generate 93,000 kwh that will be used to
reduce operating costs for the City's Department of Public Works.
2.5 Scope of Work g
Provide a short narrative for the scope of work detailing the tasks to be performed under this
funding request. This should include work paid for by grant funds and matching funds or performed
as in-kind match.
The proposed project is comprised of the installation of three energy recovery units at City of
Homer's sites that house pressure reducing valve and related support equipment in existing vaults.
For each site, a flow bypass will be installed in a water pipeline that will direct flow through the
hydroelectric energy recovery unit. This unit will use a pump-style hydro turbine combined with a
standard electric generator. Additionally, sensors, pressure transducers, flow control meters, and
pressure control valves are utilized in conjunction with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to
monitor and adjust the delivery pressure in accordance with operational requirements.
For each site, the existing low flow bypasses shall be removed. The energy recovery system shall
be installed in a new purpose-built 6" bypass. The units shall be preassembled outside the vault
and then moved to the vault to be installed in the new bypass. All connections are bolted flanges
and adjustments are made via dismantling joints. Once fully installed, the energy recovery unit is
energized by allowing water flow through the system.
The control panel unit will be installed outside the vault in an enclosure. The installation shall
include installation of power outage protection and auto shut off to comply with parallel
interconnection rules.
2.6 Previous REF Applications for the Project
See Section 1.15 of the RFA for the maximum per project cumulative grant award amount
Round Title of application Application Did you Amount of REF
Submitted #, if known receive a grant awarded
Not
applicable
AEA 23001 Page 7 of36
grant? Y/N _..,l.($~;) __ ~
11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
SECTION 3 -Project Management, Development, and Operation
13.1 Schedule and Milestones
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Please fill out the schedule below (or attach a similar sheet) for the work covered by this funding
request. Be sure to identify key tasks and decision points, including go/no go decisions, in your
project along with estimated start and end dates for each of the milestones and tasks. Please
clearly identify the beginning and ending of all phases (1. Reconnaissance, II. Feasibility and
Conceptual Design, Ill. Final Design and Permitting , and IV. Construction) of your proposed
project. See the RFA, Sections 2.3 -2 .6 for the recommended milestones for each phase . Add
additional rows as needed.
Task
# Milestones Tasks Start Date End Date Deliverable&
1 Final Design Mechanical and Mechanical and
electrical engineering electrical design
design Month 0 Month 3 drawings
2 Regulatory FERC Exemption Notice of FERC
Month 2 Month 4 exemption
3 Sourcing Procurement of Equipment
project comp_onents Month 3 Month 6 specifications list
4 Interconnection Completion of the Approval of
electric util ity interconnection
interconnection agreement
agreement Month 5 Month 7
5 Construction Installation of bypass Photo
in water pipeline, documentation,
energy recovery inspection , delivery
system installation, of energy
controls, and electric al
installation Month 6 Month 12
AEA 23001 Page 8 of 36 11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
1 3.2 Budget
3.2.1 Funding Sources
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Indicate the funding sources for the phase(s) of the project applied for in this funding request.
Grant funds requested in this application $492,500
Cash match to be provideda $o
In-kind match to be provideda $107,000
Energy efficiency match providedb $0
Total costs for project phase(s) covered in application (sum of $599,500
above)
Describe your financial commitment to the project and the source(s) of match. Indicate whether
these matching funds are secured or pending future approvals. Describe the impact, if any, that
the timing of additional funds would have on the ability to proceed with the grant.
The form of the match shall be labor provided by Public Works Dept. technicians. Note that these
personnel are highly experienced and have constructed comparable projects, such as PRV station
rebuilds.
The City of Homer Public Works Dept. is highly committed to the Project. The match in·kind
resources are secured.
a Attach documentation for proof (see Section 1. 18 of the Request for Applications)
b See Section 8.2 of this application and Section 1. 18 of the RFA for requirements for Energy Efficiency
Match.
3.2.2 Cost Overruns
Describe the plan to cover potential cost increases or shortfalls in funding.
The City of Homer Public Works Dept. has budget capacity to address potential cost overruns.
3.2.3 Total Project Costs
Indicate the anticipated total cost by phase of the project (including all funding sources). Use actual
costs for completed phases. Indicate if the costs were actual or estimated.
Reconnaissance
Feasibility and Conceptual Design
Final Design and Permitting Estimated $79,500
Construction Estimated $505,000
Total Project Costs (sum of above) Estimated $584,500
Metering!Tracking Equipment $15,000
3.2.4 Funding Subsequent Phases
If subsequent phases are required beyond the phases being applied for in this application,
describe the anticipated sources of funding and the likelihood of receipt of those funds.
• State and/or federal grants
• Loans, bonds, or other financing options
• Additional incentives (i.e. tax credits)
• Additional revenue streams (i.e. green tag sales or other renewable energy subsidies or
programs that might be available)
Not applicable
AEA 23001 Page 9 of36 11/16/2021
' I
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
3.2.3 Budget Forms
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Applications MUST include a separate worksheet for each project phase that was identified in
Section 2 .3.2 of this application -I. Reconnaissance, II. Feasibility and Conceptual Design, Ill.
Final Design and Permitting, and IV. Construction. Please use the tables provided below to detail
your proposed project's total budget. Be sure to use one table for each phase of vour project. and
delete any unnecessary tables. The milestones and tasks should match those listed in 3 .1 above.
If you have any question regarding how to prepare these tables or if you need assistance preparing
the application please feel free to contact AEA 's Grants Coordinator by email at
grants@akenergvauthoritv.org or by phone at (907) 771-3081.
