HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPP_13015-E-REFr13_StdApp_BurroCreekFINALRenewable Energy Fund Round 13
Grant Application – Standard Form
AEA 21010 Page 1 of 33 7/20/2020
Application Forms and Instructions
This instruction page and the following grant application constitutes the Grant Application Form for
Round 13 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:
www.akenergyauthority.org/what-we-do/grants-loans/renewable-energy-fund-ref-grants/2020-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) 107.605(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 13 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 Manager Karin St. Clair by
email at grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771-3081.
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REMINDER:
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.
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SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
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)
Burro Creek Holdings, LLC
Tax ID # 20-4675042
Date of last financial statement audit: Not applicable.
Mailing Address: Physical Address:
Box 796 3rd & Alaska
Skagway, AK 99840 Skagway, AK 99840
Telephone: Fax: Email:
907-612-0702 907-983-2415 jan@redonion1898.com
1.1 Applicant Point of Contact / Grants Manager
Name: Jan Wrentmore Title: Owner
Mailing Address:
Box 796
Skagway, AK 99840
Telephone: Fax: Email:
907-612-0702 907-983-2415 jan@redonion1898.com
1.1.1 Applicant Signatory Authority Contact Information
Name: Jan Wrentmore Title: Owner
Mailing Address:
Box 796
Skagway, AK 99840
Telephone: Fax: Email:
907-612-0702 907-983-2415 jan@redonion1898.com
1.1.2 Applicant Alternate Points of Contact
Name Telephone: Fax: Email:
Liz Lavoie 907-612-0702 liz@redonion1898.com
Joel Groves 907-258-2420 907-258-2419 joel@polarconsult.net
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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
☐ An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05
CPCN #______, or
☒ An independent power producer in accordance with 3 AAC 107.695 (a) (1)
CPCN #______, or
☐ A local government, or
☐ A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities)
Additional minimum requirements
☒ 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)
☒ 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)
☒ 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 www.akenergyauthority.org/what-we-do/grants-
loans/renewable-energy-fund-ref-grants/2020-ref-application (Any exceptions should be clearly
noted and submitted with the application.) (Indicate yes by checking the box)
☒ 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)
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SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
2.1 Project Title
Provide a 4 to 7 word title for your project. Type in the space below.
Burro Creek Hydro 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 Manager Karin St.
Clair by email at grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771-3081.
Latitude 59.433703 north Longitude 135.368351 west
From Skagway Harbor, proceed south along Lynn Canal approximately two miles, turn right at first
valley. Dock is on north side of creek. Please coordinate with owner prior to a site visit.
2.2.2 Community benefiting – Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
Skagway and Haines.
2.3 Project Type
Please check as appropriate.
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
☐ Wind ☐ Biomass or Biofuels (excluding heat-only)
☒ Hydro, Including Run of River ☐ Hydrokinetic
☐ Geothermal, Excluding Heat Pumps ☐ Transmission of Renewable Energy
☐ Solar Photovoltaic ☐ Storage of Renewable
☐ Other (Describe) ☐ Small Natural Gas
2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply)
Pre-Construction Construction
☐ Reconnaissance ☒ Final Design and Permitting
☒ Feasibility and Conceptual Design ☐ Construction
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2.4 Project Description
Provide a brief, one-paragraph description of the proposed project.
Develop a 2 MW run-of-river hydro project on private property at Burro Creek near Skagway. Transmit
electricity to markets in Skagway (and possibly Haines) via a submarine cable.
2.5 Scope of Work
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.
We propose to build on our 2011 feasibility study and subsequent efforts to advance this project to a
shovel-ready condition. Major tasks will include:
- Develop a business plan to articulate the market for electricity from the project, business partners,
project economics, financing, and related matters.
- Secure necessary local, state, and federal permits and authorizations for the project.
- Complete designs for an approximately 2 MW on-property hydro project. Design of the powerhouse
and/or penstock would consider cost-effective accommodations for future upgrade to a higher-head 7
MW project that would be achieved by building a intake on federal land upstream.
