HomeMy WebLinkAboutNorth Slope Regional Energy Plan - May 2015Regional Energy Plan
NORTH SLOPE
FINAL DRAFT
Prepared for
NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
May 2015
Anaqtuuvak / Anaktuvuk Pass Atqasuk / Atqasuk Utqiabvik / Barrow Qaaktubvik / Kaktovik
Nuiqsat / Nuiqsut Tikigaq / Point Hope Kali / Point Lay Ulbuniq / Wainwright
NOR TH SLOPE
R EG ION AL ENE RGY PL AN
FINAL DRAFT
May 2015
Prepared for
North Slope Borough
Prepared by
WHPacific, Inc.
i North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................................................................... v
Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................. vii
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Vision ........................................................................................................................................................ 1-2
1.2 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................ 1-3
1.3 Organization ............................................................................................................................................. 1-4
1.4 Issues and Goals ....................................................................................................................................... 1-4
2 Regional Background ........................................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.1 Physical Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.1.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.1.2 Geology ................................................................................................................................................ 2-3
2.1.3 Hydrology ............................................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.1.4 Climate ................................................................................................................................................. 2-5
2.2 Demographics .......................................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.2.1 Current Population .............................................................................................................................. 2-7
2.2.2 Trends .................................................................................................................................................. 2-8
2.3 Economy ................................................................................................................................................... 2-9
2.4 Housing .................................................................................................................................................. 2-11
2.4.1 Regional Housing Assessment ........................................................................................................... 2-11
2.4.2 Housing Organizations ....................................................................................................................... 2-12
2.5 Planning .................................................................................................................................................. 2-13
2.6 Regional Contacts ................................................................................................................................... 2-14
2.7 Energy Background ................................................................................................................................ 2-14
2.7.1 Utilities ............................................................................................................................................... 2-14
2.7.2 Electricity ........................................................................................................................................... 2-16
2.7.3 Propane .............................................................................................................................................. 2-19
2.7.4 Fuel .................................................................................................................................................... 2-20
2.7.5 Oil and Gas ......................................................................................................................................... 2-22
2.7.6 Natural Gas ........................................................................................................................................ 2-24
2.7.7 Transportation ................................................................................................................................... 2-24
3 Regional Energy Analysis .................................................................................................................................. 3-1
ii North Slope Regional Energy Plan
3.1 Energy Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 3-3
3.1.1 Oil and Gas ........................................................................................................................................... 3-3
3.1.2 Coal ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.3 Geothermal .......................................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.1.4 Hydroelectric ....................................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.1.5 Biomass ................................................................................................................................................ 3-6
3.1.6 Wind..................................................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.1.7 Solar ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.2 Energy Efficiency Opportunities ............................................................................................................... 3-7
3.2.1 Baseline Energy Data ........................................................................................................................... 3-7
3.2.2 Weatherization .................................................................................................................................... 3-9
3.2.3 Water and Sewer ............................................................................................................................... 3-10
3.2.4 Heat Recovery .................................................................................................................................... 3-11
3.2.5 Interties .............................................................................................................................................. 3-12
3.2.6 Other Energy Efficiency Technology .................................................................................................. 3-13
3.3 Regional Energy Priorities ...................................................................................................................... 3-14
4 Community Summaries ..................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Anaktuvuk Pass ........................................................................................................................................ 4-4
4.2 Barrow .................................................................................................................................................... 4-16
4.3 Kaktovik .................................................................................................................................................. 4-22
4.4 Nuiqsut ................................................................................................................................................... 4-28
4.5 Point Hope ............................................................................................................................................. 4-34
4.6 Point Lay ................................................................................................................................................. 4-40
4.7 Wainwright ............................................................................................................................................. 4-46
5 Community Outreach...................................................................................................................................... 5-52
5.1 Community Comments ............................................................................................................................ 5-2
6 Implementation Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 6-4
6.1 Regional Priorities .................................................................................................................................... 6-2
7 Glossary............................................................................................................................................................. 7-1
8 Works Cited ....................................................................................................................................................... 8-1
Tables of Exhibits, Figures and Tables
Exhibit 1: Energy Timeline ......................................................................................................................................... 1-3
iii North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Exhibit 2. NSB 2010 Population by Community ......................................................................................................... 2-8
Exhibit 3: North Slope Borough Population Growth 1970-2010 ............................................................................... 2-9
Exhibit 4: Projected Population Growth 2010-2030 .................................................................................................. 2-9
Exhibit 5. Comparison of Percent of Occupied Housing Completing Energy Programs .......................................... 2-11
Exhibit 6. Comparison of Overcrowded Housing ..................................................................................................... 2-12
Exhibit 7: NSB Average Annual Residential kWh Electricity Used ........................................................................... 2-17
Exhibit 8: Average Power Cost Equalization Rates .................................................................................................. 2-19
Exhibit 9: North Slope Oil and Gas Production ........................................................................................................ 2-22
Exhibit 10. Alpine Field Oil and Gas Production History .......................................................................................... 2-23
Exhibit 11: Anaktuvuk Pass Average Hourly Solar Radiation (CCHRC) ....................................................................... 3-7
Exhibit 12: Heat Recovery System Illustration ......................................................................................................... 3-12
Figure 1. North Slope Region Planning Area .............................................................................................................. 2-2
Figure 2: Regional Land Status ................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Figure 3. Hydrology Features on the North Slope ..................................................................................................... 2-4
Figure 4: Comparative Cost of Energy and Groceries .............................................................................................. 2-16
Figure 5: Regional Surface Transportation .............................................................................................................. 2-26
Figure 6: Potential Energy Resources ........................................................................................................................ 3-2
Figure 7. Alaska LNG Project Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-3
Figure 8. North Slope Oil and Gas Activity ................................................................................................................. 3-4
Figure 9. Regional Coal Resources ............................................................................................................................. 3-5
Figure 10. North Slope Community Location Map .................................................................................................... 4-2
Table 1. Energy Issues and Goals ............................................................................................................................... 1-5
Table 2-1: Climate Data for the North Slope ............................................................................................................. 2-5
Table 2-2: Average Heating Degree Days, November 2013 through October 2014 .................................................. 2-6
Table 2-3: Average Household Income in North Slope Communities ..................................................................... 2-10
Table 2-4: Regional Entities Serving the North Slope Borough ............................................................................... 2-14
Table 2-5. North Slope Power and Light Electrical Rates ......................................................................................... 2-18
Table 2-6: NSB Power Generation Costs .................................................................................................................. 2-18
Table 2-7: North Slope Propane Costs by Community ............................................................................................ 2-20
Table 2-8: Fuel Rates in the North Slope Region ..................................................................................................... 2-21
Table 2-9: Residential and School Heating Fuel Usage ............................................................................................ 2-21
iv North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table 2-10: North Slope Borough Inter-village Trails............................................................................................... 2-25
Table 12. Number of Public Buildings with Energy Survey or Audits......................................................................... 3-9
Table 3-2: 2010 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants on the North Slope .......................................... 3-10
Table 3-3: NSB Energy Costs for Water Sewer......................................................................................................... 3-11
Table 3-4: Regional Energy Project Information ...................................................................................................... 3-15
Table 16: Community and Leadership Meetings and Participants ............................................................................ 5-2
Table 17: Example of Cost Evaluation for Energy Efficiency Projects ........................................................................ 6-9
Appendix A: Funding Sources
v North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The North Slope Borough would like to thank our early leaders for their energy vision and for helping us find our
way. We also wish to thank the following individuals and organizations for their input and guidance during
development of this North Slope Energy Plan.
North Slope Borough Contibutors
N
Charlotte E. Brower, Mayor
Jacob Adams Sr., Chief Administrative
Officer
John Boyle, Special Counsel
North Slope Borough, Administration & Finance
Rob Elkins, Deputy Director
Administration
Timothy Rowe, Grants
North Slope Borough, Public Works
Charlie Sakeagak, Director
Morrie Lemen, Jr., Deputy Director
Tom Nichols, Division Manager, Airport &
Landfill
Brett Goodwin, Division Manager, Water &
Sewer
Max Ahgeak, Division Manager, Power &
Light
North Slope Borough, CIPM
Hubert Hopson, Director
Bernadette Adams, Deputy Director
North Slope Borough, Planning & Community
Services
Rhoda Ahmaogak, Director
North Slope Energy Steering Committee
Community Members
Doreen Lampe, Executive Director, ICAS
Daryl Kooley, TNHA
Deborah Edwardson, President, NSBSD
Robert Harcharek, Mayor, City of Barrow
Thomas Olemaun, President, Native Village of Barrow
Utility Representatives
Ben Franz, General Manager, BUECI
Allen Nesteby, Operations Superintendent, BUECI
Arctic Slope Regional Contributors
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Rex Rock Sr., President & CEO
Cheryl Stine, Senior VP, Chief
Administration Officer
Richard Glenn, Executive VP, Lands &
Natural Resources
John Hopson, Village Liaison
Arctic Slope Native Association
Luke Wells, VP Finance
6 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Other Contributors
Alaska Energy Authority
Sandra Moeller, Deputy Director, Rural
Energy
Robert Venables, Consultant, Rural Energy
Jed Drolet, Energy Development Specialist
Institute of Social & Economics Research, UAA
Ginny Fay, Asst. Professor of Economics
Cold Climate Housing Authority
Jack Hebert, President/CEO
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Mike Black, Director, Rural Utility
Management Services
Chris Mercer, P.E., Energy Program Engineer
Dan Reitz, P.E., DEHE
Carl Remley, Energy Projects Manager
Bowhead Transport
TBD
Industry
TBD
Denali Commission
Joel Neimeyer, Federal Co-Chair
RurAL CAP
David Hardenbergh, Executive Director
WHPacific, Inc.
Nicole McCullough, Project Manager
Jackie Qataliña Schaeffer, Energy Specialist
vii North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ACEP Alaska Center for Energy and Power
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
AIDEA Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
AMR systems Automated meter reading systems
ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
ANGDA Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority
ANTHC Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
APT Alaska Power and Telephone
ARDOR Alaska Regional Development Organizations
ARECA Alaska Rural Electric Cooperative Association
ARIS Alaska Retrofit Information System
ARRA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
ARUC Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative
ASRC Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
AVEC Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BEES Building Energy Efficiency Standards
CDR Concept Design Report
CETF Community Energy Task Force
CIAP Coastal Impact Assistance Program
CFL compact fluorescent light
EfW Energy From Waste
DCCED Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
DOE U.S. Department of Energy
DOL Alaska Department of Labor (and Workforce Development)
DOT&PF Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
EEM Energy Efficiency Measures
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ETF Energy Technology Fund
EUI Energy Use Index
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
HUD U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HVDC High Voltage Direct Current
ICDBG Indian Community Development Block Grant
IGA Investment Grade Audit
IPP Independent Power Producer
ISER Institute for Social and Economic Research
kW Kilowatt
kWh Kilowatt hour
Mcf One thousand cubic feet
MWh Megawatt hours
viii North Slope Regional Energy Plan
NAHASDA Native American Housing and Self Determination Act
NIST National Institute for Standards and Technology
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NRECA National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory
NSB North Slope Borough
ORC Organic Rankine Cycle
PFD Permanent Fund Dividend
PCE Power Cost Equalization
PD&R Policy Development and Research
PV Photovoltaic
REAP Renewable Energy Alaska Program
RUBA Rural Utility Business Advisor
TAPS Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
TED The Energy Detective
UAF University of Alaska Fairbanks
UCG Underground Coal Gasification
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
WtE Waste to Energy
WTP Water Treatment Plant
Page | ix North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | ES-1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This section provides a
condensed version of the
North Slope Energy Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page | ES-2 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In late 2014 the North Slope Borough took a pro-active step to review the
energy-related situation in its communities and hired WHPacific, Inc. to help
develop the North Slope Regional Energy Plan. Due to logistic and Arctic
climate design challenges for energy infrastructure, including
maintenance and operation, this plan would provide a regional
energy vision that would then provide the framework for future
energy development in the North Slope. It was
the vision of past leaders that was used as the
foundation of this energy planning effort. Since the
rough has provided
modern infrastructure, as well as energy subsidies to local residents to help with these challenges. The cost of
maintenance, operation, subsidies and upgrades to this infrastructure has cost the North Slope Borough millions of
dollars.
This energy plan coincides with the updates to the North Slope Area-wide Comprehensive Plan, which allows a
holistic approach to future projects in North Slope communities. This plan shows the current energy resources
within the North Slope Borough and presents options for reducing energy costs while maintaining or improving the
current level of service provided. Analysis collected previously by federal, state and local energy specialists and
relied heavily on the assistance of North Slope Borough Department Directors and staff, as well as community
leaders, was used to prepare a draft energy plan. It is an expansion of previous studies and data collection and lays
out issues, goals and prioritized energy projects obtained through a series of community meetings and document
reviews. The goal is for this plan to become a living document that provides a tool for current and future
generations on energy-related projects.