Phase 1 -Reconnaissance
I Source of
Matching
Funds: Anticipated RE-Fund Grantee CasMn-Milestone or Task Completion Matching I TOTALS Grant Funds kind/Federal I Date Funds Grants/Other '
State
Grants/Other
(List mifestones based on
phase and type of project. See $ $ $ Sections 2 .3 thru 2 .6 of the
RFA J
NA $ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $ !
$ $ $ ----
I--TOTALS $ $ $ --Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $ $ $
Travel &Per Diem $ $ $
EQu ipment $ --$ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $ -Contractual Services $ . $ $ -Construction Services $ $ $
Other $ $ $
TOTALS $ $ $
AEA 23001 Page 10 of 36 11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
Phase 2 -Feasibilit.r and Conce_Htual Desjg_n
Source of
Matching
Anticipated Grantee Funds:
RE-Fund Cash/In-Milestone or Task Completion Grant Funds Matching kind/Federal Date Funds Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
(List milestones based on
phase and type of project. $ $ See Sections 2.3 thru 2.6 of
the RFA ) '
NA -$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $ -TOTALS $ $
~et Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $ $
Travel & Per Diem $ $
Equipment $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $
Contractual Services $ ~ Construction Services $ --
·-~ ~her ~ $
TOTALS $ ..!...
AEA 23001 Page 11 of 36
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
TOTALS
11/16/2021
I
'
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
Phase 3 -Final D~tsian and Permittin'
Anticipated Grantee RE-Fund Milestone or Task Completion Grant Funds Matching
Date Funds
(List milestones based on
phase and type of project. $ $ See Sections 2.3 fhru 2.6 of
the RFA)
Mec hanical design $45,000 $
Electrical desiQn $30,000 $
Regulatory $4 ,000 $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
TOTALS $79,500 $
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $ $
Travel & Per Diem $ $
Equipment $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $
Contract ual Services $79 500 $
Construction Services $ $
Other $ $
TOTALS $79,500 $
AEA 23001 Page 12 of 36
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
'
$
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
TOTALS
$45,000
$30,000
$4 ,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
. $79,500
$
$
$
$
$79 500
$
$
$79 500
11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
Phase 4 -Construction -
Anticipated Grantee RE· Fund Milestone or Task Completion Grant Funds Matching
Date Funds
(List milestones based on
phase and type of project. $ $ See Sections 2.3 thru 2.6 of
the RFA)
Sourcing $357,500 $
Interconnection $20,000 $
Construction $142.,500 $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
TOTALS --$520,000 $
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $72,000 $
Travel & Per Diem $ $
Equipment $ $
Materials & Supplies $372,500 $
Contractual Services $10,000 $
Construction Services $66,000 $
Other $ $
TOTALS $520,000 $
AEA 23001 Page 13 of36
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
$
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
TOTALS
$357,500
$20,000
$142,500
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$520,500
$72,000
$
$
$372,500
$10,000
$66,000
$
$520,500
11116/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
3.2.4 Cost Justification
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHOR ITY
Indicate the source(s) of the cost estimates used for the project budget, including costs for future
phases not included in this application.
Costs utilized two sources:
-City of Homer labor rates and design and construction experience based on recent pressure
reducing valve (PRV) station rebuilds.
-Recent experience on comparable projects.
I 3.3 Project Communications
3.3.1 Project Progress Reporting
Describe how you plan to monitor the progress of the project and keep AEA informed of the status.
Who will be responsible for tracking the progress? What tools and methods will be used to track
progress?
The project manager and grant coordinator shall track project progress based on input from City of
Homer staff, contractors, and suppliers. The team shall also perform site visits as appropriate
during the construction period.
Progress shall be tracked regularly, at least on a quarterly basis (monthly option available based
on Alaska Energy Authority input) and submit electronically.
j3.3.2 Financial Reporting
Describe the controls that will be utilized to ensure that only costs that are reasonable, ordinary
and necessary will be allocated to this project. Also discuss the controls in place that will ensure
that no expenses for overhead, or any other unallowable costs will be requested for reimbursement
from the REF Grant Program .
The project manager and project accountant shall monitor city staff timesheets as well as invoicing
by project contractors and suppliers to assure that all project charges are reasonable, ordinary and
necessary. The expenditures shall be tracked and reported to the Alaska Energy Authority for
review as an element of the progress report as described above .
As a City of Homer Public Works Dept. activity, the project's finances shall be subject to the City's
independent audit process. An example of the audit results and financial statements performed by
BOO, an independent accounting firm , can be found at the link below:
https://www .cityofhomer -ak.gov/f inance/audits
The City's City Manager and Finance Director oversee controls for city departments and manage
the audit process .
AEA 23001 Page 14 of36 11/16/2021
Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
I SECTION 4-QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
4.1 Project Team
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Include resumes for known key personnel and contractors, including all functions below, as an
attachment to your application. In the electronic submittal, please submit resumes as separate
PDFs if the applicant would like those excluded from the web posting of this application.
4.1.1 Project Manager
Indicate who will be managing the project for the Grantee and include contact information. If the
applicant does not have a project manager indicate how you intend to solicit project management
support. If the applicant expects project management assistance from AEA or another government
entity, state that in this section.
Janette Keiser, Public Works Director
4.1.2 Project Accountant
Indicate who will be performing the accounting of this project for the grantee. If the applicant does
not have a project accountant indicate how you intend to solicit financial accounting support.
Owen Meyer, Project technician
4.1.3 Expertise and Resources
Describe the project team including the applicant, partners, and contractors.
For each member of the project team, indicate:
• the milestones/tasks in 3.1 they will be responsible for;
• the knowledge, skills, and experience that will be used to successfully deliver the tasks;
• how time and other resource conflicts will be managed to successfully complete the task.