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
Submitted
Title of application Application #,
if known
Did you
receive a
grant? Y/N
Amount of REF
grant awarded
($)
Round 1 Burro Creek Hydro Feasibility Study #42 Y $48,000
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SECTION 3 – Project Management, Development, and Operation
3.1 Schedule and Milestones
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 (I. Reconnaissance, II. Feasibility and Conceptual Design, III. 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 Deliverables
1.1
-Business Plan
Assessment of new
market opportunities
Inventory of Skagway
port infrastructure
Business Plan July
2021
March
2022 -Business Plan
Decision Point at end of 2021 on proceeding with project based on outcome of Business Plan
2.1 -Permit Applications
-Issued Permits
State and Local
Permits
April
2022
March
2023
-Permit Applications
-Resource Studies
-Issued Permits
2.2 -Permit Applications
-Issued Permits Federal Permits April
2022
April
2023
-Permit Applications
-Resource Studies
-Issued Permits
3.1 -35%, 65%, 95%, final
design documents Project Design July
2021
Dec
2022
-Technical study reports
-Final design documents
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3.2 Budget
3.2.1 Funding Sources
Indicate the funding sources for the phase(s) of the project applied for in this funding request.
Grant funds requested in this application $586,000
Cash match to be provideda $1,000
In-kind match to be provideda $25,000
Energy efficiency match providedb $0
Total costs for project phase(s) covered in application (sum of above) $612,000
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.
All indicated matching funds are existing secured resources and are not pending future approvals. BCH
commits to applying indicated matching funds to this project in accordance with execution of the
applicable grant award. In-kind match may consist of (1) documented labor of BCH principals and/or
personnel working directly towards completing grant scope of work at agreed market rates
commensurate with the skills and type of work performed and/or (2) use of BCH vehicles, equipment,
and/or facilities for transportation, meals, lodging, or other accommodation in direct support of
completing grant scope of work at market rates commensurate with the season and nature of services /
facilities rendered.
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 proposed budget includes a contingency on all activities to address unforeseen project costs. Beyond
that, BCH would control cost overruns through proactive project management to identify and adjust
work scopes to prevent cost overruns where practical. In instances where cost overruns cannot be
avoided, BCH would pay additional costs from its own resources.
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 [Actual] $0
Feasibility and Conceptual Design [Actual] $60,000
Final Design and Permitting [Estimated] $612,000
Construction [Estimated] $18,500,000
Total Project Costs (sum of above) Estimated $19,172,000
Metering/Tracking Equipment [not included in project
cost]
Estimated $0
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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)
BCH will consider all viable sources of funding for subsequent phases of construction. One objective of
the business plan and currently proposed scope of work is to delineate funding requirements and
options. State or federal grants and/or loans and private sector loans are all options. Revenues from
electricity sales, green tags, energy subsidies, tax credits, and other sources will all be considered.
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3.2.3 Budget Forms
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, III. 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 your 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 Manager Karin St. Clair by email at
grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771-3081.
Phase 3 — Final Design and Permitting
Milestone or Task
Anticipated
Completion
Date
RE- Fund
Grant Funds
Grantee
Matching
Funds
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
TOTALS
1.1 Business Plan Dec 2021 $151,000 $23,000 Cash / in-kind $174,000
2.1 State and Local Permits Dec 2022 $95,000 $1,000 Cash / in-kind $96,000
2.2 Federal Permits Dec 2022 $45,000 $1,000 Cash / in-kind $46,000
3.1 Technical / Resource Studies
and Design Dec 2022 $295,000 $1,000 Cash / in-kind $296,000
TOTALS $586,000 $26,000 $612,000
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $0 $25,000 Cash / in-kind $25,000
Travel & Per Diem $0 $1,000 Cash / in-kind $1,000
Equipment $0 $0 $0
Materials & Supplies $0 $0 $0
Contractual Services $586,000 $0 $586,000
Construction Services $0 $0 $0
Other $0 $0 $0
TOTALS $586,000 $26,000 $612,000
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3.2.4 Cost Justification
Indicate the source(s) of the cost estimates used for the project budget, including costs for future phases
not included in this application.
Current cost estimates are based on engineer’s opinion of probable cost developed for the proposed
project. The estimate has been cross checked by consulting with local contractors experienced with
both the project site and this type of construction and through comparison with actual construction
costs for similar recent Alaska hydro projects.
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?
Jan Wrentmore will monitor project progress on a minimum quarterly and more typically monthly basis
to confirm progress is consistent with the established project schedule. BCH will monitor subcontracts
with its consultants in accordance with the line item budget and schedule metrics established in those
contracts.
AEA will be informed of project status on an at least quarterly basis through submittal of quarterly
progress and budget reports to the designated AEA project manager.
3.3.2 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 majority of project expenditures will be managed or overseen by Jan Wrentmore and/or Joel Groves.
