HomeMy WebLinkAbout7 D NomeJointUtilityService Wind Support - 092807
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P.O. Box 70 • Nome, Alaska 99762 • (907) 443-NJUS • Fax (907) 443-6336
Providing reliable utility services to system rate payers efficiently and economically by
prudently operating and maintaining system assets in a fiscally responsible manner
September 28, 2007
Jerald Brown
Bering Straits
PO Box 1008
Nome, AK 99762
Dear Jerald,
As you are aware, the Utility Board has long expressed support for and has been
investigating alternative energy options that can potentially reduce reliance solely on diesel for
power production in Nome. We have been collecting wind data sporadically for several years,
and now believe we are close to having a full year of valid data that indicates sufficient wind
resource in the Nome area to move toward the goal of adding wind power.
The Mayor of Nome requested assistance from the US Department of Energy and the
Alaska Energy Authority to study various alternatives that may be available in the area,
including wind, coal, geothermal, and natural gas. There are many issues that will need to be
considered by the Utility to come to a final decision to proceed with any alternative energy
project, including capital and operating costs, and maintenance and system-intertie
considerations. The study is nearing completion and we expect it to be released soon so local
decision makers can utilize it in the planning process.
I applaud the proactive attitude, initiative and support of the local community in also
seeking creative solutions to the high energy costs in the community. This is to confirm our
conversation and interest in the possibility of having alternate energy available to the Utility to
avoid diesel use. While the Utility may pursue the installation of wind generation on its own, we
encourage you to pursue your concept of installing a private wind farm that could provide
energy to our grid. Existing Utility Tariffs do provide for co-generation, but these provisions
have not been utilized in years, and were envisioned on a smaller scale than what you propose.
The potential of having 500kw available would not interfere with the Utility’s own
conceptual plans. There are numerous system and operational issues that would need to be
considered, and a detailed engineering proposal developed, but we look forward to further
discussions, and encourage you to pursue any funding opportunities that may be available to
make wind power in Nome a reality. Should such a system be available, NJUS would be
interested in pursuing a power purchase agreement that would provide a direct energy cost
reduction benefit to Nome’s residents.
Sincerely,
John K. Handeland
General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
NOME JOINT UTILITY SYSTEM