HomeMy WebLinkAboutAEA_0012Dear Mr. Skaling
Thank you very much for the preliminary review of the application
by Circle Telepnone & Electric LLC to the Alaska Renewable
Energy fund. I am writing this letter to provide answers to
questions with respect to my application.
Circle Telephone & Electric is a small utility serving Circle City. I
am the general manager and operator for both the electric and
telephone utilities here. Please forgive any deficiencies in my
response to your application. I found the application process
somewhat complex and confusing. The purpose of the request was
to perform an in-depth feasibility assessment of the costs and
potential benefits of installing approximately 100 kW of solar
photovoltaics on the Circle Power Grid.
Circle Telephone & Electric LLC is a privately held utility
operating under certificates of convenience and necessity ( No. 256
& No. 463) issued by the regulatory commission of Alaska. Circle
provides both telephone and electricity locally to the city of Circle.
The utility is carefully managed on a day to day basis by myself,
Dave Masephol , along with staff of two part time system operators.
The power plant facility consists of three diesel generating sets.
Two John Deere 4045 diesel engine generators, and one Caterpillar
It is our desire to improve the efficiency and productivity of the
power system. The improvements we are considering includes the
addition of photovoltaic array, electrical distribution
improvements, and perhaps the extension of heat recovery loop
from the diesel power plant to nearby public buildings. Looking at
your program requirements, It was my belief that the best use of
the REF program for our community would be to conduct the
feasibility of the solar photovoltaic array.
The proposed feasibility of a proposed photovoltaic project would
involve considerable work, and require bringing in some experts to
supplement my current capabilities. The scope of work I have in
mind is to develop the costs and savings estimates for installation
of a 100 kW solar photovoltaic array, which would be located no
more than 100 feet from the existing diesel power plant on the
property.
The feasibility study would involve conducting a more in-depth
resource assessment for the application of photovoltaics in Circle.
This feasibility study would include the development of a realistic
cost estimate, which will require a preliminary design for the
selected site. I do not have the expertise to develop a preliminary
design which includes a system layout and energy system
integration plan. While requesting funding for a feasibility study
was stated in the application, intention to incorporate within this
study an investigation of alternatives which include increasing
distribution system voltage and perhaps sending heat from the
diesel power plant over to the school.
My goal is to bring the greatest value to the community. If my
application was deficient, I was simply unfamiliar with how my
ideas fit with the method and the process of your application.
It is my intention to directly manage any grant awards from my
project here in Circle. Similarly it is my intention to be involved in
the construction of any resulting improvements, as I have always
done in the past.
As such, I would be responsible for:
• Project management, which includes developing a clear, and
realistic project scope, schedule and budget
• If not direct project management, oversight of project
management, oversight of development, system operations,
schedules, budgets and gram filltig.
• A realistic schedule for the feasibility study would be
approximately 6 months from the award of the grant.
• Any matching contributions. These would primarily be any
equipment, time, and materials contributed to the process,
and may include supplemental funds provided for additional
engineering studies.
• Myself and my staff will be responsible for any logistical,
business or financial arrangements for operating and
reporting on the grant as well as developing any site,
operating or financial agreements required from any
subsequent project
My qualifications and experience, include:
• A degree in Electronics Engineering
• Four years of Technical Electronic Training
• 19 years as and Electronic Technician
• 20 years as an Electronics Engineer
• I have worked in a variety of fields and industries with
experience to include mechanical, automotive, machining.
• I have designed and supported a variety equipment as both
in-house and field service
• I have been employed as an employee and independent
contractor.
• I have owned and operated Circle Telephone @ Electric for
eight years
• Under my watch neither Circle Telephone or Circle Electric
has had one down minute in 18 months.
Once again, thank you for reaching out to me. As you may know,
Fall is the busiest time in most rural communities as we get ready
for winter. Any deficiencies in the application are the result of
trying to better understand how to fit our understanding and needs
with your program requirements. That being said, I believe we
operate one of the most reliable and cost-effective small
community utilities in the state, and would like to work with you to
continue to improve our services to the community.
Au�epl-;�L
David Masephol
President
Circle Telephone &Electric LLC