Both individuals are experienced in successfully managing grant awards under the REF program and are
familiar with those costs that are reasonable, ordinary, and necessary for the proposed type of project.
Ineligible costs, such as for overhead and other unallowable costs, will be excluded from reimbursement
requests submitted by BCH to AEA.
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SECTION 4 – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
4.1 Project Team
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.
Jan Wrentmore will be responsible for managing this project. Joel Groves, P.E. with Polarconsult
Alaska, Inc. will be contracted for assistance with the business plan and to lead the design and
permitting phases. He will assist Ms. Wrentmore in project management and reporting.
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.
Bookkeeping activities will be the responsibility of Liz Lavoie, who currently performs bookkeeping
services for Ms. Wrentmore’s other existing successful businesses in Skagway.
Accounting services will be performed by Lisa Thoe of Sunset Accounting.
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.
Jan Wrentmore, owner of BCH, will lead the business plan (Task 1 activity) effort for this project. She
will utilize her experience in tourism marketing, existing staff, contractors, and professional consultants
as required to explore and define the available markets and business opportunities for electricity from
Burro Creek.
BCH will contract with Joel Groves, P.E. of Polarconsult Alaska, Inc. to lead design and permitting
efforts for this project (Task 2 and 3 activities). Mr. Groves will also assist as appropriate with Task 1
(business plan) efforts. He will engage with and manage subject-expert subconsultants as needed to
complete design and permitting. Mr. Groves has been involved with Burro Creek since 2009. He led the
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feasibility study effort, has managed the on-going hydrology study, and has performed other design and
permitting efforts to support BCH’s on-going business activities at Burro Creek.
BCH will contract with Hamilton Construction, Inc. of Skagway to tap their extensive construction
experience in disciplines such as submarine cable laying, heavy civil construction, marine construction,
vertical construction, electrical construction, and other relevant trades. BCH has previously contracted
with Hamilton Construction on a variety of construction projects at Burro Creek including upgrades to
the existing dock and repairs and upgrades to the existing hydro project.
4.2 Local Workforce
Describe how the project will use local labor or train a local labor workforce.
Routine repair, maintenance, and operations of the existing hydro at Burro Creek relies 100% on local
labor. The upgraded hydro will be maintained, repaired and operated by the same staff. To the extent
training is required to properly operate the larger systems and electrical interconnection BCH will train
existing local staff or hire / contract with additional staff (local if possible) as appropriate to fill this need.
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SECTION 5 – TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
5.1 Resource Availability
5.1.1 Assessment of Proposed Energy Resource
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 capacity factor for the proposed hydro project is approximately 40%. This is based on resource
availability and preliminary estimates of power output based on penstock losses and turbine / generator
efficiency. Resource availability is characterized by an ongoing hydrology study initiated by BCH in
2009. The ten-year record at Burro Creek has a very good correlation (R2 = 0.88) with the concurrent
USGS hydrology record at nearby Taiya River, providing a 26-year extended record for Burro Creek.
The water resource is expected to be available over the 50-year life of the project. There are no other
water rights or reservations on Burro Creek aside from those owned or applied for by BCH. The Burro
Creek basin is unglaciated so climate change is not expected to be a significant factor in annual energy
production.
Project output will vary somewhat from currently estimated 1.84 MW upon final design as gross project
head, penstock design, and turbine / generator efficiency are finalized.
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.
West Creek, in the next basin north of Burro Creek, was under consideration for hydro development by
the City government, Yukon Territory government, and AP&T several years ago. That project faced
significant opposition from local residents in Dyea and is not under active consideration. AP&T has
considered other hydro projects on the Haines – Skagway system, such as at Schubee Lake (study
discontinued in 2013) and Connolly Lake (study discontinued in 2013) but these are not known to be
actively pursued at this time. Walker Lake, a ~1 MW storage hydro project in the Chilkat Valley near
Haines appears to be moving forward.
LNG has been discussed as an alternative to diesel-fired generation over the years, but proposals have
never advanced to a serious level of consideration.
Burro Creek has major advantages over many alternative resources in the region as it is located on
private land, avoiding the need for FERC licensing, and has a well-characterized hydrologic resource (10
years of hydrology with good correlation to the USGS gauge at Taiya River).
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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
Major permits needed for the project follow. Anticipated processing timeframe is presented for each.