If contractors have not been selected to complete the work, provide reviewers with sufficient detail
to understand the applicant's capacity to successfully select contractors and manage complex
contracts.
Janette ("Jan") Keiser will act as the Project Manager. Jan is the current City Engineer/Public
Works Director for the City of Homer. Jan is a registered professional Civil Engineer in the state of
Alaska and a member of the Washington State Bar Association. Jan has over 20 years of
experience planning, developing and managing public works infrastructure, including water/sewer
utilities and roads. In previous roles she has acted as a County Engineer/Public Works Director for
Skagit County (WA) and a Project Engineer for the US Public Health Service, Indian Health
Service. She has also served as Construction Counsel for Seattle Metro and Seattle Transit. Jan
has worked on multiple energy projects as a consulting engineer including performing feasibility
and analysis for an anaerobic digester project for the City of Hoonah, AK and a waste plastic to
diesel pyrolysis project in Atlanta, GA.
Owen Meyer, Grant Coordinator and Project Accountant, the Project Technician for the City of
Homer Public Works Department. This entails various duties, including assembling bid packages
for construction projects, writing task and change orders for surveyors, engineers and other
professionals, managing and tracking proj ect finances, drafting language for ordinances and
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Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application-Standard Form
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
resolutions to facilitate projects and public outreach. Owen also serves on the Kachemak Bay
Advisory Planning Commission.
Gregg Semler, CEO of lnPipe Energy (a Launch Alaska program participant) leads the City's
design consultant and energy recovery equipment supplier for the Project. A veteran of the clean
energy market, Gregg brings more than two decades of energy recovery technology and
leadership skills to In Pipe Energy. He and his team designed and installed the first large-scale, in·
pipe urban hydro project in the US. He has recently managed multiple Northwest energy recovery
projects in water distribution infrastructure, including energy recovery system installations at a
Skagit PUD pressure management and pumping station in Mt. Vernon, WA and at a pressure
control station co-located with a recreation complex and EV charging in the City of Hillsboro, OR.,
which have been featured in a range of publications including WaterWorld, Hydro Review, and
, Smart Energy Inti.
In Pipe Energy shall provide design and project development support to the City of Homer in Task 1
(Final Design), Task 2 (Regulatory), Task 3 (Sourcing) and Task 4 (Interconnection). The City of
Homer, utilizing primarily Public Works Dept. staff, shall undertake the Project
construction/installation.
4.2 Local Workforce
Describe how the project will use local labor or train a local labor workforce.
The project construction and installation shall be undertaken by the City of Homer Public Works
Department's trained mechanical technicians and as well as local journeyman electricians.
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Renewable Energy Fund Round 14
Grant Application -Standard Form
I SECTION 5-TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
I 5.1 Resource Availability
5.1.1 Assessment of Proposed Energy Resource
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Describe the potential extent/amount of the energy resource that is available, including average
resource availability on an annual basis. For pre-construction applications, describe the resource to
the extent known. For design and permitting or construction projects, please provide feasibility
documents, design documents, and permitting documents (if applicable) as attachments to this
application (See Section 11 ). Likelihood of the resource being available over the life of the project.
See the "Resource Assessment" section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
The energy resource is a function of the pressure differential and flowrates at each pressure
control station.
The site pressure characteristics are as summarized below:
-City of Homer PRV04-EF Fireweed Ave. site: 56 psig Net (Inlet: 86/0utlet: 32)/129 ft. Net Head
-City of Homer PRVOS-SK East Hill Rd. site: 70 psig Net (Inlet: 103/0ut/et: 29)/162 ft. Net Head
-City of Homer PRV06-BT East Hill Rd. site: 95 psig Net (Inlet: 149/0utlet: 50)/219 Net Head
The system flow characteristics are as follows: 265 gpm average flow
By month: 208 (Jan.), 211 (Feb.), 207 (Mar.), 223 (Apr.), 289 (May), 351 (Jun.), 405 (Jul.), 324
(Aug.), 266 (Sep.), 252 (Oct.), 230 (Nov.), 212 (Dec.).
For this analysis, the hydraulics were used as inputs and pump-based turbine curves were utilized
to determine energy production. The projected energy production for the three sites is 93,000 kWh
per year (combined capacity of 19 kW operating at 55.8% capacity factor). See section 5.4.5.2.
Note that the City of Homer's Water and Sewer Master Plan show that a 3% population growth rate
that leads to a corresponding increase in flows in the City's water distribution system, which can
contribute to future energy project production increases.
5.1.2 Alternatives to Proposed Energy Resource
Describe the pros and cons of your proposed energy resource vs. other alternatives that may be
available for the market to be served by your project.
The Project has multiple advantages when compared to the alternatives to the proposed energy
resource.
The alternative to the Project is the use of grid-sourced electricity from Homer Electric, which
includes energy sourced from multiple fossil fuel-fired plants (Bernice Lake Combustion Turbine
Plant, Nikiski Combined Cycle Plant, Soldotna Combustion Turbine Plant, etc.). As the first City in
Alaska to develop a local Climate Action Plan, Homer is seeking opportunities to reduce the
carbon-intensity of its energy supply. Converting an on-site source of wasted energy is the best
path to decarbonize operations of the City's water infrastructure.
Grid-supplied energy in Homer has risen at a rate almost twice that of general price inflation. The
general service energy rate, including energy charges plus the cost of power adjustment (COPA)
and regulatory cost charges , are currently 24 cents per kilowatt -hour -more than twice the US
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average (US EIA). Reducing costs through energy recovery can also be beneficial in reducing
water delivery expenses and potentially water rates.