The energy planning efforts are based on a local, grassroots perspective. Each community was visited and its
issues, goals and prioritized projects are highlighted on individual community and energy profiles. These
-related conditions.
The chart below summarizes the issues, goals and potential projects. These projects are given more detail
throughout the plan.
Page | ES-3 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY ISSUES ENERGY GOALS POTENTIAL PROJECT(S)
Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Lack of education in energy-efficiency
and conservation, no tracking of energy
costs, inefficient housing design for
Arctic climate and no present best
practices in place.
Provide adequate energy education in all levels
and areas, calculate life-cycle costs for all
energy systems, set standards and best
practices for Arctic climate appropriate design
and construction.
Energy-wise educational visits to
all residential homes
Data metering and collection for
all energy systems
Design and build for Arctic
climate and set standard for all
construction in the NSB
Implement through an ESCO
program all recommendations
on energy audits
Maintenance and Operations
Lack of trained workforce in energy-
related systems at the local level, causing
high maintenance and operations
expenses.
Continue to train and develop a local workforce
of operators and repair technicians for all
energy systems. Train local workforce to do
construction upgrades for efficiency.
Institute a curriculum on
energy-related jobs with local
secondary and college educators
to promote and design Arctic
appropriate approach
Energy Financing
Outside funding for energy projects is
limited and highly competitive, NSB
capital funding is very short-term, SOA
PCE rates are very low due to NSB
subsidies, costs for energy systems
continues to grow stressing current
budgets, high non-payment of utility
bills, even with subsidies.
Seek Federal and State technical assistance for
planning of future energy projects, collaborate
funding efforts, develop comprehensive
financial strategy for maximizing energy
funding.
Create a funding database for
collaboration of federal, state,
local and private funds for
energy projects
Energy Infrastructure
Inappropriate designed energy systems
has led to very high M&O costs, failing
systems (due to design flaws and climate
change) continues to drive the costs up
on all infrastructure roads, water and
sewer, housing stock, transmission lines,
energy systems rely heavily on diesel and
need upgrades to accept renewable
systems.
Assess current infrastructure and develop an
implementation plan for upgrades, assess
housing stock conditions, upgrades systems to
accept renewable energy, diversify energy
sources through use of alternatives.
Implementation plan for current
needs
Energy audits on all
commercial/public buildings
Assess current energy systems
for upgrades to be more efficient
Planning
Lack of effective planning efforts for
implementation of recommendations for
energy savings and projects.
Incorporate the North Slope Energy Plan into
the NSB Planning and CIP process.
Page | ES-4 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Communication
Logistics of the NSB communities hinders
effective communication between
entities and project partners, general
public lacks understanding of current
systems, conservation measures and
available programs.
Utilize communication structure in place to
continue to educate and bring awareness and
resources to the NSB residents, educate energy
users on energy consumption, energy systems
and resources available.
-
program to help NSB consumers
understand energy systems,
distribution costs, usage and
conservation
Page | ES-5 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
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Introduction
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1INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the
plan, describes what it is
and what it is not, outlines
the methodology, presents
the plan organization and
summarizes the energy
issues and goals.
INTRODUCTION
Page |1-2 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
INTRODUCTION
The North Slope Region of Alaska encompasses an area of nearly 95,000 square miles across northern Alaska with
eight vibrant, yet isolated communities. The majority of its residents are Iñupiat. For much of the year, the region
is in darkness, with temperatures staying well below zero. None of the eight North Slope communities are
connected by road, making the movement of goods and people dependent primarily on air and water
transportation. The geography and harsh environment make staying warm and generating electricity difficult and
expensive. As energy costs continue to rise and new energy technology emerges, leaders have recognized the
need to develop a new coordinated energy approach to bring costs down while maintaining or improving the level
of service.
This push to improve energy options is not new. In the 1970s, oil and gas revenues
With the wealth
resulting from this development, the North Slope Borough (NSB) constructed energy
infrastructure projects including modern power plants and local electrical
distribution lines. They also gave energy subsidies to local residents to help offset
the high cost of heating their homes and using electricity. But, even as the
infrastructure took shape, leaders looked to the future and began to advocate
energy resource management, energy conservation, and alternative energy
development. These topics were the focus of priorities adopted by the NSB
Assembly in 1981. Unfortunately, these priorities were not fully implemented. This
energy plan is intended to honor the cultural wisdom of sustainable planning
understood by those early leaders by presenting a path to implement their
priorities, now and far into the future.
The Energy Plan is intended to accomplish the following:
Provide an energy profile for the region and each community in the Borough that clearly demonstrates
their energy issues, the current energy usage and their energy priorities.
Provide direction for reducing for energy in the face of declining
revenues.
Outline a process for educating residents about energy conservation measures.
Assist in obtaining grants for the Borough and villages that reduce energy costs.
Develop guidance for sound alternative resource development.
Help to identify and set priorities for actions by the Borough and its villages.
Save costs and increase comfort for residents resulting from energy efficiency improvements.
The Energy Plan is not intended to:
Remain a static document. The plan should evolve as time passes to reflect current economic realities,
political constraints and opportunities, and technology.
Serve as a design document. The plan is not intended to capture a high level of detail surrounding energy
efficiency projects, and most recommended projects will require standard pre-design and design
documentation.
1.1 VISION
The North Slope energy vision was created to serve as a clear guide for future energy actions and is intended to be
an inspiration and provide the framework for strategic planning.
Photo 1
mayor
Page |1-3 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
To provide affordable energy, keep our people warm, and be the leaders in bringing the most economical,
sustainable energy to rural Arctic communities.
1.2 METHODOLOGY
The data collected for this report was gathered from existing data in published reports including the Alaska Energy
Authority Energy Pathways and End Use Survey, the AHFC Alaska Retrofit Information System (ARIS), Alaska Home
Energy Rebate Program, Power Cost Equalization Reports, Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
information and data collected by numerous stakeholders. Current energy data was derived from information
provided by North Slope Borough departments, the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), Barrow Utilities and
Electric Co.-Op (BUECI), Village Corporations, City and Tribal officials, and Power Plant personnel. NSB
departments that provided information included Public Works, Capital Improvement Management (CIPM), the
Office, Administration and Finance, Planning and the Grants Division.
Throughout the process, stakeholder input was solicited and the project team and Borough staff met to discuss
progress. The North Slope Borough contracted with WHPacific, Inc. to assist in preparation of this report. The
timeline for the plan is illustrated in Error! Reference source not found..
Energy stakeholders in the North Slope Region are diverse and
interested in energy discussions. In the fall of 2013, a kick off
meeting for the energy planning process was held in Barrow.
Attendees included representatives from the
office, Administration and Finance, Public Works, CIPM and
arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC). This group was kept
informed and met to discuss the plan throughout the process.
Other stakeholders key to the development of this energy plan
include Barrow Electrical Utility Co-Op Incorporated, local city,
tribal, village corporations, federal and state agency staff; and
the general public. Near the beginning of the project, industry
participants were interviewed to provide information and they
provided input into a wide array of energy issues as they relate
to their particular fields throughout the process.
In February 2014, planners conducted trilateral meetings in
each of the NSB communities with city, tribal, and village
corporation leaders, and in many cases with representatives
from ASRC. These meetings served as a means to introduce the
plan, identify ideas and comments on energy issues and goals
and pinpoint an energy champion to represent each community on a North Slope Regional Energy Plan Steering
Committee.
Several common themes emerged in these meetings:
Leaders were interested in improving energy efficiency and are open to new approaches;
Community members are frustrated with the pace at which energy efficiency projects occur;
Residents are very interested in home weatherization to improve efficiency and livability;
Fuel availability should be improved; and
OCT - DEC
2013
Data Collection & Resource
Assessment - Phase I
Interview Regional Conacts
Leadership Meetings
JAN - MAY
2014
Interview Community Contacts
Draft Resource Inventory
Develop Draft Plan
JUN - DEC
2014
Identify Priority Projects,
Opportunities &
Recommendations
JAN-JUN
2015
Review & Revise Draft Plan
Community Outreach and
Comment input
Finalize Phase II Draft Plan
Exhibit 1: Energy Timeline
Page |1-4 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Although energy audits have been performed in many public facilities across the NSB, community leaders
were unaware that any audits were done.
A draft plan was completed in late 2014 and planners visited each of the communities to present the draft,
discuss energy priorities with local leaders and the public and make presentations about energy conservation
to the local school children. The final draft was presented to the NSB Planning Commission for review in May
2015.
1.3 ORGANIZATION
This plan contains the following chapters:
Introduction an overview of the regional energy issues and challenges, the goals of the plan,
methodology, and stakeholders involved.
Regional Background summarizes physical, demographic, and energy use characteristics of the region.
Regional Energy Resources a detailed look at the energy resources of the North Slope region. Outlines
regional energy priorities.
Community Summaries an overview of the eight North Slope communities, their energy profiles and
local energy priorities.
Implementation Plan a summary of actions and strategy for completing the energy priorities
1.4 ISSUES AND GOALS
The energy plan steering committee and stakeholders developed a list of issues that focused on six topic areas;
energy efficiency and conservation, maintenance and operations, energy infrastructure, planning, energy financing
and communication. These are presented below along with corresponding goals.
Page |1-5 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table 1. Energy Issues and Goals
ENERGY ISSUES ENERGY GOALS
Energy Efficiency & Conservation
1. There is a lack of education in energy-efficiency
and conservation. Maximize the use of education, community awareness
and program implementation for energy conservation
and efficiency in all areas: residential, commercial,
industrial and transportation.
2. Actual costs of energy in region are not tracked
adequately.
Calculate life-cycle energy costs for all the NSB,
including: water and sewer systems, infrastructure,
housing and power generation.
3. Houses and associated infrastructure are not
usually built with arctic cold climate design. Always build arctic appropriate, energy efficient
buildings.
4. No general energy-efficiency practices are in
place. Encourage standard of energy-efficiency and
conservation practices.
Maintenance and Operations
5. Many operators lack the proper training needed
to maintain and operate new technology and
energy equipment installed in the villages. Develop a well-trained workforce of operators and
repair technicians that keep existing and new energy
systems operating in communities and individual
buildings continually and efficiently.
6. There is a lack of readily available trained
personnel to repair new energy and heating
systems.
Energy Financing
7. Energy project financing from outside sources
are limited and highly competitive.
Seek Federal and State agency assistance for Borough
energy planning and management efforts with a full
range of grants and technical assistance with
collaborative funding.
8. While NSB capital funding for energy projects
may be available in the short term, there is
concern about long term availability to fund
future capital energy projects.
Develop and implement a comprehensive financial
strategy for maximizing energy funding.
9. The state PCE rates are very low due primarily to
NSB energy subsidies.
10. The costs for on-going operations of the energy
systems continues to grow without
corresponding increases to budget.
11. There is a high non-payment of utility bills.
Page |1-6 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Energy Infrastructure
12. Inadequate infrastructure remains a prevailing
deficit throughout the region, including roads,
transmission lines, sewer and water systems and
inefficient building performance.
Assess current infrastructure and develop a plan to
upgrade, retrofit, or redesign systems for climate
change and environment.
13. Failing systems causes high costs to the NSB due
to climate change and inadequate design.
Determine the need for new infrastructure to maximize
the energy savings.
14. Power plants are not designed to accept
alternative energy sources.
Integrate power systems that can effectively capture
alternative energy.
15. Energy systems rely heavily on diesel which is
finite and constantly increasing in costs.
Reduce fuel costs by diversifying energy sources
through use of practical energy alternatives.
Planning
16. There is a lack of effective planning efforts that
showcase current energy demands, systems and
costs that could help streamline future energy
projects.
Incorporate energy into NSB Planning and CIP process.
Communication
17. The logistics of the North Slope Borough hinders
effective communication between entities
implementing energy systems.
Continue effective communication through outreach
and inter-departmental collaboration.
18. The public lacks an understanding of energy
systems, conservation measures, and available
programs.
Educate energy users on how their actions impact
energy consumption, how their energy/heating
system operates, and what energy resources are
available to them.
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Page |1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Regional Background
Page | 2-1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
2REGIONAL BACKGROUND
This chapter summarizes
relevant physical,
demographics and energy
use characteristics of the
North Slope region.
REGIONAL BACKGROUND
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REGIONAL BACKGROUND
The people of the North Slope thrive in a physical environment that presents great challenges. Extreme weather
and great distances can transform a simple task elsewhere into a major hurdle. Despite these challenges, a rich
cultural heritage, a strong social fabric, and hard work have helped to create vibrant communities throughout the
region. This section provides an overview of the physical conditions, demographics, economy, regional contacts
and energy use for the North Slope region as a whole.