- ADNR water rights (existing application on file, LAS 29573) Water use permit not typically issued until
project is ready for construction due to chronic ADNR case backlog.
- ADNR tidelands easement (for submarine cable to Skagway) Estimated at one year.
- Easement / agreements with City of Skagway for Skagway cable landing. Unknown.
- ADFG Fish Habitat Permit (if required) Project is upstream of fish passage barrier. Finding of no
permit required is expected.
- FERC Jurisdictional Determination (normally 3 months or less. Project is expected to be non-
jurisdictional)
- Corps of Engineers Wetlands Permit (normally 60 days. Project is expected to qualify for a nation-wide
permit)
BCH is familiar with local public opinion regarding energy issues and no significant public opposition to
this project is known or considered likely. BCH intends to work with the City of Skagway to develop
the project for public benefit.
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 appropriate Best Practice
Checklist for additional guidance.
The hydro project footprint is entirely located on private land (USS 1560) owned by the grant applicant,
Burro Creek Holdings, LLC. An easement from the State of Alaska will be required for the submarine
cable from Burro Creek to Skagway, and from other land holders for on-shore infrastructure in Skagway.
Specific property needs in Skagway may vary depending on the ultimate market for power, and will be
identified as part of the business plan.
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?
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See the “Common Planning Risks” section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
The proposed development scheme is straightforward and the technical elements of the project are
generally similar to many other run-of-river hydros that have been built in Alaska over the years.
Major technical risks for this type of project normally include:
- Geotechnical risk. This will be mitigated through geotechnical inspection of the site, phased
construction to expose site geology so designs can be adapted to verified physical site conditions, and
budget contingency to address unknown conditions exposed during the course of construction.
- Flood risk. High water events during construction of the diversion and/or powerhouse can disrupt
construction, destroy partially constructed work, and/or delay tight construction schedules.
Construction schedule and methods will need to be aware of flood risk to minimize exposure to this
hazard at applicable phases of construction.
- Logistical risk. Attention to detail and contingency planning are critical to managing schedules and
budgets on a remote construction site. Providing reserve equipment, ample material reserve, inventory
of critical equipment and parts, and knowledge of long-lead or difficult-to-procure items all will help to
prevent unnecessary delays due to logistical problems.
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
No unusual environmental risks have been identified for this project to date. The permitting process
proposed under this grant scope of work will address environmental risk items.
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.
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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.
Until the proposed business plan is completed, the applicable “existing energy system” is unknown. It
may consist of one or more of the following:
- The existing AP&T Haines – Skagway system
- Cruise ships docked in Skagway self-generating ship power
- New electricity markets such as space heating heat pumps, electric buses, electric ferry, or other
markets.
- Intertie to Yukon Territory and the energy markets of Yukon Energy.
These markets will be described in detail in the business plan as they are scrutinized and evaluated for
their compatibility with the Burro Creek electricity resource.
5.4.2.1 Existing Power Generation Units
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: Kasidaya Creek Hydro (~3 MW, run of river)
Unit 2: Goat Lake Hydro (~4 MW, storage)
Unit 3: Dewey Lakes Hydro (multiple units ~942 kW aggregate, run of river / storage)
Unit 4: Skagway Diesel Plant, ~3.4 MW aggregate capacity, multiple units)
Unit 5: Haines Diesel Plant (~7.5MW aggregate capacity, multiple units)
Unit 6: IPEC Klukwan Diesel Plant (~1 MW aggregate capacity, multiple units)
Unit 7: IPEC 10-Mile Hydro (550 kW)
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.
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).
Is there operational heat recovery? (Y/N) If yes estimated
annual displaced heating fuel (gallons)
None known.
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AP&T has an existing 3-phase 35 kV (~15 MW) submarine cable between Skagway, Kasidaya Creek Hydro,
and Haines. The cable is damaged between Skagway and Kasidaya Creek and could fail at any time. AP&T
has single and three phase distribution circuits at various voltages throughout the communities of Haines
and Skagway. In Haines, AP&T is interconnected with Inside Passage Electric Cooperative (IPEC), which
serves the Chilkat Valley and Klukwan.