5.1.3 Permits
Provide the following information as it may relate to permitting and how you intend to address
outstanding permit issues. See the "Environmental and Permitting Risks" section of the appropriate
Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
• List of applicable permits
• Anticipated permitting timeline
• Identify and describe potential barriers including potential permit timing issues, public
opposition that may result in difficulty obtaining permits, and other permitting barriers
Note that the project consists of a change in equipment configuration at an existing facility and the
City will be undertaking construction on its own behalf, it is expected that there are no permits
required .
5.2 Project Site
Describe the availability of the site and its suitability for the proposed energy system. Identify
potential land ownership issues, including whether site owners have agreed to the project or how
you intend to approach land ownership and access issues. See the "Site control" section of the
1
appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
The project sites are all City of Homer facilities on City property, there are no land ownership or
access issues.
I 5.3 Project Technical & Environmental Risk
5.3.1 Technical Risk
Describe potential technical risks and how you would address them.
• Which tasks are expected to be most challenging?
• How will the project team reduce the risk of these tasks?
• What internal controls will be put in place to limit and deal with technical risks?
See the "Common Planning Risks" section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
The planned equipment and construction/installation practices have been proven through the 1
deployment and operations of comparable equipment configurations.
A primary technical risk is the limited dimensions of the hatch and vault in terms of space to
perlorm assembly tasks. This will require a process that installs piping and system components in
subassemblies at the surface above each vault. These subassemblies will then be installed in
sequence to complete the finished system. Use of computer-aided design (CAD) tools can mitigate
these issues by determining the optimal sequencing of parts assembly prior to the
construction/installation.
Additionally, the materials choices and installation of the pipe fittings connecting the system
components will need to take into account the low temperatures present at the sites to assure long-
term reliability (30 yrs.+).
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5.3.2 Environmental Risk
Explain whether the following environmental and land use issues apply, and if so which project
team members will be involved and how the issues will be addressed. See the "Environmental and
Permitting Risks" section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
• Threatened or endangered species
• Habitat issues
• Wetlands and other protected areas
• Archaeological and historical resources
• Land development constraints
• Telecommunications interference
• Aviation considerations
• Visual, aesthetics impacts
• Identify and describe other potential barriers
The project consists of a change of equipment configuration inside existing City facilities so there
are no known environmental risks.
Note that the Project has received a support letter from the Homer Soil& Water Conservation
District (see attached).
5.4 Technical Feasibility of Proposed Energy System
In this section you will describe and give details of the existing and proposed systems. The
information for existing system will be used as the baseline the proposal is compared to and also
used to make sure that proposed system can be integrated.
Only complete sections applicable to your proposal. If your proposal only generates electricity, you
can remove the sections for thermal (heat) generation. -
5.4.1 Basic Operation of Existing Energy System
Describe the basic operation of the existing energy system including: description of control system;
spinning reserve needs and variability in generation (any high loads brought on quickly); and
current voltage, frequency, and outage issues across system. See the "Understanding the Existing
System" section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
No existing energy systems are present at the project sites other than an electrical grid connection.
5.4.2 Existing Energy Generation Infrastructure and Production
In the following tables, only fill in areas below applicable to your project. You can remove extra
tables. If you have the data below in other formats, you can attach them to the application (see
Section 11 ) .
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5.4.2.1 Existing Power Generation Units
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Include for each unit include: resource/fuel, make/model, design capacity (kW), minimum
operational load (kW), RPM, electronic/mechanical fuel injection, make/model of genset
controllers, hours on genset
Unit 1: NA
Unit2:
Unit 3:
Unit 4:
Unit 5:
Unit6:
Is the re operational heat recovery? (Y/N ) If yes estimated N
annual displaced heating fuel (gallons)
5.4.2.2 Existing Distribution System
Describe the basic elements of the distribution system . Include the capacity of the step-up
transformer at the powerhouse , the distribution voltage(s) across the community , any transmission
voltages, and other elements that will be affected by the proposed project.
The cu rrent system consists of 480V (two locations) and 220V (one location) distribution lines with
electric panels and meters at. each site.
5.4.2.3 Existing Thermal Generation Units (if applicable to vour project) -
Generation Resource/ Design
unit Fuel type capacity
-(MMBtu/hr)
NA r----
d replacement costs for 5.4.2.4 O&M an
existing units ----
i. Annual 0 &M cost for labor
&M cost for non-labor ii. Annual 0
iii. Replace
existing uni
ment schedule and cost for
ts
Make Model Average Year Hours
annual Installed
--·-~fficiency
-r-----
·-
Power Generation Thermal Generation
NA
I NA
NA
5.4.2.5 Annual Electricity Production and Fuel Consumption (Existing System)
Use most recent year. Replace the section (Type 1 ), (Type 2), and (Type 3) with generation
sources
Month Generati Gene ratio Generatio Fuel Fuel Pea Minimu
on(Type n (Type 2) n (Type 3) Consumptio Consumptio k m Load
1) (kWh) (kWh) n n Loa
(kWh) (Diesel-{Other] d
Gallons) ---
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January: NA ·--1----t February -'-L t March
April
,....---I ~
June
July__ --I
_J
August ~ Septembe -~--i r --,_
October -November
December --Total
=r
--
--
-t----
-
--
ALASKA
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AUTHOR ITY
··-'--=
-
--
-
~-
5.4.2.6 Annual Heating Fuel Consumption (Existing System)
Use most recent year. Include only if your project affects the recovered heat off the diesel
genset or will include electric heat loads. Only include heat loads affected by the ~roject.