2.1 PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
2.1.1 LOCATION
The North Slope Borough is the largest municipality in
the United States, encompassing over 94,000 square
miles, including more than 8,000 miles of arctic
coastline. The
northern coast, extending from the Chukchi Sea in the
west to the Alaska-Canada border on the east. It
comprises over 15 percent of the state's total land area.
The majority of the land on the North Slope Borough is
managed by federal and state agencies. Federal and
state lands comprise most of the NSB. Other
landowners include regional and village Native
corporations, and to a lesser extent, private individuals.
Barrow, the northernmost city in North America, is the
economic, service, and administrative center of the region. Many local businesses provide support services to oil
t service connecting to Anchorage. The North Slope
i Figure 2 shows the land status of the North
Slope region.
Figure 1. North Slope Region Planning Area
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Figure 2: Regional Land Status
2.1.2 GEOLOGY
The geology of the North Slope region is dominated by the Brooks Range fold and thrust belt to the south and the
Colville basin to the north. The Brooks Range, like most of the North American Cordillera, formed during a
compressional tectonic event during Jurassic-Cretaceous time (approximately 100-200 million years ago). This
compressional event thrust older Paleozoic rocks over younger rocks to the north, creating the Brooks Range and
the North Slope foreland basin. The foreland basin filled with a thick sequence of organic-rich shale and sandstone.
As this sediment was buried and heated, large volumes of oil and gas were liberated. These hydrocarbons
migrated and were trapped into subsurface structures such as the Barrow Arch, which runs along the coast from
Barrow to Prudhoe Bay. During the Pleistocene glaciation, large glaciers flowed out of the Brooks Range, scouring
out valleys and depositing sand and gravel through the major river valleys. Large volumes of wind-blown sand and
silt covered the region adjacent to the glacial sediment and the major rivers continued to rework these sediments
as the ice receded.
Page | 2-4 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
2.1.3 HYDROLOGY
Major North Slope rivers include the Colville, Kuparuk, Sagavanirktok and Canning Rivers begin in the Brooks
Range. The Colville River is approximately 350 miles in length, stretching from the De Long Mountains to the Arctic
Ocean where it forms a large delta near Nuiqsut. It is the largest river in Alaska that is not glacier fed. The river is
frozen for more than half the year and floods each spring. When frozen, the Colville River can be used as an ice
road for transportation. Once the freshwater ceases to flow, a saltwater wedge forms under the ice. Salinity in the
Colville River extends approximately 37 miles from the mouth.
The Kuparuk River enters a bay on the Beaufort Sea between Beechey Point and Prudhoe Bay. The north-flowing
river is about 200 miles long, and its delta is about three miles wide. The Sagavanirktok River is about 180 miles
long and originates on the north slope of the Brooks Range, flowing north to the Beaufort Sea near Prudhoe Bay.
The Canning River flows through parts of the North Slope beginning in the Franklin Mountains of the Brooks Range.
It flows generally north for 125 miles through the arctic National Wildlife Refuge and enters Camden Bay west of
Kaktovik on the Beaufort Sea. (United States Geological Survey, 2013)
River, stream and lake habitats support more upland mammal and birds than any other coastal habitat. They
provide a conduit for freshwater component of estuaries and link the upland and marine environments. Also, they
provide a travel corridor for upland mammals. Some pools in the deltas of these rivers do not freeze to the bottom
and provide overwintering habitat for fish.
The arctic coastal plain has the largest expanse of arctic fen and thaw lakes in the world. Many of the lowland
areas are considered wetlands. Polygon-shaped structures form from temperature-induced cracks. Pingos, or ice-
cored mounds, appear throughout the tundra. Because wetlands store water longer than other areas, water
Figure 3. Hydrology Features on the North Slope
Page | 2-5 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
becomes more nutrient rich, and this water provides important nutrients to coastal waters as a result of spring
floods (Glenn Gray and Associates, 2007).
2.1.4 CLIMATE
Much of the North Slope climate is arctic, with long, very cold winters and short, cool summers. Temperatures
range from -56 to 78 °F. Precipitation is light, with an average of five inches a year and snowfall averaging 20
inches a year. However, Anaktuvuk Pass in the Brooks Range has a continental climate. Climate data for the North
Slope communities is given in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1: Climate Data for the North Slope
Extreme
summer
high, °F
Extreme
winter
low, °F
Annual
precip.
inches
Annual
snowfall,
inches
Chukchi Sea
Break-up,
avg.
Chukchi Sea
Freeze-up, avg.
Days
below
freezing
Anaktuvuk
Pass
91 -56 11 63 N/A N/A N/A
Atqasuk 78 -56 5 22 N/A N/A 300
Barrow 78 -56 5 20 Mid-June October 324
Kaktovik 78 -56 5 20 N/A N/A N/A
Nuiqsut 78 -56 5 20 N/A N/A 297
Point Hope 78 -49 10 36 Late June Mid-September N/A
Point Lay 78 -55 7 21 Late June September N/A
Wainwright 80 -56 5 12 Mid-July September N/A
Source: (Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, 2014)
While there is some variation across the region, weather patterns are similar. In Barrow, the sun does not set
between May 10th and August 2nd each summer and does not rise between November 18th and January 24th
each winter.
2.1.4.1 HEATING DEGREE DAYS
The outside temperature plays a big role in how much energy it will take to keep a structure warm. Heating degree
days are one way of expressing how cold a location is and can help determine how much fuel might be required at
the village level. Heating degree days are a measure of how much (in degrees), and for how long (in days), the
outside air temperature was below a certain level. They are commonly used in calculations relating to the energy
consumption required to heat buildings. The higher the number, the more energy will be required. The figures in
Table 2-2 indicate average heating degree days for each month in Anaktuvuk, Barrow, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Lay,
and Wainwright. days, shown for comparison, indicate a much warmer climate and
therefore needs much less energy required to heat its buildings.
Page | 2-6 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table 2-2: Average Heating Degree Days, November 2013 through October 2014
NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP Oct ANNUAL
Anaktuvuk
Pass
1,893 2,174 1,967 1,964 2,014 1,562 924 545 451 538 936 1,536 16,504
Barrow 1,723 2,075 2,227 2,020 2,142 1,805 1,192 948 858 855 945 1,343 20,226
Kaktovik 1,677 2,107 2,129 2,097 2,152 1,719 1,069 911 734 798 894 1,227 17,514
Nuiqsut 1,889 2,238 2,348 2,092 2,354 1,877 1,130 748 561 674 907 1,306 18,124
Pt. Lay 1,644 2,048 2,120 2,023 2,194 1,726 1,121 829 623 618 844 1,318 17,108
Wainwright 1,994 2,063 1,779 1,134 870 724 724 875 1,277
New York 598 814 1,124 937 845 412 122 12 0 2 40 194 5,100
Source: www.degreedays.net
2.1.4.2 CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change describes the variation in Earth's global and regional atmosphere over time. The impacts of climate
warming in Alaska are already occurring. In the North Slope region, some of these impacts include coastal erosion,
increased storm effects, earthquakes, sea ice retreat and permafrost melt.
The effects of climate change can potentially exacerbate natural phenomena. For example, melting permafrost
contributes significantly to ground failure or destabilization of the ground in a seismic event and changing weather
patterns can cause unusual and severe weather. The rate of erosion east of Point Barrow has doubled in the past
50 years from 20 feet to 45 feet per year and the length of the summer season is expected to increase between by
between three and six weeks by the end of the century (Planning, 2014). Climate change also can cause structural
failure in energy infrastructure, buildings, airports, and roads due to thawing permafrost. This leads to increased
maintenance costs and disruption in services.
The arctic has heated up twice as fast as the rest of
the planet in the past three decades. By August 2013,
sea ice had lost 76 percent of its volume compared to
1979, according to the University of Washington's
Polar Ice Center (Lippert, 2013). One effect of climate
change is an increase in lightning strikes and as the
summers get warmer and dryer, so too do the soils,
which are flammable and able to burn more deeply
when dry. In 2007, near Anaktuvuk Pass, lightning-
sparked forest fires burned 401 square miles releasing
an estimated 2.3 million tons of carbon into the
atmosphere (UAF, 2011).
Adapting to the impacts of climate change before they
become critical is important to the wellbeing of the
people and infrastructure of the North Slope. Energy
infrastructure will be vulnerable to more extreme
weather events, rising sea levels, and thawing
Photo 2: Anaktuvuk River Fire, North Slope, Alaska. Photo credit: Alaska
Fire Service
Page | 2-7 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
permafrost. Strategies for adaptation to climate
change will need to be developed and continually
updated as new information becomes available.
Climate change and changing weather patterns will
force adaptation at a rapid pace. The consequences
could prove devastating for northern climates if
planning efforts do not factor these effects into future
design of infrastructure and energy systems.
Climate change is also opening new arctic shipping
routes. Once only navigable in the summer months every seven years or so, the summer sea ice is vanishing at a
rapid pace, opening up potentially lucrative trade routes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. (UAF, 2011)
Multi-year sea ice has declined 50% since 2005 (NSB Planning, 2014). As arctic sea ice and Antarctic continental ice
diminishes, the season for accessing these environments lengthens. However, the Polar Regions remain the most
remote and challenging work sites on the globe, subject to climate extremes and at the furthest limit of logistic
support. This poses unique challenges and requires specialized expertise to mitigate danger and maximize
efficiency.
Ice breaker escorts helped make the first commercial passage of a containership through the arctic in 2013. Also in
2013, a Russian ship with fifty two passengers called the MV Akademik Shokalskiy became trapped in shifting pack
ice in Antarctica, raising concerns about potential rescue efforts in arctic shipping lanes (Bruno, 2013). To address
concerns with the opening of the arctic shipping lanes, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) created a
Polar Code. The Polar Code is not finalized and has not been adopted, however, it contains provisions regarding
vessel operations in the Polar Regions such as machinery requirements, ship structure, etc. While the Code could
bring safety and efficiency improvements, some worry that the requirements could significantly increase the costs
of goods and energy to communities in the arctic. The Alaska Arctic Policy Commission and the National Strategy
for the Arctic Region (NSAR) are working to address the potential cost increases that could result from the current
proposed code.
2.2 DEMOGRAPHICS
Demographics shape current and future energy demands. Understanding current demand can help to pinpoint
inadequacies and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. Projections of future energy use can help
leaders to tailor improvements or new facilities to optimally meet community needs. This section provides an
overview of current NSB demographics and future trends.
2.2.1 CURRENT POPULATION
As of January 1, 2014 (based on tax records), the total population of the North Slope Borough was about 7,905 as
shown in Exhibit 2. This figure does not included the approximately 11,000 oil field workers who are employees on
the North Slope, mostly in Prudhoe Bay east to the Alpine Development Project (NSB Planning, 2014). Over 5,500
of the residents are Iñupiat. Barrow residents make up about 60 .
"I really hope that we can settle all preparatory work for the
Polar Code by next year [2014] The new code will come
into force in 2016 or in early 2017. This is a possible and
."
Secretary General of the IMO,Koji Sekimizu, 18 October 2013
Page | 2-8 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Exhibit 2. NSB 2010 Population by Community
358 248 262 452
683
215
543
4217
427
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
Anaktuvuk
Pass
Atqasuk Kaktovik Nuiqsut Point Hope Point Lay Wainwright Barrow Outside
villages
Residents in the North Slope Borough are significantly younger than residents of Alaska as a whole. At 27, the
median age or midpoint of the population for the North Slope Borough is about nine years younger than the
median age for the state as a whole (36.1). This young population will have an effect on future demand for
services within the Borough, including education, housing, and employment (North Slope Borough, 2005). The
effect will likely also extend to increased demands on the energy infrastructure within the Borough.
2.2.2 TRENDS
Borough and U.S. census data for the region reveals that between 1970 and 2010 the population grew from 2,633
to 7,905 as shown in Exhibit 3. The exhibit is based on the census of the eight communities of Anaktuvuk Pass,
Atqasuk, Barrow, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay and Wainwright; Prudhoe Bay has not been included. It
is estimated that the population of the Prudhoe Bay oil field is 2,175 people, but at any given time several
thousand transient workers live there to support personnel (NSB Planning, 2014).
Page | 2-9 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Exhibit 3: North Slope Borough Population Growth 1970-2010
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
2663
4199
5979
7385
7905
Source: U.S and NSB Census data
Over the past 40 years, the overall population in the region has increased about two percent annually. At a two
percent growth rate, the population would exceed 14,000 persons in 2030. Based on the fact that the growth has
slowed in recent years, the assumption is for a more modest one percent growth rate. This results in a population
of approximately 9,644 by 2030, as shown in Exhibit 4.