5.4.2.3 Existing Thermal Generation Units (if applicable to your project)
Aggregate Energy Information for AP&T’s Skagway-Haines System and IPEC’s Klukwan-Chilkat Valley
System
Generation
unit
Resource/
Fuel type
Design
capacity
(MMBtu/hr)
Make Model Average
annual
efficiency
Year
Installed
Hours
Multiple Diesel N/A varies varies ~13.5 varies varies
Month Diesel Generation
(kWh)
Hydro
Generation
(kWh)
Fuel
Consumption
(Diesel-Gallons)
Peak Load Minimum
Load
January not available (N/A) N/A N/A N/A N/A
February N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
March N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
April N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
May N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
June N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
July N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
August N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
September N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
October N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
November N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
December N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Total 195,640 28,900,000 14,400 5,900 N/A
5.4.2.4 O&M and replacement costs for existing
units
Power Generation Thermal Generation
i. Annual O&M cost for labor TBD. NOT APPLICABLE.
ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor TBD. NOT APPLICABLE.
iii. Replacement schedule and cost for
existing units
NOT APPLICABLE. NOT APPLICABLE.
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5.4.2.5 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 project.
Not applicable for this project.
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 variations, etc. that will
affect the project.
The existing AP&T energy system has been experiencing modest (0.9% per year) growth in recent years.
Long term growth of the existing traditional energy market is expected to be flat to modestly growing.
Emerging electricity markets, such as shore power for cruise ships, electric shuttle ferry, electric vehicles,
and heat pumps, are expected to exhibit significant growth in the coming years. Skagway is an ideal
market for electric vehicles powered by seasonally (summer) available run-of-river hydro due to the
summer tourist season and short drive times for local tour operators, allowing frequent charging
opportunities. These market opportunities would be quantified as part of the proposed business plan.
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
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—buildings, 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.
Proposed system will include:
- A diversion and intake structure on BCH property at elevation 340 feet
- An approximately 2,700 foot long by ~42-inch diameter penstock.
- A powerhouse above the waterfall at elevation 80 feet. The powerhouse will include the
turbine/generator, switchgear, controls, and associated equipment for plant operations.
- A step up transformer from generation voltage to 12.47 kV.
- An approximately one-mile overland transmission line from the powerhouse to tidewater.
- A cable vault near tidewater at Burro Creek transitioning from upland transmission to a submarine cable.
- An approximately 2-mile 15 kV three phase submarine cable from Burro Creek to Skagway.
- on-shore cable vault along the Skagway coast (location TBD) and interconnection to existing grid.
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The project will include the following supporting infrastructure:
- Approximately 4,500 feet of construction access roads and trails.
- Adaptation of the existing dock / barge landing area to accommodate construction deliveries.
- Communications line integrated with submarine cable and coordinated with upland transmission
infrastructure for project control and dispatch.
5.4.4.1 Proposed Power Generation Units
Unit # Resource/
Fuel type
Design
capacity
(kW)
Make Model Expected
capacity
factor
Expected
life
(years)
Expected
Availability
1 hydro ~1,840 TBD TBD ~40% 50 ~98%
5.4.4.2 Proposed Thermal Generation Units (if applicable) – Not Applicable
5.4.5 Basic Operation of Proposed Energy System
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 run-of-river hydro will operate year-round, generating energy and transmitting it to markets in
Skagway and/or beyond as will be identified in the proposed business plan. If the system is interconnected
with the AP&T system, control lines will allow for coordination and dispatch of the burro creek
synchronous generator for paralleling with the AP&T grid. Interconnection requirements and paralleling
protocols would be determined in the project design phase.
5.4.3.1 Expected Capacity Factor ~40%
5.4.5.2 Annual Electricity Production and Fuel Consumption (Proposed System)
Month Generation
(Proposed
System)
(kWh)
Generation
(Type 2)
(kWh)
Generation
(Type 3)
(kWh)
Fuel
Consumption
(Diesel-
Gallons)
Fuel
Consumption
[cfs of water,
monthly
median]
Secondary
load
(kWh)
Storage
(kWh)
January 10,000 N/A N/A 0 7 0 0
February 8,000 N/A N/A 0 6 0 0
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March 6,000 N/A N/A 0 4 0 0
April 71,000 N/A N/A 0 15 0 0
May 974,000 N/A N/A 0 84 0 0
June 1,325,000 N/A N/A 0 110 0 0
July 1,269,000 N/A N/A 0 106 0 0
August 876,000 N/A N/A 0 70 0 0
September 1,030,000 N/A N/A 0 87 0 0
October 709,000 N/A N/A 0 60 0 0
November 77,000 N/A N/A 0 20 0 0
December 14,000 N/A N/A 0 11 0 0
Total 6,369,000 N/A N/A 0 N/A 0 0
See note at Section 12 of the application for the source of this data.