Month Diesel Electricity Propane Coal Wood Other
(Gallons) (Gallons) (Tons) (Cords,
green tons,
-~A - ----_Q_ty tons) ---January -February -·--March -
April -May
~ I~ c~
June -July -'!---·-August
L'
September 1----1---October
---1-------November --December --Total
I 5.4.3 Future Trends
Describe the anticipated energy demand in the community, or whatever will be affected by the
project, over the life of the project. Explain how the forecast was developed and provide year by
year forecasts. As appropriate, include expected changes to energy demand, peak load, seasonal 1 variations, etc. that will affect the project. _J
The Homer Water and Sewer Mater Plan evaluated population trends and the status of private
development within the City and concluded that population and related demand growth through 2025
is forecast to be 3.0%. Note that this Project addresses energy use for water and related
infrastructure so it shall not be impacted by demand fluctuations.
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5.4.4 Proposed System Design
Provide the following information for the proposed renewable energy system:
• A description of renewable energy technology specific to project location
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
• The total proposed capacity and a description of how the capacity was determined
• Integration plan, including upgrades needed to existing system(s) to integrate renewable
energy system: Include a description of the controls, storage, secondary loads , distribution
upgrades that will be included in the project
• Civil infrastructure that will be completed as part of the project-bu ild ings, roads, etc.
• Include what backup and/or supplemental system will be in place
See the "Proposed System Design " section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
Renewable energy technology approach
The project shall utilize an energy recovery system to accurately replicate the functional ity of a
pressure recovery valve while scavenging otherwise wasted energy (vented pressure) to produce
carbon-free, renewable energy.
' Key benefits to the City of Homer i nclude:
-Reliable water pressure-power generation management -The system accurately manages
downstream delivery pressure and optimizes energy production without hav ing to change the current
infrastructure.
-Lower cost, manageable installation -The energy recovery system is modular so it can be delivered
w ith key components pre -assembled ready for installation directly into a bypass at each site .
-Standardized grid interconnection capability. The components comply with uti l ity safety and
reliability requ irements.
-Improved data-driven water management. The energy recovery system can collect important data
which can be fed to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and/or a data dashboard.
The system will use proven off-the-shelf hardware components (pipes, valves, microturbines,
generators and s ensors) and a software-based control system and sensors with industry-standard
lifecycle performance.
Project design
Due to the topography and layout of the City of Homer, multiple PRV stations are required throughout
the City's supply network to provide potable water to residences and businesses at usable pressures.
From the City's water treatment plant, located on Skyline drive, flow is divided between two main
trunk lines (east and west).
Along the east trunk line, there are three pressure control stations that receive water with constant
flow making them well suited for energy recovery systems. These sites are known as PRV04-(Effler)
EF -Fireweed Ave ., PRVOS-(Switchback) SK-East Hill Rd., and PRV06-(Bartlett) BT-East Hill
Rd. At each of these pressure control sites, there are vault structures that house existing 6 ' pressure
control valves on the main water pipelines as well as bypasses with smaller 2" and 3" valves to
accommodate lower flow periods located in a vault structure.
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The project shall involve removing the existing bypass and installing a new bypass around the
existing 6' PRVs to flow through the energy recovery system. The units will be controlled by a
programmable logic controller. The control system will be installed in a weather-proof enclosure on
the surface adjacent to the vault. The controls will be self-contained including all controllers, relays,
ancillary power factor correction capacitors (PFCCs) and a programmable logic controller (PLC)
system.
The design shall comply with the Homer Electric rules governing parallel interconnection, including
power outage protection and auto shut off and restart. The system has a single microprocessor
multifunction relay and the main trip functions are backed up with a dissimilar yet equal trip function.
For example, the instantaneous high current trip function will be first tripped by the relay but will also
be tripped by the circuit breaker as a secondary means of protection.
The combined site capacity is 19 kW. This capacity was determined by comparing the site hydraulics
to the curves for pump as a turbine (PAT) generation units. The PAT models that are most optimal
in terms of energy production and conversion efficiency for the operating ranges present at City of
Homer pressure control sites were utilized.
5.4.4.1 Proposed Power Generation Units
Unit# Resource/ Design Make Model Expected Expected Expected
Fuel type capacity capacity life Availability
(kW) factor (years) .
1 Hydroelectric 19 In Pipe ln-PRV 56% 30 98%
~
Ener,gy --.
5.4.4.2 Pro~sed Thermal General~ Units (!f ape.Jicablel_
r-Generation Resource/ Design Make Model Expected Expected
unit Fuel type capacity Average life
(MMBtu/hr) annual
-------efficiency _ r-NA --f-
[ 5.4.5 ------------------------------------. Basic Operation of Proposed Energy System
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• To the best extent possible, describe how the proposed energy system will operate : When will
the system operate, how will the system integrate with the existing system, how will the
control systems be used, etc.
• When and how will the backup system(s) be expected to be used
See the "Proposed System Design" section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
The project will be configured to connect upstream and downstream of a City of Homer existing
pressure reducing valve and thus create a bypass loop. A controlled portion of the water flowing
through the existing water pipeline is diverted and enters the bypass loop. This flow passes
through the energy recovery system's hydroelectric microturbine and generates electrical energy
by harvesting the excess pressure in the diverted water. A pressure reducing valve is installed
upstream of the turbine to regulate the pressure entering the bypass loop and ensure safe
operation of the turbine. The upstream pressure reducing valve ensures that the turbine and the
energy generation rate is not impacted by upstream pressure fluctuations of the water distribution
system. The energy recovery system's integrated downstream pressure control valve ensures that
the water re-entering the pipeline meets the downstream pressure requirement set to meet
operating requirements.