Exhibit 4: Projected Population Growth 2010-2030
7,904
10,622
14,276
8,731 9,644
7,148 6,465
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
High Growth Rate - 2%
Medium Growth Rate - 1%
Low Growth Rate -1%
A modest increase in energy use could be expected from population increase, but employment is likely to have a
more direct relationship to energy demand (North Slope Borough, 2008).
2.3 ECONOMY
The majority of the Iñupiat residents on the North Slope Borough use subsistence foods, with over 53 percent
receiving half or more of their diets from subsistence foods (North Slope Borough, 2011). Subsistence activities
Page | 2-10 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
take place over a vast area as a result of the large-scale migration patterns of some subsistence resources.
Borough residents also use offshore areas for subsistence hunting and fishing of a wide variety of marine
mammals, birds and fish. They use onshore areas for hunting and fishing and gathering of eggs and plants.
Subsistence use changes from year-to-year and throughout time, depending on the availability of a specific species
(Glenn Gray and Associates, 2007).
In some ways, subsistence foods represent income. When opportunities for employment tighten, residents can
adjust to smaller incomes by increasing their use of subsistence foods. For many North Slope residents, rather than
replacing subsistence, the cash economy enables individuals to participate in subsistence by providing money for
snow machines, boats, outboard motors, and whaling supplies. The combination of subsistence and employment
contribute to the overall village economy. Successful hunters redistribute their take to others, particularly to
relatives and the elderly, who may not be able to provide for their own needs. Seasonal or part-time work makes
up a large percentage of available work. Wage earners carry out subsistence activities during non-work time such
as vacations, weekends, and after work hours. In other instances, a family member works in a wage-paying job and
sponsors someone else in their subsistence pursuits. A sponsor receives a measure of status and also part of the
catch for assisting the hunt (Glenn Gray and Associates, 2007).
Other economic drivers in the region include oil, gas and mineral development; tourism and commercial
recreation; arts and crafts; and retail and commercial services. According to the Alaska Department of Labor and
Workforce Development, the largest sector of employment in the region is local governments, employing 1,944
individuals in 2012.
Oil and gas revenues play a significant role in the economics of the North Slope and the rest of Alaska. Local and
state oil revenues provide funding for water and sewer facilities, schools, health clinics, fire stations, and local
roads and airports. In addition, the arctic Slope Regional Corporation and local village Native corporations have
businesses that provide oil field services and some individuals from NSB villages also are employed by oil
companies (NSB Planning, 2014).
Unemployment in the North Slope Region has gone down over the past decade after a high of over 10 percent in
2004. The average household income varies from a low of $53,134 in Point Lay to a high of $91,832 in Barrow as
shown in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3: Average Household Income in North Slope Communities
Community Average HH Income
Anaktuvuk Pass $58,673
Atqasuk $84,861
Barrow $91,832
Kaktovik $57,716
Nuiqsut $72,591
Point Hope $58,691
Point Lay $53,134
Wainwright $62,493
North Slope Borough $80,178
Source: (North Slope Borough, 2011)
Page | 2-11 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
2.4 HOUSING
2.4.1 Regional Housing Assessment
The 2014 AHFC Alaska Housing Assessment used a variety of sources to analyze statewide and regional housing.
Below is a summary of the assessment for houses in the North Slope region.
Housing Units. There are currently 2,517 housing units in the North Slope region. Of these, 1,966 are
occupied, 160 vacant units are for sale or rent, and the remaining 391 are seasonal or otherwise vacant
units.
Energy. The average home size is 1,134 square feet and uses 175,000 BTUs of energy per square foot
annually. This is 28% more than the statewide average of 137,000 BTUs per square foot per year and the
second highest energy use index in the state.
Energy Costs. Using AKWarm estimates, average annual energy cost for homes in the region is $3,200
(subsidized rate), which is approximately 1.1 times more than the cost in Anchorage, and 1.5 times more
than the national average. Discounting Barrow and Nuiqsut that rely on relatively inexpensive natural gas
the average energy costs for the remaining North Slope villages are much higher.
Energy Program. Since 2008, approximately 5% of housing units in the region have completed an AHFC
Home Energy Rebate or Weatherization program, and an additional 7% have been certified to meet the
Building Energy Efficiency Standards (BEES), compared to 21% statewide. Exhibit 5 shows the comparison
of North Slope participation in energy efficiency programs compared to nearby regions. It illustrates that
participation in energy efficiency programs has so far been limited in the North Slope.
Exhibit 5. Comparison of Percent of Occupied Housing Completing Energy Programs
Source: Source: 2014 AHFC Housing Assessment
Housing Quality. Within current housing stock, newer homes have better energy performance. On
average, homes built in the 1970s are currently rated at 2-star-plus compared to a current average rating
of 4-star-plus for homes built after 2000. The Tagiugmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority (TNHA) reports
that new houses currently being constructed in the region have 6 star BEES ratings.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
North Slope Northwest Alaska Interior
No Programs Complete Weatherization % BEES % Home Energy Rebate
Page | 2-12 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Air-tightness. Within current housing stock, newer homes are tighter. On average, homes built in the last
decade meet the 2009 BEES standard of air-changes. In contrast, homes built in the 1980s are 1.2 times
leakier than those built since 2000.
Ventilation. An estimated 684 occupied housing units (or 35%) in the North Slope region are relatively air-
tight and lack a continuous ventilation system. These houses are at higher risk of moisture and indoor air
quality-related issues.
Overcrowding: More than 21% of occupied units are estimated to be either overcrowded (14%) or
severely overcrowded (8%). This is roughly 7 times the national average and makes the region the fourth
most overcrowded ANCSA region in the state. A 2013 assessment done by the United States Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) indicates that there is a regional shortage of 538 units of affordable housing
and an urgent need to rehabilitate 859 units (TNHA, 2013). Below in Exhibit 6 is a comparison of the
overcrowding in the North Slope Region, nearby Northwest and Interior Alaska and the state.
Exhibit 6. Comparison of Overcrowded Housing
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Bering Strait Northwest Alaska Interior Alaska
Severely Overcrowded Overcrowded Not overcrowded
Source: 2014 AHFC Housing Assessment
Affordability. According to American Community Survey (ACS) data , approximately 13% of households in
the region spend 30% or more of total income on reported housing costs, including rent, water and sewer
utilities, and energy costs. Using AKWarm estimates, the average annual energy costs constitute
approximately 4% of census median area (Alaska Cold Climate Research Center, 2014).
2.4.2 HOUSING ORGANIZATIONS
There are several entities in the North Slope region responsible for housing improvements.
Tagiugmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority (TNHA) TNHA serves all the communities on the North Slope and
administers several housing programs. In 2013 and 2014, TNHA constructed homes using Sustainable Design
Standards (SDS). The homes are tailored to the arctic environment and include solar panels, 10 inches of
polyurethane spray foam insulation (R-60 rating), LED lighting and a stand- sewer treatment
plant. These features all resulted in energy savings. They also are built with a unique foundation that can address
Page | 2-13 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
changes in the permafrost depth. This allows relocation of the entire house, if needed, saving significant
rebuilding (and thus energy) costs (Breer, 2014).
Native Village of Barrow Housing Department - The Native Village of Barrow Housing Department serves low-
income tribal members in the Barrow area and within the tribe s approved service area. They strive to provide
decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing, decrease homelessness and increase affordable rental housing and
home ownership opportunities through the provisions of supportive services and financial assistance programs
(Native Village of Barrow, 2014).
Arctic Slope Native Association The Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) serves all the communities of the
North Slope by providing healthcare. In September 2013, ASNA opened a new hospital in Barrow and added over
120 full time positions. To accommodate these new positions, they purchased a few lots and are building
Structurally Insulated Panel (SIP) homes on them along with the first "remote wall" home in Barrow. ASNA hired
an AHFC inspector and rater to perform energy audits, blower door tests, and formally energy rate the homes as
they are completed. The first home was completed in August 2014 and the next two homes will be completed by
January and rated at that time including the remote wall construction home. They anticipate a 5 star plus energy
rating (Welles, 2014).
Native Village of Point Hope The Native Village of Point Hope uses the block grant approach to housing which
was enabled by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA).
North Slope Borough Housing Solutions Group The Mayor of the North Slope Borough formed the Housing
Solutions Group to focus on reducing the housing shortage and over-crowdedness and to address the cost of
construction and transport in the North Slope region by providing outreach services and technical assistance. The
goal is to do this with a combination of services in land acquisition, financial consultation, different construction
methods, and collaboration of different entities in the North Slope area (North Slope Borough, 2014).
2.5 PLANNING
In October 2005, the North Slope Borough published an update to their 1983 comprehensive plan. The plan
outlined planning issues, goals, objectives and policies, and presented a path to implementation. Included in the
plan were profiles of each of the North Slope Borough villages. The plan identified a goal of energy self-sufficiency
for NSB communities, and presented the following energy objectives:
Identify energy conservation strategies for public and private structures and vehicles;
Develop alternative energy sources for Borough communities, such as coal, natural gas and wind power;
and
Look for ways that oil and gas development can provide natural gas to village communities.
The plan also identified goals to develop gas supply facilities in communities with close proximity to natural gas,
and to obtain grants and other funding sources to develop supply and distribution facilities. To reach this goal, the
plan proposed that the NSB should:
Identify communities for potential gas supply development;
Develop business relationships with funding partners and the resource development industry;
Define roles and responsibilities for operations and maintenance; and
Identify and apply for funding for project development, implementation, and maintenance.
Page | 2-14 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
The NSB has made partial progress toward meeting these objectives; funding for alternative energy studies was
applied for and received, wind feasibility studies have taken place or are currently underway, the Nuiqsut natural
gas project was completed and the design for a transmission line from Barrow to Atqasuk is moving forward.
The NSB is currently preparing Comprehensive Plans for each of the villages. This Energy Plan will be a component
of the Comprehensive Plans.
2.6 REGIONAL CONTACTS
Table 2-4 provides contact information for entities serving the North Slope region as a whole.
Table 2-4: Regional Entities Serving the North Slope Borough
Native
Corporation
ASRC (Arctic Slope Regional Corporation)
P.O. Box 129
Barrow, AK 99723
Phone: 907-852-8633 Fax: 907-852-5733
Website URL: http://www.asrc.com
Borough North Slope Borough
P.O. Box 69
Barrow, AK 99723
Phone: 907-852-2611 Fax: 907-852-0337
Website URL: http://www.north-slope.org
Native
Association
Arctic Slope Native Association
P.O. Box 1232
Barrow, AK 99723
Phone: 800-478-3033
Website URL: http://www.arcticslope.org
IRA Council Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope
P.O. Box 934
Barrow, AK 99723
Phone: 907-852-4227
Fax 907-852-4246
E-mail: executive@Iñupiatgov.com, kimlem@gci.net
Website URL: http://www.Iñupiatgov.com
2.7 ENERGY BACKGROUND
2.7.1 UTILITIES
services are provided by the Barrow Utilities and Electrical Co.-Op. Inc. (BUECI). BUECI provides Barrow with
electricity, natural gas and water and sewer services. Their electricity extends to about 1,950 residential and
commercial customers.
Eight divisions make up the NSB Public Works Department with two divisions that deal directly with energy:
The Division of Power and Light operates and maintains the power plants and distribution of electric
energy in all seven villages (except Barrow), and responds to problems, such as power grid failures and
residential power outages.
The Division of Fuel and Natural Gas is responsible for the delivery of energy-related services to the
residents of the Borough outside of Barrow.
Page | 2-15 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Other divisions are critical, as well, to energy planning and
implementation. The Division of Water and Sewer provides
services outside of Barrow including the production,
treatment, and delivery of water, waste water collection and
processing; they respond to trouble calls, such as exterior
service freeze-ups; and they administer the Operations and
Maintenance contract of the Barrow Utilidor System.
The Borough does not currently have a specific energy
department or dedicated personnel. These departments all
shape North Slope Borough energy policy through their work
(North Slope Borough, 2014).
Public Works. This department manages village
roads, airports, and solid waste treatment, maintains
and repairs all NSB-owned facilities and equipment, provides road maintenance, transit service, and solid
waste management in Barrow, and operates light, power, water, sewer, and fuel delivery services in the
seven villages (not including Barrow).
Planning and Community Services. The Planning Department is responsible for planning and land use
6-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan and is responsible for preparation of comprehensive plans
for each community.
Capital Improvements Projects and Management (CIPM).
program.