5.4.5.3 Annual Heating Fuel Consumption (Proposed System) (Not applicable)
5.4.6 Proposed System Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Costs
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
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.
Per AEA program guidance annual O&M costs are
projected for planning purposes at 1.35% of capital
cost, or $250,000 per year.
Option 2: Diesel generation OFF
For projects that will result in shutting down
diesel generation please estimate:
1. Annual non-fuel savings of shutting off
diesel generation
2. Estimated hours that diesel generation will
be off per year.
3. Annual O&M costs associated with the
proposed renewable project.
Because the nature and impact of the interconnect
with the AP&T system has not been determined,
no impact to diesel generation is assumed at this
time.
5.4.7 Fuel Costs
Estimate annual cost for all applicable fuel(s) needed to run the proposed system (Year 1 of operation)
Diesel
(Gallons)
Electricity Propane
(Gallons)
Coal
(Tons)
Wood
Other
Unit cost ($) 0
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Annual
Units
0 ~40,000
kWh
0 0 0 0
Total Annual
cost ($)
station
service
kWh are
part of
plant
generation.
5.5 Performance and O&M Reporting
For construction projects only
5.5.1 Metering Equipment
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.
Plant switchgear and controls will include required sensors and logging capability to automatically collect
plant generation and performance information. If the project is interconnected with the AP&T system,
the power sales contract will include provisions by which AP&T will provide BCH with monthly reports
detailing fuel savings (gallons) due to the project.
No incremental cost is expected for infrastructure needed to comply with AEA reporting requirements.
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 for Applications
The plant operator will maintain maintenance and repair logs. Relevant maintenance and repair activities
will be summarized and reported to AEA on an annual basis for the required 10-year period.
The labor effort to compile required data from BCH and AP&T, prepare annual reports, and respond to
AEA reporting inquires is estimated at $5,000 annually.
SECTION 6 – ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND BENEFITS
6.1 Economic Feasibility
6.1.1 Economic Benefit
Annual Lifetime
Anticipated Diesel Fuel Displaced for Power
Generation (gallons)
TBD. TBD.
Anticipated Fuel Displaced for Heat (gallons) TBD. TBD.
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Total Fuel displaced (gallons) TBD. TBD.
Anticipated Diesel Fuel Displaced for Power
Generation ($)
TBD. TBD.
Anticipated Fuel Displaced for Heat ($) TBD. TBD.
Anticipated Power Generation O&M Cost
Savings
TBD. TBD.
Anticipated Thermal Generation O&M Cost
Savings
TBD. TBD.
Total Other costs savings (taxes, insurance,
etc.)
TBD. TBD.
Total Fuel, O&M, and Other Cost Savings TBD. TBD.
These items to be addressed in business plan. Please see narrative at 6.1.2.
6.1.2 Economic Benefit
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 www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Grants-
Loans/Renewable-Energy-Fund-REF-Grants/2020-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 primary market for this project is not existing electric utility load, which in Skagway is mostly already
supplied by hydropower. Rather, it is the adoption of new electric loads achieved through electrification
of the Skagway port and associated activities. The Task 1.1 business plan would explore and quantify these
opportunities. In concept, these new loads can include:
- Electric car ferry serving the Haines / Skagway circuit. This ferry could be built in Alaska and powered
by Burro Creek hydropower. Please see attached ferry spec sheet (Application Section 12).
- Shore power for cruise ships docked in Skagway to displace on-board generation.
- Electrification of the tour bus fleets and shuttle van fleets that operate from the Skagway harbor. A
single electric tour bus charge cycle can draw several 100s of kWhs, and many dozens of busses operate in
Skagway through the summer season. Establishing 20 charging stations to serve a fleet of 40 busses being
charged twice daily would consume about ½ of Burro Creek’s summer output. Coordination of bus
charging and tour schedules, real estate requirements for the charging depot, management of electric
demand, and other factors would be addressed in the business plan to determine the merits of this market
opportunity.
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- In the shoulder and winter seasons, sale to AP&T to displace diesel generation and/or new space heating
loads via resistance heaters or heat pumps could use the reduced output from the project these times of
the year.
Some of these loads may best be served in concert with the AP&T grid to use their additional hydropower
capacity and/or utilize the storage capacity of Goat Lake and other future interconnected storage hydro
projects. These coordination matters are items that would be addressed as part of the proposed business
plan.