,5.4.3.1 Expected Capacity
Factor
56% I
5.4.5-2 Annual Electrici!}' Production and Fuel Consumption (Proposed Sy:stem )
Month Generation Generation Generation Fuel Fuel Secondary Storage
(Proposed (Type 2) (Type 3) Consumption Consumption load (kWh)
System) (kWh) (kWh) (Diesel-[Other] (kWh)
~~~Wh) Gallons)
January 5,500
February 5,500
March 6,000
Ap ril 6,700
May 9,300
June 10,400
July 10,700
August 10,500
September 8,000
October 7,800
November 6,700
December 5 ,900
Total 93,000
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5.4.5.3 Annual Heating Fuel Consum~tion (Pro~osed System)
Month Diesel Electricity ~~pane Coal
(Gallons) (Gallons) (Tons)
January NA
February
March
A p ril
May
June
July
Au g ust
Se~tember
October
November
December
Total
Wood
(Cords,
green tons,
dry tons}
5.4.6 Proposed System Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Costs
ALASKA
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AUTHORITY
Other
O&M costs can be estimated in two ways for the standard application. Most proposed renewable
energy projects will fall under Option 1 because the new resource will not allow for diesel
generation to be turned off. Some projects may allow for diesel generation to be turned off for
periods of time; these projects should choose Option 2 for estimating O&M.
Option 1: Diesel generation ON -For projects that do not result in shutting down $NA
diesel generation there is assumed to be no
impact on the base case O&M. Please indicate
the estimated annual O&M cost associated with
the proposed renewable project.
Option 2: Diesel generation OFF
For projects that will result in shutting down
diesel generation please estimate:
1. Annual non-fuel savings of shutting off 1.$
diesel generation
2. Estimated hours that diesel generation 2. Hours diesel OFF/year:
will be off per year.
3. Annual O&M costs associated with the 3. $
proposed renewable project.
5.4.7 Fuel Costs
Estimate annual cost for all applicable fuel(s) needed to run the proposed system (Year 1 of
operation)
Unit cost
($)
Diesel
. (Gallons)
NA
Electricity Propane
(Gallons)
Coal
(Tons)
Wood Other -
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Annual
Units
Total
Annual
cost ($1 l
5.5 Performance and O&M Reporting
For construction projects only
5.5.1 Metering Equipment
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
T J-
Please provide a short narrative, and cost estimate, identifying the metering equipment that will be
used to comply with the operations reporting requirement identified in Section 3 .15 of the Request
for Applications.
The metering equipment is estimated to cost $5,000 per site or $15,000 for the project. This
equipment shall measure energy generation for the energy recovery units on a monthly basis for
reporting purposes.
5.5.2 O&M reporting
Please provide a short narrative about the methods that will be used to gather and store reliable
operations and maintenance data, including costs, to comply with the operations reporting
requirement identified in Section 3.15 of the Request tor Applications
The O&M procedures tor the Project equipment are similar to the maintenance practices for the
standard valves and pumps commonly used in water infrastructure. The principal maintenance
measures shall consist of bearing replacements for the PAT turbine generator units and diaphragm ·
replacements for the pressure control valves. The City of Homer shall perform an annual inspection ·
of the energy recovery equipment and include such component/parts replacements on its Project
reporting as well as other O&M costs incurred.
I SECTION 6 -ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND BENEFITS
6.1 Economic Feasibility
6.1.1 Economic Benefit
Annual Lifetime
Anticipated Diesel Fuel Displaced for Power I
Generation (gallons)
Anticipated Fuel Displaced for Heat
(gallons)
Total Fuel displaced (gallons)
Anticipated Diesel Fuel Displaced for Power
Generation ($)
Anticipated Fuel Displaced for Heat ($)
Ant icipated Power Generation O&M Cost
Savings
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Anticipated Thermal Generation O&M Cost
Savings
Total Other costs savings (taxes, insurance,
etc.)
Total Fuel, O&M, and Other Cost Savings $22,500
6.1.2 Economic Benefit
$1.1 Million
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Explain the economic benefits of your project. Include direct cost savings and other economic
benefits, and how the people of Alaska will benefit from the project. Note that additional revenue
sources (such as tax credits or green tags) to pay for operations and/or financing, will not be
included as economic benefits of the project.
Where appropriate, describe the anticipated energy cost in the community, or whatever will be
affected by the project, over the life of the project. Explain how the forecast was developed and
provide year-by-year forecasts
The economic model used by AEA is available at https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-
Do/Grants-Loans/Renewable-Energy-Fund/2021-REF-Application . This economic model may be
used by applicants but is not required. The final benefit/cost ratio used will be derived from the
AEA model to ensure a level playing field for all applicants. If used, please submit the model with
the application.
The economic benefit are the electricity savings (which consist of the combined energy, cost of power
adjustment (COPA) and regulatory cost components that make up Homer Electric's combined rate
that is charged to the City of Homer). Based on the current General service charges of 24.2 cents
per kilowatt-hour, the annual savings for the Project is calculated to be $23,500. Assuming a 30 year
operating life for the project and a 2.5% annual inflation factor, the lifetime cost savings to the City is
$1.1 Million.
6.1.3 Economic Risks
Discuss potential issues that could make the project uneconomic to operate and how the project
team will address the issues. Factors may include:
• Low prices for diesel and/or heating oil
• Other projects developed in community
• Reductions in expected energy demand: Is there a risk of an insufficient market for energy
produced over the life of the project.