Administration and Finance. The Department of Administration is responsible for budgeting, financial
management, operational support, risk management, assessment, grant development and administration,
and support for Prudhoe Bay facilities.
The following map shows energy and grocery costs across the NSB region. It also includes similar costs in
Anchorage and Fairbanks for comparison.
The NSB Public Works De
the North Slope Borough residents by providing
a wide range of cost-effective and well-
coordinated essential municipal services.
http://www.north-slope.org/departments/public-works
Page | 2-16 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Figure 4: Comparative Cost of Energy and Groceries
2.7.2 ELECTRICITY
Two thirds of the North Slope Borough electricity generation uses natural gas, with only 34% produced from fuel
oil. Natural gas is used for electric generation in Barrow and Nuiqsut. Production from the Barrow Gas Fields
provides heat and electricity for approximately 4,400 residents, government services and businesses in Barrow.
Residential consumers in the North Slope Borough use the same levels of electrical energy as urban areas in
Alaska, making this region unique in energy consumption for rural Alaska. Based on the calendar year (CY) 2013
State of Alaska Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program data, average annual electricity consumption in the NSB
ranges from 7,100 kWh 10,500 kWh. Atqasuk and Point Hope show the highest levels of consumption and
Anaktuvuk Pass and Point Lay show the lowest as illustrated in Exhibit 7.
The kilowatt-hour (kWh) is commonly used as a billing unit for energy delivered to consumers by electric utilities.
Except for Hawaii, Alaska has the highest residential rate per kWh in the United States and ranks 10th in average
Page | 2-17 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
energy consumption (U.S. Energy Information, 2012). Measurements of the average annual kWh used by village
show that Atqasuk uses more kWh on average and Anaktuvuk Pass the least, as shown in Exhibit 7.
Exhibit 7: NSB Average Annual Residential kWh Electricity Used
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
Anaktuvuk
Pass
Atqasuk Kaktovik Nuiqsut Point Hope Point Lay Wainwright
Average Annual Residential kWh use
Source: 2013 AEA PCE Report
There are on-site diesel generating plants in all the Borough villages. The plants use conventional diesel engines to
drive generators that provide local electricity. Dual redundant step-up transformers connect the plants to the
distribution systems. Back-up emergency generators are in place at all public facilities in all the communities,
however, a catastrophic loss of a power plant would require additional back-up systems to allow continuing
services (North Slope Borough, 2008).
The power distribution systems in North Slope Borough villages are typically well-designed grid systems which
consist of two three-phase main feeders interposed with several three-phase branch feeders. The distribution
systems are designed for a light power load, which is typical of systems in small communities in Alaska. Generally,
the systems are repaired only as needed, with no scheduled regular maintenance for the 30 or 40 years since
installation. The systems operate within an arctic, marine environment, with moist salt air, high winds, an extreme
range of annual temperatures, and significant ice load, and can be subject to outages.
According to the NSB Village Distribution Systems Report of Conditions and Proposed Power Grid Improvement
Projects, 2011, power plant upgrades are needed. Upgrades include improvements such as relocating power lines,
investigating power distribution to sewage treatment plants and adding electrical poles. These improvements
have a total cost of about $6,000,000 (North Slope Borough, 2011). The study also recommends a program of
general maintenance and upgrades of the distribution systems borough wide.
2.7.2.1 ELECTRIC RATES
of 20 cents per kWh
(Melendez, 2012). This low rate is due to the fact that the NSB subsidizes electricity rates for residents. Residential
rates for NSB residents (not including Barrow) range from 8 to 35 cents per kWh. The first 600 kWh of electricity is
waived for the handicapped and seniors (over 60) as shown in Table 2-5. NSB staff reports that electrical bill
collection is a problem.
Page | 2-18 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table 2-5. North Slope Power and Light Electrical Rates
Residential Rate
kWh Unit Cost Village
0-100 15.00 Minimum All
0-600 $0.15 per kWh all except Nuiqsut
0-600 $0.08 per kWh Nuiqsut Only
601 + $0.35 per kWh all except Nuiqsut
Elderly or Handicapped (Seniors over 60) Rate
kWh Unit Cost Village
0-600 No Charge all
601 + $0.35 per kWh all except Nuiqsut
601 + $0.08 per kWh Nuiqsut Only
Commercial (including heat trace) Rate
kWh Unit Cost Village
0-75 $15.00 minimum all
0-1,000 $0.20 per kWh all
1,001-10,000 $0.30 per kWh all
10,000+ $0.35 per kWh all except Nuiqsut
10,000+ $0.08 per kWh Nuiqsut Only
Source: NSB Administration and Finance Utility Billing Electrical and Water Rates, per Ordinance No
2006-18.
The actual cost for the NSB to produce electricity is much higher than the electrical rates charged. Costs include
fuel, maintenance and operations, equipment depreciation/amortization and administration costs. The actual
production costs range from 50 cents to $1.05 per kWh as shown in Table 2-6. This compares to the 2013 average
electrical production cost for approximately 181 rural communities in Alaska of about 49 cents a kWh (Alaska
Energy Authority, 2013).
Table 2-6: NSB Power Generation Costs
Community Total
Expenses
FY2013
kWh Generated
Production Cost
per kWh
Anaktuvuk Pass 3,576,919.59 3,974,000 1.05
Atqasuk 2,508,074.49 3,410,160 0.91
Kaktovik 3,053,963.63 4,806,050 0.76
Nuiqsut 2,410,018.36 6,046,940 0.50
Point Hope 3,117,702.80 6,629,820 0.56
Point Lay 2,448,005.02 3,458,160 0.88
Wainwright 3,700,507.48 6,681,650 0.64
Source: NSB, June 2014
Page | 2-19 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
2.7.2.2 POWER COST EQUALIZATION
The Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program was created in 1985 as part of a statewide energy plan. The intent of
the program was to provide economic assistance toward energy costs to residents of rural Alaskan communities
not on the road system. The rationale for the program is that rural consumers often pay three to five times the
rate of urban consumers, and do not reap the benefit of large state-subsidized energy infrastructure projects
completed in urban areas. The PCE program was a way to extend benefits to far flung communities through rate
relief (Alaska Energy Authority, 2013).
The AEA and the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) both receive reports from utilities that details electrical
statistical data by community. AEA reports are provided monthly and utilities deliver an annual report to RCA.
RCA uses that annual report to calculate the PCE rate using both fuel and non-fuel rates. RCA provides the rate to
the AEA.
The PCE program subsidizes an average of about 3 cents per kWh up to 500 kWh per month for the NSB villages
(excluding Barrow). This is very low in comparison to most rural communities which average a PCE subsidy of
about .20 cents per kWh as shown in Exhibit 8: Average Power Cost Equalization Rates. The primary reason for the
discrepancy is due to the generous subsidy that NSB already gives its customers. If the NSB required consumers to
shoulder more of the costs, the PCE rate could be expected to increase. (Cox, 2014).
Exhibit 8: Average Power Cost Equalization Rates
2.7.3 PROPANE
Propane may be a cost effective choice for household use, such as for cooking
costs were high, more residents used propane for cooking. Over time, propane-fired appliances were replaced by
electrical appliances and by the early 2000s, the number of propane appliances had dropped significantly. Propane
remains popular for use in camp cooking and whaling camps. There are many advantages to propane over diesel
such as the following:
Propane and natural gas can be used in many of the same appliances and facilities, without major
modifications.
Propane condenses to a liquid under relatively little pressure, so it can be transported more easily by truck
or barge than natural gas.
Propane reverts to a gas when released from pressure, so spills are not a problem, as they are with fuel oil.
$0.00
$0.05
$0.10
$0.15
$0.20
$0.25
$0.30
$0.35
Page | 2-20 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Propane burns cleaner than fuel oil
Disadvantages of propane are that it takes more space to transport and store than an equivalent amount of energy
gallon, than fuel oil (132,000 Btu/gal versus
92,000 Btu/gal). Propane requires pressurized storage tanks, and more of them. Another disadvantage is that
because propane is heavier than air, it can be a fire threat if accidentally released. Residential propane tanks and
lines need to be well-insulated from the cold, because at very cold temperatures, propane turns from gas to liquid
meaning whatever was fueled by the propane would stop working.
The cost of propane shipped into the North Slope remain high. The costs range from $180 to $400 per 100 pounds
for residents as shown in Table 2-7. This compares with a cost in Anchorage of $106 per 100 pounds.
Table 2-7: North Slope Propane Costs by Community
Community Propane $/100#
ob bottle
Anaktuvuk Pass $390
Atqasuk $350
Barrow $310
Kaktovik $400 Res
$1,300 Com
Nuiqsut $180
Point Hope $273
Point Lay $365
Wainwright $468
2.7.4 FUEL
Transportation and storage contribute to the high cost of fuel in the North Slope. Rising fuel cost impacts are
magnified if one considers the additional costs associated with the limited logistical options for bulk fuel shipping,
the poor economies of scale in fuel transportation, power generation and distribution. In addition to fuel costs,
the Borough spends over $1 million on regulatory compliance and oil spill response preparedness annually. This
includes the following compliance programs (Dellabona, 2009):
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan SPCC Plan
U.S. Coast Guard Operations Manual Coast Guard Operations Manual Site Inspections and Exercises
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency
Plan-C Plan, API 653 Internal and External Tank Inspections, API 570 Tank farm Piping inspections,
Cathodic Protection Surveys, Site Inspections and Exercises Power Plant Air Pollutant Fees
Since 2004, fuel rates have approximately doubled. Still residents do not bear the brunt of their high costs due to
subsidies for heating fuel provided by the Borough. Fuel rates are shown in Table 2-8.
Page | 2-21 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table 2-8: Fuel Rates in the North Slope Region
Most households use diesel to heat homes, with the exception of Barrow and Nuiqsut. An estimated 506,107
gallons of diesel #2 residential heating oil was used in 2013 throughout the region. The Public Works Department
at the NSB distributes the heating fuel to the local village corporations at no charge. In turn, the village corporation
charges the residential customers the cost for delivery only. These delivery costs vary from community to
community as shown in Table 2-8.
Based on Borough records, an estimated average of 800 gallons of heating fuel is used a year per household. The
number of gallons used for residential and school heating is shown in Table 2-9. The average cost of heating fuel
delivered to the home is $2.44 per gallon, while seniors and the handicapped are charged a reduced rate of $1.09
per gallon in some communities. The average cost of a gallon of gas is $5.81 for most residents, while seniors and
the handicapped are charged a reduced rate of $4.26 per gallon in some communities. (NSB, 2014).
Table 2-9: Residential and School Heating Fuel Usage
Community Residential Heating Fuel,
gallons/year
School Heating Fuel,
gallons/year
Anaktuvuk Pass 42,255 23,868
Atqasuk 54,247 32,430
Barrow 0 SKW/Eskimos Inc.
Kaktovik 70,828 64,424
Nuiqsut 0 0
Point Hope 166,137 49,480
Point Lay 38,378 39,415
Wainwright 134,262 61,735
Consolidation of fuel purchase can reduce costs. Organization and cooperatives that consolidate fuel purchases to
reduce fuel costs in Alaska includes Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC). They purchase about five million
gallons annually for the 52 communities in the interior and western Alaska villages that they serve. Northstar Gas
also purchases about 5 million gallons and serves villages on the Lower Kuskokwim. Western Alaska Fuel Group,
who serves communities in Bristol Bay, Seward Peninsula and Kotzebue Sound, purchases about six to seven
million gallons a year. The NSB also consolidates fuel purchases with fuel barges to Barrow. Recently the Borough
switched over from diesel to ultra-low sulfur diesel to comply with EPA regulations.
Community Diesel
Commercial
Diesel
Residential
Diesel
Senior
Gas
Commercial
Gas
Residential
Gas
Senior
Anaktuvuk Pass $9.25 $1.55 $1.00 $9.65 $9.65
Atqasuk $4.10 $1.40 $1.26 $4.90 $4.10 $3.69
Barrow $6.80 $6.80 $6.20 $6.20 $5.58
Kaktovik $8.50 $2.50 $8.50 $5.60
Nuiqsut $6.91 $2.30 $6.40 $5.00
Point Hope $7.44 $1.99 $5.50 $5.50
Point Lay $4.25 $1.45 $1.00 $3.52 $3.52 $3.52
Wainwright $7.30 $1.50 $6.87 $6.87
Page | 2-22 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
2.7.5 OIL AND GAS
In 1900, the U.S. Navy provided the first written documentation about petroleum resources in the North Slope
region. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) followed this report in 1901 by completing the first comprehensive
geological survey for the region. The survey results, published in 1904, noted the presence of geological formations
that could have petroleum deposits as well as natural oil seepages near Cape Simpson (NSB Planning, 2014).