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
The main risk that nearly all Alaska hydro projects have encountered is construction cost risk, where the
final installed cost of the projects has been significantly higher than estimates developed throughout the
planning and design phases. Two examples of this include Battle Creek (~50% over budget, 2020 1, 2) and
Blue Lake Dam Raise (~93% over budget, 2012 3). The current budget estimate is based on site
conditions and recent cost experience for similar Alaska hydro projects. Cost estimates will be
scrutinized during the business plan development phase of the project to reduce the potential of gross
cost estimating errors.
Other economic risks, such as future episodes of low-cost alternate fuels or energy alternatives, will
depend on the specific market identified and contracts executed for the project’s electricity. For
example, if electric vehicle (EV) deployment in Skagway is a major market, then the price risk from low-
cost gas/diesel competition is low if the EV fleet does not have a flex-fuel / hybrid engine configuration.
These and related factors will be reviewed as appropriate in the business plan.
1. Battle Creek Diversion TPS Report, 2011 Legislature ($31.5 million).
2. Battle Creek Completion Press Release, AEA, 8/27/2020 ($47 million).
3. Blue Lake Dam Raise Construction Award, KCAW article, 9/12/2012. ($96.7 million bid vs. $50
million engineer’s estimate).
6.1.4 Public Benefit for Projects with Direct Private Sector Sales
For projects that include direct sales of power to private sector businesses (sawmills, cruise ships, mines,
etc.), please provide a brief description of the direct and indirect public benefits derived from the project
as well as the private sector benefits and complete the table below. See Section 1.6 in the Request for
Applications for more information.
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If directed energy sales are included in the final business plan for this project, the public benefit
commensurate with grant proceeds will be reflected in reduced rates for energy sold to AP&T and/or IPEC.
The business plan will include rate analysis and pro forma rates for these energy sales in accordance with
the identified markets for electricity from the project.
Also, BCH has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality of Skagway for discussions
and review of options for integrating BCH power into plans for Port of Skagway re-development and port
electrification. Through this public process, a proposal will be developed to maximize the benefit of Burro
Creek’s clean energy for residents and port users and give the Municipality options for port development
and electrification that are not available under the existing power scenario.
Renewable energy resource availability (kWh per month) See 5.4.5.2
Estimated direct sales to private sector businesses (kWh) To be
determined.
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use at private sector businesses ($) To be
determined.
Estimated sales for use by the Alaskan public (kWh) To be
determined.
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use by the Alaskan public ($) To be
determined.
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
1. If BCH electricity can be used, solely or in concert with other existing hydropower in the region, to
offset self-generation by cruise ships docked in Skagway, that will have a major benefit by improving
local air quality during the summer season.
2. Similarly, implementation of an electric bus fleet and other electrification initiatives in Skagway will
directly reduce exhaust emissions in the community, improving local air quality.
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SECTION 7 – SUSTAINABILITY
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
BCH has successfully operated an existing small hydro project (see 2011 feasibility study, application
section 12)) at Burro Creek since purchase of the property in 2005. This project was installed in the
early 1980s and has been kept in operational condition for nearly 40 years. BCH personnel are already
experienced in the skills necessary to operate a remote run-of-river hydro. The new project will have
slightly different operational requirements that will in some ways be easier than the existing hydro and
in others more challenging. BCH will train its existing personnel to safely and efficiently operate the
new system.
Key personnel include:
Jan Wrentmore, Grant Manager and Marketing Analyst
Joel Groves, Polar Consult Engineering
Liz Lavoie, Bookkeeper and Operations Manager
Lisa Thoe, Sunset Accounting
Jared Henley, Facilities Manager & Boat Driver
Hamilton Construction (contractor previously hired for major maintenance items on the hydro)
Operations and Maintenance Plans will be developed concurrent with plant construction to capture final
design elements, as-built conditions, and relevant site and equipment information learned during
construction. In general, these plans are expected to be developed as follows.
Maintenance requirements will be identified in the operations and maintenance manuals furnished by
various vendors during the construction phase. These diverse requirements will be captured in a unified
concise O&M document specifying by major project element the pertinent O&M activities and intervals,
with reference back to the individual O&M manuals for more specific details. The unified O&M manual
will include maintenance logs that will be kept current by plant personnel.