• Deferred and/or inadequate facility maintenance
• Other factors
I As stated above, the primary system components are the same as those found in standard pumps
and valves widely used by water agencies and other industrial users. As such, replacement parts
shall be widely available over the expected operating period. Similarly, the operating lives for these
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component types is proven through millions of operating hours. The City does not expect any
. conditions that limit the future viability of operating the Project.
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6.1.4 Public Benefit for Projects with Direct Private Sector Sales
ALASKA
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AUTHORITY
For projects that include direct sales of power to private sector businesses (sawmills, cruise ships,
mines, etc.), please provide a brief description of the direct and indirect public benefits derived from
the project as well as the private sector benefits and complete the table below. See Section 1.6 in
the Request for Applications for more information.
The energy savings shall be exclusively for the benefit of a public agency.
Renewable energy resource availability (kWh!Jer month)
Estimated direct sales to private sector businesses (kWh)
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use at private sector businesses ($)
Estimated sales for use by the Alaskan public (kWh)
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use by the Alaskan public ($)
6.2 Other Public Benefit
Describe the non-economic public benefits to Alaskans over the lifetime of the project. For the
purpose of evaluating this criterion, public benefits are those benefits that would be considered
unique to a given project and not generic to any renewable resource. For example, decreased
greenhouse gas emission, stable pricing of fuel source, won't be considered under this category.
Some examples of other public benefits include:
• The project will result in developing infrastructure (roads, trails, pipes, power lines, etc.) that can
be used for other purposes
• The project will result in a direct long-term increase in jobs (operating, supplying fuel, etc.)
• The project will solve other problems for the community (waste disposal, food security, etc.)
• The project will generate useful information that could be used by the public in other parts of the
state
• The project will promote or sustain long-term commercial economic development for the
community
Water costs widely impact nearly every resident and business in the City of Homer. Thus, the
Project's contribution to reducing water rates and/or reducing water rate increases widely benefits
community members and supports economic development in the municipality.
The project shall directly offset the C02 emissions for grid electricity. Based on a 1.34 lbs./kWh as
reported in the City of Homer's Climate Action Plan, the project shall offset approximately 121,000
lbs. of C02 annually or 1,800 tons of C02e over the project life (30 yrs.).
Additionally, the City of Homer is a proven innovator within the State of Alaska. The project's
greatest benefit may well be to demonstrate the value of energy recovery in water distribution
infrastructure statewide. Given Alaska's higher energy costs, topographical features (that drive a
need for pressure management), and the increasing trend towards adoption of renewable energy
and energy efficiency technologies, there will be widespread opportunities to replicate the Project
once a Homer project is installed and operating.
The City also plans to leverage the Project to perform outreach to school districts and other
community members, which can provide educational benefits throughout the Kenai peninsula.
Note that the Alaska Rural Water Association has provided a support letter for the Project (see
attached).
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SECTION 7 -SUSTAINABILITV
ALASKA
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Describe your plan for operating the completed project so that it will be sustainable throughout its
economic life.
At a minimum for construction projects, a business and operations plan should be attached and the
applicant should describe how it will be implemented. See Section 11 .
. 7.1.1 Operation and Maintenance
' Demonstrate the capacity to provide for the long-term operation and maintenance of the proposed
project for its expected life
• Provide examples of success with similar or related long-term operations
• Describe the key personnel that will be available for operating and maintaining the
infrastructure.
• Describe the training plan for existing and future employees to become proficient at operating
and maintaining the proposed system.
• Describe the systems that will be used to track necessary supplies
• Describe the system will be used to ensure that scheduled maintenance is performed
Similar projects with energy recovery units in operation include the Hillsboro In-pipe Hydroelectric
Project in Hillsboro, OR and Skagit PUD's Division St. Pump station Energy Recovery Project in
Mt. Vernon, WA. Both installations have met their projected reliability and energy production goals
in operations to-date.
The O&M procedures shall be performed by the same techs that service the City of Homer's
pressure control stations today. Additionally, the operations shall be remotely offered through a
data dashboard to assure expected uptime performance. The relevant staff will be trained in the
operations and maintenance of the Project systems.
The scheduled maintenance shall be integrated into the broader maintenance schedule for the
City's water infrastructure equipment.
7.1.2 Financial Sustainability
• Describe the process used (or propose to use) to account for operational and capital costs.
• Describe how rates are determined (or will be determined). What process is required to set
rates?
• Describe how you ensure that revenue is collected.
• If you will not be selling energy, explain how you will ensure that the completed project will be
financially sustainable for its useful life. 1
The capital and operational costs shall be accounted for using the same control processes in place
for all of the City of Homer's Public Works Dept. activities, including audit procedures.
As offsets to utility electric charges, the rates shall be based on Homer Electric's energy charges.
Since the project is capturing a value stream that would be otherwise wasted, it is highly economic
to maintain the operations of the Project for its entire useful life. This is especially the case as the
operating costs are a fraction of the savings value .
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1
7.1.2.1 Revenue Sources
Briefly explain what if any effect your project will have on electrical rates in the proposed benefit
area over the life of the project. If there is expected to be multiple rates for electricity, such as a
separate rate for intermittent heat, explain what the rates will be and how they will be determined
Collect sufficient revenue to cover operational and capital costs
• What is the expected cost-based rate (as consistent with RFA requirements)
• If you expect to have multiple rate classes, such as excess electricity for heat, explain what
those rates are expected to be and how those rates account for the costs of delivering the
energy (see AEA's white paper on excess electricity for heat) ..
• Annual customer revenue sufficient to cover costs
• Additional incentives (i.e. tax credits)
• Additional revenue streams (i.e. green tag sales or other renewable energy subsidies or
programs that might be available)
The Project is not expected to have an effect on electrical rates. There may be a benefit in terms of
reducing water rates and potentially water rate increases.