Today, the North Slope Region is considered one of the largest hydrocarbon provinces in North America, with
numerous oil and gas leases in place. There are two major developments on the North Slope: Prudhoe Bay, and
the Alpine oil field located in the area known as the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska (NPR-A). In addition, gas
fields near Barrow supply energy to that community.
Prudhoe Bay - Commercial oil exploration started in Prudhoe Bay area in the 1960s and the field was discovered
on March 12, 1968, by Humble Oil (which later became part of Exxon) and Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO).
Production did not begin until June 20, 1977.
Prudhoe Bay is the largest oil field in both the United States and in North America, covering 213,543 acres. It is
located about 200 miles east of Barrow, 400 miles north of Fairbanks and 650 miles north of Anchorage. The
amount of recoverable oil in the field is more than double that of the next largest field in the United States, the
East Texas oil field. The field is operated by BP; partners are ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips Alaska. Development
at Prudhoe Bay includes drilling rigs and processing facilities, along with a cluster of support services at Deadhorse.
The North Slope Borough provides water and sewer and solid waste services in Prudhoe Bay and Deadhorse in
support of oil industry use of the area known as Service Area 10, or SA10.
North Slope oil production peaked in 1989 at 2 million barrels per day, but fell to 943,000 barrels per day in
December, 2006 and has declined since. Exhibit 9 illustrates the history of oil and gas production in the North
Slope from 1976 2012.
Exhibit 9: North Slope Oil and Gas Production
0
500000
1000000
1500000
2000000
2500000
North Slope Oil and Gas Production
1976-2012
Source: State of Alaska, Oil and Gas Commission
NPR-A NPR-A was established by President Warren Harding in 1923. Atqasuk, Barrow, Nuiqsut and Wainwright
are located within or immediately adjacent to the NPR-A which is located north of the Brooks Range and west of
the Colville River. It covers about 37,000 square miles, or 38.9% of the Borough.
Page | 2-23 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
In 2000, production began in the Alpine Oil Field. Located in the Colville River Delta twelve miles from Nuiqsut, the
Alpine Oil Field is the first oil discovery on Native lands in Alaska (Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, 2014). Alpine
Oil Field currently employees about two dozen residents from Nuiqsut who have jobs building ice roads, catering
at work camps, drilling and security (Alex DeMarban, 2014).
Production at the Alpine Oil Field has greatly exceeded expectations but has been in a decline in recent years as
shown in Exhibit 10 (State of Alaska, Alaska Oil and Gas Commission, 2014).
Exhibit 10. Alpine Field Oil and Gas Production History
Source: State of Alaska Oil and Gas Commission
Barrow - In the 1940s the U.S. Navy produced a small amount of gas out past the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory
in Barrow, to fuel the lab. After World War II, the line was extended to Barrow. In 1980, two other fields were
developed, the east Barrow and Walakpa fields, to provide additional gas to the growing Barrow community. Soon
thereafter, Congress passed the Barrow Gas Field Transfer Act of 1984.
Barrow Gas Field Transfer Act of 1984- This legislation directed the Secretary of the Interior to convey to
the North Slope Borough the subsurface estate held by the U.S., including the Barrow gas fields and the
Walakpa gas site, and any related support facilities, other lands, interests and funds with the right to
continue to explore for, develop and produce gas for local use. (Lavrakas, 2013). The act also provided
the right to the NSB to exploit gas and entrained liquid hydrocarbons from federal test wells in the
National Petroleum Reserve-A (NPR-A) for local village utility uses (Atqasuk, Barrow, Nuiqsut and
Wainwright).
Although oil production is a crucial source of operating revenue for the NSB, production is declining (Oil and Gas
and Conservation Commission, 2014). The industry is currently developing additional fields to supplement the
existing drill sites and boost production. The region also has significant natural gas reserves, and work is underway
to develop these reserves to provide a future revenue source for the NSB (North Slope Borough, 2014). Currently,
industry is exploring other areas to boost production.
Oil and gas development in the North Slope can limit impacts to subsistence and the natural environment. Noise,
habitat alterations, oil spills and other activity can be damaging to wildlife and subsistence uses. As a result of
these concerns, oil and gas industry activities are regulated by the state and federal agencies and the NSB, and
future development must reflect a balance of stewardship of the land and economic growth.
0
20,000,000
40,000,000
60,000,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Alpine Field Oil and Gas Production
2005-2011
Oil (bbls)Gas (mcf)
Page | 2-24 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
2.7.6 NATURAL GAS
In 1999, the North Slope Borough constructed the Nuiqsut Natural Gas Pipeline to transport natural gas from the
ConocoPhillips Alpine production pad to the village of Nuiqsut, located within the Colville River Delta. Nuiqsut joins
the community of Barrow utilizing natural gas to provide heat and generate electricity.
ajor oil companies are also taking steps to tap into the huge natural gas reserves on the North Slope.
In July 2014, they applied for a permit from the U.S. Department of Energy to export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
The permit requested permission to export up to 20 million metric tons of LNG each year for three decades. The
application indicated that total production would be 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily with some of gas
being siphoned off for in-state use. They plan to have five take off points for local consumption (Alex DeMarban,
2014).
2.7.7 TRANSPORTATION
The vastness of the region and large distances between communities can make travel difficult and energy and
other goods costly on the North Slope. North Slope communities are not accessible by road, and air travel is the
primary means of year-round long distance transportation. In winter, this is supplemented by travel to other
communities or subsistence areas by snowmachine using winter trails and in some instances ice roads are used.
Within each community, a network of gravel roads accesses services and residential areas.
While air travel is the only year-round mode of transportation, a patchwork of surface transportation modes
varied depending on the time of year support the movement of passengers and cargo within the North Slope.
Alaska Airlines provides passenger service and freight delivery between Barrow, Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Northern Air Cargo and Everts Air Cargo offer large c
service. Barges deliver freight during the summer months to Point Hope, Point Lay, Wainwright, Barrow, Nuiqsut
and Kaktovik. "Cat-trains" have been used to transport freight or fuel overland from Barrow to Atqasuk during
winter months (Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, 2014).
Industry prepares a 12-mile long ice road between Nuiqsut and the Alpine oil production field in winter and from
Alpine oil field to the Dalton Highway. Nuiqsut residents are permitted to use these ice roads to access the Dalton
Highway and beyond to Fairbanks. Fuel for community use is transported primarily by barge in summer and by air
or ice road in winter. Permitting is underway to make the route between Nuiqsut and Alpine Oil Field a permanent
route. In 2014, the Alaska Corps of Engineers approved a wetland permit for placing gravel fill along the alignment
of the proposed road (called the Nuiqsut Spur Road). The road will belong to the local Native Corporation and will
provide a route to allow better access to subsistence hunting and fishing areas and to employees who work at
Alpine and live in Nuiqsut.
The Dalton Highway stretches from near Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Prudhoe Bay oil fields, but does not
access any North Slope Borough communities directly. The road was initially constructed in 1974 to support work
on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), was opened to the public as far as Disaster Creek in 1981, and opened
to public access as far as Deadhorse in 1994. There are several worksites along the route that provide support
services for seasonal workers and a limited number of permanent residents.
Page | 2-25 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Recently, there has been an increase in winter overland travel to the
Dalton Highway from communities such as Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk,
Barrow, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut and Wainwright, using trucks, SUVs or rollagons.
This usually occurs in the spring when the weather is warmer and the light
returns. The main motivation is to purchase vehicles and also cheaper
goods in Fairbanks or Anchorage. In 2013, the oil industry established an
ice road to Teshukpuk Lake located about 85 miles southeast of Barrow,
but this is not anticipated to be an annual event.
One proposed transportation project under consideration in the North
Slope Borough is the Foothills West Transportation Access project. It
would entail construction of an all-season gravel road from the Dalton
Highway to Umiat, Alaska. The road would access oil and gas resources west of the Dalton Highway along the
northwestern foothills of the Brooks Range, and within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The
development opportunities for the area as well as facilitate a more economically feasible NPR-
(ADOT&PF, 2014). Drilling took place along this route in the summer of 2014.
In 2011, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began to prepare an environmental impact statement
(EIS) for the project, but the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is
currently re-evaluating plans for future EIS work. In response, the USACE has suspended work and closed the EIS
project file. If DOT&PF decides to proceed and provide project plan information, the USACE would notify agencies
and the public within 30 days after the request to re-open the file and continue the EIS process. If no additional
information is provided, it is anticipated that the USACE would file a notice of termination in the federal register at
the end of 2014.
A network of marked winter trails is also used for surface transportation access via primarily snow machines across
the North Slope. A trail connecting Barrow, Wainwright, Point Lay and Point Hope follows the northwest coastline.
An east/west trail connects Deadhorse, Nuiqsut, Atqasuk and Wainwright, while a north/south trail links Nuiqsut
and Anaktuvuk Pass. The following table outlines distances on winter trails between NSB communities:
Table 2-10: North Slope Borough Inter-village Trails
Trail Segments Distance in Miles
Point Hope to Kivalina 80
Barrow to Atqasuk 60
Deadhorse to Nuiqsut* 60
Atqasuk to Wainwright 70
Barrow to Wainwright 90
Wainwright to Point Lay 100
Point Lay to Point Hope 120
Nuiqsut to Anaktuvuk Pass 140
Nuiqsut to Atqasuk 150
Total Mileage 870
* Trail is 17 miles from Nuiqsut to the existing Spine Road, then uses the existing Spine Road
network to access Deadhorse and the Dalton Highway.
Source: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, 2004
In addition to these inter-village routes, there are many trails used for subsistence access. Figure 5 shows the Ice
roads, trails, roads and highways in the North Slope region.
Photo 3: Ice road to Kuparuk, North Slope.
Photo credit: Wordpress.com
Page | 2-26 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Figure 5: Regional Surface Transportation
Page | 2-27 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Regional Energy Analysis
Page |3-1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
3REGIONAL ENERGY ANALYSIS
This chapter provides
details about energy
resources and potential
opportunities in the North
Slope region and outlines
regional priorities
REGIONAL ENERGY
ANALYSIS
Page |3-2 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
REGIONAL ENERGY ANALYSIS
Geographically, the North Slope Borough is the largest county-level political entity in the United States with vast
energy resources. The breadth of the Borough presents both challenges and opportunities. Distances can make
provision of services expensive and logistically complicated. However, the land presents opportunities: natural
resources are plentiful, and wind and solar power development hold promise. The long winters in the Borough
require enormous amounts of energy for heating buildings and keeping utilities operational, but new technology
brings expanding potential for meeting these demands efficiently and affordably.
Many energy efficiency projects have been completed or are underway in the North Slope Borough, yet great
potential remains for developing new, more efficient energy options on the North Slope. While energy efficiency
measures are available to each of the North Slope communities, the following map shows other potential energy
resources in the North Slope communities.
Figure 6: Potential Energy Resources
The following sections describe the potential energy resources and energy efficiency opportunities in the region,
along with descriptions of regional priority energy projects proposed or already underway.
Page |3-3 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
3.1 ENERGY RESOURCES
3.1.1 OIL AND GAS
As discussed in Chapter 2, the North Slope is a world-class
hydrocarbon basin that boasts massive quantities of untapped
oil and gas. Despite these vast resources, production from
existing North Slope fields is declining at a much faster rate than
it is being replaced. There is, however, oil and gas exploration
that may find reserves that could reverse the downward trend
(see Figure 8).
North Slope producers ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and BP, as
well as pipeline company TransCanada and the state of Alaska
are also in the process of an Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
export project. If successful, it
largest natural gas-development project. The companies
estimate a cost of $45 billion to more than $65 billion (2012
dollars) for a project that includes a massive plant to cleanse
produced gas of carbon dioxide and other impurities; an
approximately 800-mile pipe
the liquefaction plant; and an LNG plant, storage and shipping
terminal at Nikiski, 60 air miles southwest of Anchorage along
Cook Inlet (Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, 2014).
The 42-inch-diameter pipeline would be built to carry 3 billion to
3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. Alaskans would use
some of this gas, and running the pipeline and LNG plant would
consume some. The plant would have the capacity to make up
to 20 million metric tons a year of LNG, processing 2.5 billion cubic feet a day of gas. (Alaska Natural Gas
Transportation Projects, 2014).
The project is in the pre-front-end engineering and design phase, which is expected to be completed in late 2015
or 2016 (Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, 2014). Currently, industry is exploring other areas to boost
production as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 7. Alaska LNG Project Overview
Page |3-4 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Figure 8. North Slope Oil and Gas Activity
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, 2014.
3.1.2 COAL
The Colville Basin, north of the Brooks Range, is the site of extensive bituminous and subbituminous coal deposits.