Critical spare parts requirements will also be pulled from the vendor operations and maintenance
manuals, and an integrated list will be developed. Spare parts critical to plant operation and/or with
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long procurement lead times will be maintained in on-site inventory. In some instances, high-cost items
may not be stocked if their cost is greater than the risk-weighted cost of a plant outage in the event of
component failure. This analysis will also consider (as part of the business plan) the role of Burro Creek
in the regional electric grid vis-à-vis the specific electricity market(s) served and the availability/cost of
other backup generation options.
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.
These matters cannot be answered until the specific market(s) for project electricity are defined. They
will be addressed in the business plan.
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)
These matters cannot be answered until the specific market(s) for project electricity are defined. They
will be addressed in the business plan. Revenue sources will likely be structured in one (or both) of two
ways as follows:
1. Wholesale electricity sale to AP&T and/or IPEC for resale to their end-users. This rate would be
developed consistent with the cost-based rate defined in the RFA.
2. Direct energy sales to multiple prospective customer classes. These may include:
- Affiliated interests pursuant to RCA regulations. If a business relationship is established with
the City of Skagway, this could include all BCH and City properties.
- Direct energy sales to cruise ships berthed in Skagway and/or to EV fleets operating out of
Skagway.
- Other markets as may be defined in the business plan, such as the Palmer Mine prospect near
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Haines, Yukon Energy intertie, or others.
Incremental revenues may be realized through state or federal tax credits that may be available at the
time of construction and/or from renewable energy credits that may exist on regulatory or voluntary
markets once the project is operational. The decision to pursue these incremental revenue streams
would depend on favorable analysis of the cost of securing the revenue stream and maintaining
compliance with the applicable program(s) vs. the amount of revenue expected.
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.
Power purchase agreements may be executed with one or more of the following entities:
- AP&T for wholesale power from the project.
- IPEC for wholesale power from the project
- City of Skagway for directed energy sales from the project
- Cruise ships for directed energy sales from the project
- Tour operators or other EV users for directed energy sales from the project
AP&T’s avoided cost of energy for diesel-fired generation is $0.145 to 0.30 per kWh depending on the
cost of fuel.
Avoided cost of energy for hydro generation is $0.05 to 0.15 per kWh depending on the resource and
availability. Existing contracts may limit the ability of utility(ies) to purchase energy when existing
hydro output is available.
Please see also discussion at application section 7.1.2.1.
SECTION 8 – PROJECT READINESS
8.1 Project Preparation
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 minimum, the following:
The phase(s) that must be completed prior to beginning the phase(s) proposed in this application
The phase(s) proposed in this application
Obtaining all necessary permits
Securing land access and use for the project
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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.
BCH is ready to proceed with the stated scope of work immediately upon receipt of notice of award and
execution of the grant agreement.
- No outstanding work needs to be completed prior to commencement of the proposed work scope.
- No permits are required for the proposed phase of study. Grant tasks 2.1 and 2.2 would obtain permits
needed for project construction.
- BCH already owns the land and has applied for water rights applicable to this project.
- No equipment or material needs to be procured for the proposed phase of study. Stream gauging
hardware is already installed and operational.
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 the RE 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 verification 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 support must be
dated within one year of the RFA date of July 20, 2020. Please note that letters of support from
legislators will not count toward this criterion.
No opposition to the project is known. Letters of support are included with the application.
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, reporting, and information requests.
Per Section 2.6 of this application, BCH received a grant under REF Round 1 for the 2011 Feasibility
Study. BCH successfully completed all reporting requirements and the grant was successfully closed out.
BCH has not received any other grants from AEA.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 13
Grant Application – Standard Form
AEA 21010 Page 30 of 33 7/20/2020
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.
- BCH 2011 Hydro Feasibility Study
SECTION 12 – LIST OF ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION
In the space below, please provide a list of additional information submitted for consideration.
The following documents are included with the application:
- ADNR Water Rights Application and screenshot of ADNR current case management status.
- 2016 Hydrology memo.
- Deed to USS 1560 (111-2006-000138-0).
- May 2020 Opinion of probable cost for hydro project.
-Electric Shuttle Ferry Spec Sheet
Please note the energy estimates in Section 5.4.5.2 of this application are based on this hydrology data
and more refined analysis of penstock losses and turbine/generator efficiencies than were assumed in the
2016 hydrology memo. Estimated installed capacity is unchanged, but current estimated total energy
output is higher than in the memo. Newer hydrology data from 2016 to 2020 has not yet been reduced.
The stream gauge remains in service, with new instrumentation and data loggers installed earlier in
2020.