7.1.2.2 Power Purchase/Sale
The power purchase/sale information should include the following:
• Identification of potential power buyer(s)/customer(s)
• Potential power purchase/sales price -at a minimum indicate a price range (consistent with the
Section 3.16 of the RFA)
Identify the potential power buyer(s)/customer(s) and anticipated power purchase/sales price
range. Indicate the proposed rate of return from the grant-funded project. Include letters of support
or power purchase agreement from identified customers.
he buyer shall be the City of Homer based on energy sa~ing achieved through net metering at the
oject sites. The price shall be the value of the energy charges, which are $0.242/kWh with an
pected 2.5% inflation rate. The estimated rate of return is 4% (CAPEX vs. projected
revenue/cost savings value).
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I SECTION 8 -PROJECT READINESS
8.1 Project Preparation
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Describe what you have done to prepare for this award and how quickly you intend to proceed with
work once your grant is approved .
Specifically address your progress towards or readiness to begin, at a m inimum, the following:
• The phase(s) that must be completed prior to beginning the phase(s) proposed in th is application
• The phase(s) proposed in this application
• Obtaining all necessary permits
• Securing land access and use for the project
• Procuring all necessary equipment and materials
Refer to the RFA and/or the pre-requisite checklists for the required activities and deliverables for
each project phase. Please describe below and attach any required documentation.
No permits will be necessary for the Project. The land/facilities are owned and secured by the City
of Homer.
Site surveys and design work have commenced with the City's energy recovery system
contractor/partner for the Project, In Pipe Energy.
The project is eligible for a FERC exemption due to the project capacity and location in a water
delivery conduit. The process of drafting and filing a request and receiving FERC exemptional
approval is expected to take 6-8 weeks.
As a result , the design, equipment procurement and construction timing is expected to be
consistent wit h the schedule as presented in Section 3 .1
8.2 Demand· or Supply-Side Efficiency Upgrades
If you have invested in energy efficiency projects that will have a positive impact on the proposed
project, and have chosen to not include them in the economic analysis , applicants should provide
as much documentation as possible including:
1. Explain how it will improve the success of theRE project
2 . Energy efficiency pre and post audit reports, or other appropriate analysis,
3. Invoices for work completed ,
4. Photos of the work performed, and/or
5. Any other available verificat ion such as scopes of work, technical drawings, and payroll for
work completed internally.
Not applicable
SECTION 9-LOCAL SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION
Describe local support and opposition, known or anticipated, for the project. Include letters.
resolutions. or other documentation of local support from the community that would benefit from
this project. Provide letters of support, memorandum of understandings, cooperative agreements
between the applicant, the utility, local government and project partners. The documentation of _
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ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
support must be dated within one year of the RFA date of November 16, 2021. Please note that
letters of support from legislators will not count toward this criterion.
Attached support letters include:
-Alaska Rural Water Association
-Homer Soil & Water Conservation District
-In Pipe Energy, the City of Homer's energy recovery system partner for the proposed project.
SECTION 10-COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER AWARDS
Identify other grants that may have been previously awarded to the Applicant by AEA for this or
any other project. Describe the degree you have been able to meet the requirements of previous
grants including project deadlines, re~orting, and information requests.
Not applicable.
SECTION 11-LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR PRIOR PHASES
---
In the space below, please provide a list of additional documents attached to support completion of .
prior phases.
Not applicable
SECTION 12-LIST OF ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION
In the space below, please provide a list of additional information submitted for consideration.
City of Homer Energy Recovery Feasjbility S•udy.
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Grant Application-Standard Form
(SECTION 13 -AUTHORIZED SIGNERS FORM
Community/Grantee Name: City of Homer
Regular Election is held: Date:
Not a licable
[Authorized Grant Signer(s):
Printed Name Title Term
Janette Keiser Public Works Director NA
Printed Name Term
Rob Dumouchel City Manager NA
I Grantee Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
3575 Heath Street
Phone Number:
(907) 435-3124
Fax Number:
(907) 235-3145
ALAS KA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
Signature -~K~ -
Email Address: omeyer@ci.homer.ak.us
Federal Tax 10 #: 92-0030963
Please submit an updated form whenever there is a change to the above information.
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SECTION 14-ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION
ALASKA
ENERGY
AUTHORITY
SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
A. Contact information and resumes of Applicant's Project Manager, Project Accountant(&),
key staff, partners, consultants, and suppliers per application form Section 3.1, 3.4 and
3.6.
Applicants are asked to provide resumes submitted with applications in separate electronic
documents if the individuals do not want their resumes posted to the project web site.
B. Letters or resolutions demonstrating local support per application form Section 9.
C. For projects involving heat: Most recent invoice demonstrating the cost of heating fuel
for the building(s) impacted by the project.
D. Governing Body Resolution or other formal action taken by the applicant's governing
body or management per RFA Section 1.4 that:
• Commits the organization to provide the matching resources for project at the match
amounts indicated in the application.
• Authorizes the individual who signs the application has the authority to commit the
organization to the obligations under the grant.
• Provides as point of contact to represent the applicant for purposes of this
application.
• Certifies the applicant is in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local, laws
including existing credit and federal tax obligations.
E. An electronic version of the entire application on CD or other electronic media, per RFA
Section 1.7.
F. CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certifies that this application for a renewable energy grant is truthful
and correct, and that the applicant is in compliance with, and will continue to comply
with, all federal and state laws including existing credit and federal tax obligations and
that they can indeed commit the entity to these obligations.
Print Name Janette Keiser
Signature ~ k~
Title Public Works Director
-
Date I -I~-'2-'2-
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