It has been estimated that about one-third of the known U.S. coal resources are located in this area (S.A. Liss,
1989). The Cretaceous coals of the western North Slope are most relevant to discussions of rural energy due to
their superior quality, rank and proximity to villages (Wartes, 2012). At the present time, there are no active coal
mines in the North Slope region.
Figure 9 shows the extensive distribution of rocks bearing bituminous and subbituminous coal. Black dots indicate
additional, more isolated reported coal occurrences.
Page |3-5 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Figure 9. Regional Coal Resources
Source: Summary of fossil fuel and geothermal resource potential in the North Slope energy region (Wartes, 2012)
ASRC, the regional Native Corporation, has assessed the coal resources in the Western arctic for more than thirty
years. Four trillion tons of high quality bituminous and subbituminous coal are estimated to lie within the area
known as the Northern Alaska Coal Province, an area extending 300 miles eastward from the Chukchi Sea. The
Western arctic Coal is considered premium in quality due to its ultra-low sulfur content with an average of 0.23
percent sulfur, three percent moisture, and seven percent ash, it has a heating value in excess of 12,000 BTUs per
pound (Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, 2014).
Small scale mining operations have used the coal in the North Slope region since the late 1800s for local resident
(home and fish camps) and shipboard use (Laboratories, 1980). Many of the coal beds are exposed and close to
villages. Coal underlies the villages of Atqasuk and Point Lay. Coal outcrops have also been located within 36 miles
of Nuiqsut and Point Hope and coal deposits are indicated 50 miles north of Anaktuvuk Pass. The overburden is
estimated to be between zero and 150 feet (Laboratories, 1980).
In 2007-2008, the U.S. Department of the Interior, with financial and logistical support from ASRC, NSB and the
Olgoonik Corporation, conducted exploratory drilling for coal in Wainwright and the vicinity. They concluded that
the coal bed methane (a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds) contained within shallow sub-permafrost
coal seams underlying the area could serve as an alternative energy source for the community. The U.S. Geological
Service has since conducted additional tests In Wainwright with similar conclusions. In 2011, the Borough applied
for and received funding from State of Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) for a feasibility study to further investigate
production of methane from the coal beds near Wainwright (Clark, 2014).
3.1.3 GEOTHERMAL
Currently there are no geothermal energy projects in operation in the region and there are very few recognized
thermal springs in the North Slope region. Two are in the northeastern Brooks Range, not near any North Slope
communities. The temperatures reported for these springs are relatively low (84°F and 120°F [29°C and 49°C]) and
flow rates have not been measured (Motyka and others, 1983). Neither of these is close enough to a community to
be an exploitable energy resource (Wartes).
In 2011, the NSB applied for funding to complete a geothermal study near Anaktuvuk Pass. The proposed study
was to determine the feasibility of a geothermal ground source public heating system combined with waste heat
from the existing Anaktuvuk Pass power plant and the waste water treatment plant. AEA did not fund this project
Page |3-6 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
and cited lack of reliable data to support the existence of geothermal resources in this area as the reason for
rejecting the application.
3.1.4 HYDROELECTRIC
energy in an average water year (Alaska Energy Authority, 2011). Currently, there are no hydroelectric projects in
the North Slope region.
Run-of-river hydroelectric plants rely on the natural flow volume of the stream or river. Such facilities tend to
have fewer environmental impacts compared to conventional dam-storage hydroelectric plants because of the lack
of a large artificial reservoir. With proper siting, construction techniques, and operation and maintenance, run-of-
river hydropower in the region could have minimal impacts on fisheries and other subsistence resources (Alaska
Village Electric Cooperative, 2010).
According to the June 2008 North Slope Borough Master Plan and Emergency Utility Plan, much or all of Anaktuvuk
Contact Creek (North Slope Borough, 2008).
3.1.5 BIOMASS
fuels are wood, sawmill wastes, fish byproducts, and municipal waste. The North Slope
environment generally does not support biomass for fuel.
The one exception is the waste generated in Barrow.
3.1.6 WIND
Wind resource reports have been completed in six of the
North Slope communities. As expected, communities near
the coast experience higher winds than inland communities
like Anaktuvuk Pass or Atqasuk. Wind power development
and feasibility studies are complete for Point Hope, Point
Lay and Wainwright, with Concept Design Reports (CDR) to
be completed soon and design and permitting to follow.
Funding has already been approved. Wind Resource
Reports are complete for Anaktuvuk Pass and Atqasuk and
Kaktovik. The Kaktovik Wind CDR is complete but it was
not funded for design.
3.1.7 SOLAR
to take advantage of solar power. In Alaska, particularly in
the North Slope of Alaska, there are great fluctuations in
sunlight throughout the year. In the summer months (June-
August), there is near 24-hour sunlight while in the winter,
the sun is rarely seen. However, recent installations
throughout the northern latitudes indicate that despite the
long, dark winters, solar power can offset energy costs,
The NSB Code of Ordinances recognizes the importance
of solar energy to the residents of the Borough in the
development of subdivisions and transportation
corridors:
(F) Appearance and solar access. The proposal
shall blend in with the general neighborhood
appearance and shall not excessively deprive
the neighbors of solar access. Ordinance 75-6-
23, passed 4-12-90
Lots and Blocks: Specific Standards.
(F) Solar access. For purposes of energy
conservation and solar access, streets, blocks
and lots should be designed where appropriate
to have their long axes funning generally from
east to west. This standard should be
considered in connection with the prevailing
Ordinance 73-9-2, passed 4-
5-83.
(North Slope Borough, 2014)
Page |3-7 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
particularly in the spring when the sun reflects off the snow. In Ambler, the five solar panels installed in January
2013 at the power plant (8.4 kW) have displaced about 700 gallons of diesel fuel for a savings of almost $6,000 and
a CO2 offset of 13.08 tons. With the high cost of electricity and concern over climate change, solar power offers a
potential solution to reducing the cost of energy (CCHRC).
In July of 2009, Tagiugmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority (TNHA) collaborated with Cold Climate Housing
Research Center (CCHRC), I College and the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) to
construct a prototype home in Anaktuvuk Pass, which included integrated Solar PV panels. The PV panels and wind
generator were in
(Center, 2014). The hourly solar radiation is shown in
Exhibit 11.
3.2 ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITIES
In the extreme climate of arctic Alaska, energy efficiency is the quickest way to receive the most benefit while
limiting resources used. Many of the improvements, such as lighting controls and upgrades or setting back
thermostats and optimizing automated controls, are relatively low cost with great energy saving benefits.
At a minimum, energy-efficiency in structures, both commercial and residential can accomplish the following:
Conserve fuel and resources
Lower the cost of energy consumers pay
Stabilize energy consumption
Promote consumer awareness
Lessen the global emission of greenhouse gases, and
Creates jobs
3.2.1 BASELINE ENERGY DATA
To improve energy efficiency and energy conservation it is important to understand how current energy system
performs and how it performs relative to similar systems or the current system over time. Benchmarking and
energy audits can help in this analysis.
Photo 4. Anaktuvuk Pass Prototype Home (CCHRC) Exhibit 11: Anaktuvuk Pass Average Hourly Solar Radiation (CCHRC)
Page |3-8 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Benchmarking is the preliminary data collection and analysis that takes place before an energy audit. Typical
benchmark data consists of building age, square footage, occupancy, building drawings and historical energy use.
e and
compare use and operating costs to other buildings. Also by benchmarking, facility owners become more aware of
how their decisions on design, construction and operations dramatically affect energy usage and costs throughout
the life of the building. Benchmarking serves as a valuable baseline tool to help owners understand if energy
upgrades are effective.
In 2012, WHPacific completed a benchmarking effort for AEA for public facilities in communities statewide. The
information was incorporated in the
residential and nonresidential buildings. The study included general information about 148 public facilities on the
North Slope (excluding Barrow) derived from telephone surveys and was highly dependent on availability of
building owners with knowledge of the building. The data included size, owner, age and building type. The study
also included some limited energy information on 44 NSB public facilities. Generally, the energy information was
limited to annual electricity use by kWh or the amount of fuel oil used annually. This information will be useful to
compare after energy efficiency improvements are complete.
Another way of gathering baseline energy data is to
perform a building energy audit. The audits are
generally done by certified energy auditors and
contain detailed physical information about the
structure. The audits also identify low- or no-cost
efficiency projects that can be undertaken in the
short term to jump start conservation efforts. The
scope of an energy audit generally includes
evaluating the building shell, lighting, other electrical
systems, and heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Measures are
selected such that an overall simple payback period
of 8 years or less could be achieved.
In 2011, the Alaska Housing Finance Company (AHFC) contacted all boroughs, cities and school districts, and
offered a free investment grade audit (IGA report) to those who responded. They conducted audits on over 327
buildings statewide and prepared IGA reports that recommended energy efficiency projects tailored to the public
facility. During this effort, AHFC performed energy audits on public facilities across the NSB. The sample included
a wide range of building types throughout the region including audits schools, safety or fire departments, storage
or public works buildings and the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Anaktuvuk Pass.
Energy audits were also part of a state and national Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG) program
available to municipalities and Tribes. These grants also included limited funding for recommended energy
efficiency improvements identified in the energy audits. Below is a table summarizing energy benchmark data
gathered from the AEA End Use Study and energy audits performed as part of the AHFC and state and federal
EECBG programs.
Energy Efficiency for Regional Planning
hanging fruit of efforts to meet sustainable energy
goals. In Alaska, a defining energy goal is to improve
energy efficiency by 15% between 2010 and 2020.
AEA Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Page |3-9 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table 11. Number of Public Buildings with Energy Survey or Audits
Community
# of Public Buildings Surveyed or Audited
AEA Surveys AHFC Audit EECBG Audits
Anaktuvuk Pass 18 3 3
Atqasuk 25 3 1
Barrow 0 13 3
Kaktovik 30 3 0
Nuiqsut 28 2 1
Point Hope 21 2 2
Point Lay 13 3 0
Wainwright 13 2 2
TOTAL 148 31 12
Source: AEA End Use Study, Energy Efficiency.org and DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program
The energy audits performed on the North Slope revealed that there are substantial opportunities to improve
energy efficiency in buildings across the region. More details about recommended energy efficiency measures are
contained in the individual audits and summarized in the Energy Profiles included in Chapter 4.
Residential baseline energy data in rural Alaska is woefully inadequate. Benchmark data is difficult to obtain per
household. The best data is for those homes that received an energy audit, usually done with the Energy Rebate
program as described in section 3.1.2 but participation in that program in the North Slope is extremely low.
3.2.2 WEATHERIZATION
Several state and federal programs address weatherization to varying degrees of success. The State of Alaska
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) administers weatherization programs that have been created to award
grants to non-profit organizations for the purpose of improving the energy efficiency of low-income homes
statewide. These programs also provide training and technical assistance in the area of housing energy efficiency.
Funds for these programs come from the U.S. Department of Energy as well as AHFC; however, state money makes
up the bulk of the funding (AHFC Weatherization Programs, 2013)
Department manages these funds in the North Slope region. Since 2008, the weatherization program has
weatherized nearly 100 homes in Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Barrow, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, and
Wainwright.
the region. From 2008 through the middle of April 2014, only nine initial s-Is energy ratings and one energy
rebate in Barrow have occurred.
In 2012,
for certain construction features that HUD does not cover, awarded a grant to TNHA for $1.3 million for single
Lay. A prototype home was constructed in Anaktuvuk Pass in 2009 and two prototype homes were constructed in
2010 in Atqasuk.
Page |3-10 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
The Village Energy Efficiency Program (VEEP) provides energy efficiency audit and upgrade services to Alaska
communities with population of 8,000 or less. Grants cover improvements for public and community buildings.
This includes upgrades to the building envelope, domestic hot water, HVAC controls, heating, lighting, motors and
pumps and ventilation. To date, North Slope communities have not participated in this grant program.
The Native Village of Barrow Housing Department has completed the following weatherization projects with funds
provided by the Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation (AHFC):
14 New Construction homes
18 Substantial Rehabilitation homes
100+ Residential Emergency Repair Program participants (repairs of broken windows, doors etc. on a
first come, first serve basis)
There were two weatherization programs that assisted North Slope communities with weatherization of public
buildings using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) fund. In 2010, the Alaska Energy Authority
distributed $5,180,490 to eligible Alaska cities and boroughs for energy projects through the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The funding supported energy efficiency and conservation
improvements to public buildings and public facilities. There was no matching fund requirement and projects had
to be complete by August 2012. The program brought in $366,600 to the North Slope in five communities.
The Department of Energy (DOE) had a similar program for eligible Tribes or Tribal Consortiums that distributed a
total of $215,600 to three North Slope communities. In addition, the Iñupiat Communities of the arctic Slope
received $32,500, making the total Tribal EECBG grants awarded $248,100.
