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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIIJA-BIL AEA 40101(d) Public Meeting #1 Summary - Sep 7, 2023 1 Alaska Energy Authority: IIJA Grid Transmission Resiliency Public Hearing #1 Date & Time: September 07, 2022, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ZOOM Info: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83870078724?pwd=QVBrVklxVVpkS3pFMEk5dXIvNCtOZz09 Meeting ID: 838 7007 8724 Passcode: 447936 Attendees: Conner Erickson Bryan Carey Daniel Miller Karen Bell Niek Veraart Karin McGillivray Justin Feek Clare Boersma Jennifer King Erin Whitney Dan Bishop Jaime Matthews Alaska Energy Authority, Manager of Planning Alaska Energy Authority, Director of Owned Assets Alaska Energy Authority, Infrastructure Engineer Alaska Energy Authority, Economist Michael Baker International Michael Baker International Michael Baker International Northern Compass Group, LLC Kodiak Electric Association, Inc. Alaska Center for Energy and Power Golden Valley Electric Association Copper Valley Electric Association Public Hearing Summary INTRODUCTIONS – ALL IIJA 40101(d ) OVERVIEW – AEA Conner Erickson and Bryan Carey gave an overview of the BIL Section 40101(D) Grid Resilience Formula Grant process being administered by the Alaska Energy Authority. Q&A Question: How far into the future do you expect utilities to be required to report to AEA on their performance metrics after grants are received and projects completed? Answer and Clarifications: It will likely be 10 years from project delivery, but reporting recurrence will be revisited at 1 year, audit at 2 years in addition to quarterly reporting. This is all subject to change through March 2023 pending additional guidance from DOE. Once project sponsors are selected for funding the recommendations will go to th e Department of the Interior and then they will give the final blessing for distribution of funding. Period of performance can be up to 5 years and potentially extended up to 10 years. Additional Program Administration Clarification  Connor reviewed the program project selection criteria and associated weights  Focus is on Justice40 aligned benefits geared towards disadvantaged communities by selecting projects that invest in quality jobs, provide the greatest community benefit, promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 2 Question: Would a new or replacement backup diesel generator on an isolated microgrid qualify for sub-award grant funds? What are the grant funding cap limits? Answer: A new generator would likely not be eligible, but the question will be posed to the DOE for clarification. If the sole intent is to provide a backup generator, the investment could be eligible. It will need to be taken to DOE to clarify. AEA will be looking at the size of the generator and the number of people benefitting when considering funding for generators. The more people impacted positively, the better. Question: So, is this a Railbelt-focused fund? Answer: Not necessarily, Kodiak and other remote areas do have high voltage lines that may be great fits due to people potentially impacted. Utilities outside the belt are not being discouraged from applying. Question: Any upper limit to funding? Answer: Not currently, but with the understanding there is only $14 million available. To clarify, a minimum grant is $2 million and $14 million is a ceiling, it remains to be seen, but it is likely that one project at $14 million would not be the only project recommended based on equity and the need to spread funds geographically. Federal reporting is more cumbersome than state money so no new requirements are being proposed to keep reporting burden minimal. Question: Can you provide a general timeline schedule for how you expect this program to roll out? Answer: The deadline is March 30th, best guess is spring 2023 and grant awards summer of 2023. Timing is contingent upon pace at which DOE can score and select projects for funding. Best advice is to continue monitoring the AEA website for updated information. A second Public Hearing will be held next week on September 13, 2022, at 11:30 AM AST. There will likely be additional hearings once additional guidance is received from DOE.