The state and federal EECBG grant amounts are summarized by community in Table 3-12.
Table 3-12: 2010 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants on the North Slope
Community EECBG to City
Grant Amount
EECBG to Tribe
Grant Amount
TOTAL
Anaktuvuk Pass $32,200 $42,800 $75,000
Atqasuk -0- $43,500 $43,500
Barrow $173,800 $129,300 $303,100
Kaktovik -0- -0- $0
Nuiqsut $43,100 -0- $43,100
Point Hope $65,700 -0- $65,700
Point Lay -0- -0- $0
Wainwright $51,800 $32,500 $84,300
TOTAL $366,600 $248,100 $614,700
3.2.3 WATER AND SEWER
The NSB is responsible for the production, treatment, and delivery of water and wastewater collection for all seven
villages. In Barrow, Barrow Utilities & Electric Co.-Op., Inc. (BUECI) is responsible for sewer and water in Barrow.
The water delivery and sewer collection systems in the North Slope are predominately piped underground
systems. Transmission varies by village and includes gravity, pressure, and vacuum systems. There are still a few
homes that rely on water and sewer haul systems, especially in newly developed areas.
Page |3-11 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Water needs to be heated with fuel oil and kept constantly circulated with electric pumps to keep from freezing.
The sewer mains and service lines are also heated during parts of the year with electrical heat trace or glycol
circulation loops. As a result, energy costs associated with sewer and water utilities place a huge burden on the
operator. The Borough reports that for water and sewer services they use almost 10.5 million gallons of fuel a year
as shown by community in Table 3-13. Residents pay $69.00 a month for up to 3,000 gallons for water. Seniors
pay $14.00 a month for up to 3,000 gallons. Any household using over 3,000 gallons/month is charged at the rate
of $0.2 cents per gallon.
Table 3-13: NSB Energy Costs for Water Sewer
Community
Average Annual Water
and Sewer System
Electricity Use
Cost of Electricity Used by
Water and Sewer Systems
Reported Annual Fuel Use for
Sewer and Water Systems
kWh $ gallons
Anaktuvuk Pass 124,539 $496,726 1,494,467
Atqasuk 120,702 $473,450 1,448,419
Barrow BUECI BUECI BUECI
Kaktovik 122,170 $481,659 1,466,036
Nuiqsut 116,041 $207,390 1,392,497
Point Hope 125,266 $503,157 1,503,190
Point Lay 87,342 $345,234 1,048,098
Wainwright 172,384 $696,331 2,068,608
Total 868,444 $3,203,948 10,421,315
According to Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) sanitation systems account for between 10-35% of a
total energy use (Dixon, 2013). According to recent studies done in the Northwest arctic, electric
energy makes up approximately 30 to 33 percent of the annual utilities energy requirement, while heating
requirements account for the remaining 67 to 70 percent of the load (Mitchell, 2013).
While the sewer and water systems in the region are generally considered sufficient for anticipated growth within
the next 10-15 years (North Slope Borough, 2008), improvements can be made to insure reliability and to reduce
energy use. Significant energy savings can occur through the capture of waste heat, incorporating the use of
alternative energy and carefully calibrating the operating system, such as operating pressures and temperatures
and pumping flow rates.
3.2.4 HEAT RECOVERY
diesel power generation plants. When the water infrastructure is near the power plant, waste heat can be used to
offset much or all of the fuel oil required to heat the water system. Exhibit 12 illustrates the heat recovery system
process.
Page |3-12 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Exhibit 12: Heat Recovery System Illustration
(Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 2012)
In the North Slope, there are several heat recovery projects in place and more planned for the future.
3.2.5 INTERTIES
One means of reducing the cost of energy production is to share expenses and resources across a cluster of
communities, but distances are so great between North Slope Borough communities that there are few locations
where interties are economically practical. The NSB could consider transmission lines from Barrow to Atqasuk and
Atqasuk and Wainwright if natural gas continues to be unavailable locally. Power generated using natural gas could
be moved from Barrow to Atqasuk, and power generated from natural gas in Wainwright or Atqasuk could be
moved between those communities. However, if natural gas were available in these communities, an intertie
would no longer be needed (North Slope Borough, 2008).
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) is studying technology to mitigate this problem. They are engaged
in a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmiss
financial feasibility of low-cost small-scale HVDC interties for rural Alaska. The objective is to demonstrate that
small-scale HVDC interties are technically viable and can achieve significant cost savings compared to the three-
phase AC interties proposed between Alaskan villages. Because these AC interties are very costly to construct and
maintain, very few have been built in Alaska. As a result, most villages remain electrically isolated from one
another, which duplicates energy infrastructure and thereby contributes to the very high cost of electricity. HVDC
technology has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of remote Alaskan interties, reducing the costs to
interconnect remote villages and/or develop local energy resources (ACEP, 2014). This type of system may be
practical in the North Slope Borough.
In 2011, the North Slope Borough applied for and received $210,000 for Atqasuk Transmission Line design and
(Renewable Energy Alaska Project, 2011).
Page |3-13 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
3.2.6 OTHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY TECHNOLOGY
Energy efficiency technology is advancing at a rapid pace with the government teaming with universities, national
laboratories and industry to advance research, development and commercialization of energy efficient and cost
effective building technologies. One way to advance energy efficiency is through better tracking of energy use.
Below are several means of tracking energy use.
Individual meter units. Single outlet kilowatt monitors connect to appliances and assess efficiency of energy
consumption by the kilowatt-hour. These units can monitor electricity consumption and expenses by the day,
week, month, or year. By gaining awareness of consumption, the user can implement energy-efficiency measures.
TED meters.
feedback on electrical energy usage. Studies have shown that an average of 20% can be saved on electric bills with
and predict monthly electric cost. The TED meter shows energy use in real time and also warns when the power
cost equalization (PCE) or NSB subsidy limit has been reached (600 kWh), the point at which the cost dramatically
increases. The average TED user saves 5-30% off their electricity bill when using these meters.
SmartGrid. that uses computer-based remote control and
automation to reduce electrical costs. These systems are made possible by two-way communication technology
and computer processing that has been used for decades in other industries.
It includes adding two-way digital communication technology to devices associated with the grid (DOE). These
smart grid upgrades add four features to the existing grid:
1. Upgrade power meters with TED meters, which have two-way communication capability allowing
the utility to retrieve data remotely, as well as disconnect or limit custo
for non-payment.
2. Install IHD (In Home Display) units that allow in-home displays of current electricity usage kWh/day,
kWh/week, kWh/month bringing customer awareness of electric consumption.
3. Install smart distribution switches throughout the power grid to enable the utility to shut down small
portions of the grid for repairs or upgrades instead of shutting down the entire grid.
4. Control usage by household and billing.
Other Technology. There are other ways that utilities can use technology to improve energy efficiency such as the
following:
Microgrid. Microgrid power systems are small-scale power-generation solutions consisting of local power-
generating facilities and individual homes and buildings equipped with wind and solar power systems.
This type of distributed power generation is a lower-cost alternative to large-scale systems.
Microturbines. Microturbines generate both electric and thermal energy. Using both maximizes efficiency
and minimizes a f Using both energy outputs is called cogeneration or combined heat
and power (CHP). Onsite CHP is far more fuel efficient and environmentally beneficial than utility power
and traditional boiler methods. The grid-parallel electricity produced lowers a faci
power and dramatically cuts monthly power bills. The heat can be used for water/steam/space heating
and/or process heating or drying. This offsets fuel consumed by less efficient boilers or heaters. The heat
output of microturbines can also be used to cool a facility via absorption chilling.
Page |3-14 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
In addition to burning liquid fuels such as diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, and liquid bio fuels, microturbines can
burn almost any carbon-based gaseous fuel: natural gas, propane, methane and other waste gases to
create renewable power and heat. Waste material buried in landfills biodegrades over time to produce
methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Treatment of domestic wastewater, agricultural waste and
food processing waste using anaerobic digestion also produces methane and other gases. Many sites flare
these waste gases; or worse yet vent them directly into the atmosphere. Methane has a greenhouse gas
impact on the atmosphere that is 21 times that of carbon dioxide, and burning methane in a flare
completely wastes its energy value (Capstone Microturbines).
Fuel Additives. Fuel additive products can help maximize vehicle fuel efficiency and help to avoid
problems such as rough idling, weak acceleration, stumbling and stalling. Fuel additives have lower
emissions and therefore reduce toxic pollutants including nitrogen oxide, improving air quality. Prudhoe
Bay Service Area 10 (SA-10) has reduced vehicle fuel consumption by 10-15% efficiency by using fuel
additives in their vehicles.
Emerging Technologies. Researchers are in the process of advancing energy technology in many ways that have
not yet come to market such as improved storage (like fuel cells and hydrogen energy storage and transport),
harnessing the power of tidal energy, advancing battery manufacturing and biofuels (Zappa, 2014).
Tidal Energy. Advanced ocean power technologies fall into three general categories: ocean thermal
energy conversion (OTEC), tidal energy, and wave energy. OTEC technology requires warm waters and
therefore is not suitable for development in Alaska. However, tidal and wave energy may prove useful in
(REAP, 2014).
Waves and tidal currents off Alaska's coastline could generate more than 850 terawatt-hours of electrical
energy annually if fully developed, according to two reports released by the U.S. Department of Energy
(Spence, 2012).
In Homer, Alaska, the local electric utility, Homer Electric Association, has teamed with Ocean Renewable
Power Company to investigate the potential for tidal and wave energy in Cook Inlet. Ocean Renewable
Power Company has a permit that allows them to study the area and then to submit a license application
for a pilot tidal project that could eventually produce up to 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to energize
about 2,300 homes. They also have a permit to study the tidal energy potential near Fire Island near
Anchorage (Spence, 2012).
The potential for tidal energy has not been investigated in the Arctic Ocean, but with the extreme climate and ice
conditions, any water technologies will need to be arctic tested.
3.3 REGIONAL ENERGY PRIORITIES
The following table contains regional energy priorities. Local energy projects are identified in the Community
Summaries contained in the next chapter. The regional projects were identified through capital projects lists and
discussions with Borough officials and stakeholders. They are broken down into the following time tables:
Immediate projects which are currently underway or expected to begin in the next 12 months,
Short range, expected to start within 1-5 years,
Medium range projects expected to take place between 5-10 years, and
Long range projects which are expected to occur beyond 10 years and can be more speculative in nature.
Page |3-15 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Table 3-14: Regional Energy Project Information
Timeframe Project Name
Estimated
Costs in 2014
Dollars
Energy Efficiency and Education
Immediate
0-1 year
Conduct community outreach and educational energy fairs.
Source: Trilateral Meetings, winter 2014, 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Collaborate with TNHA, Native Village of Barrow, CCHRC and other arctic building
specialists to identify energy-efficient, arctic climate appropriate structures.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Require bidders on all new facilities to research and present at least one demonstration
energy conservation feature, system or material application.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies
TBD
Incorporate energy policies in the employee handbook to encourage energy efficiency
practices among NSB employees.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies
TBD
Identify energy conservation strategies for public and private structures and vehicles.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies
TBD
Short
1-5 years
Implement RurAL CAP Energywise Program in each village.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan TBD
Integrate AKSmart Energy curriculum in schools.
Source: NSB Trilateral Meetings, winter, 2014, 1981 NSB Energy Policies TBD
Install metering systems, such as TED and smart meter grids, to track and collect energy
production, consumption and cost.
Source: 2014 North Slope Energy Regional Plan
TBD
Develop and maintain matrix showing current cost of energy.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan TBD
Conduct study to determine actual heating costs.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan TBD
Calculate life-cycle energy costs for all proposed new Borough facilities.
Source: 1981 NSB Energy Policies
TBD
Create a building code that emphasizes sound energy efficient arctic construction.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Design and construct energy-efficient, arctic climate appropriate structures
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Complete energy audits on public buildings and implement recommendations.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Maintenance and Operations
Immediate
0-1 year
Train employees for new systems, including water and sewer, housing and power
generation.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Energy Infrastructure
Short
1-5 years
Reassess current failing systems such as water and sewer and redesign for
environment and energy efficiency as needed.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Reevaluate current design of systems and incorporate emerging energy technologies as
appropriate.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Upgrade fuel tanks for safety and capacity.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems. $100,000
Page |3-16 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Energy Financing
Short
1-5 years
Analyze current electrical costs, NSB electrical rates and consider ways to increase PCE
subsidy.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Provide incentives for bill payment through education and energy efficiency measures
that reduce monthly bills.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Communication
Immediate
0-1 years
Provide means to assist with communication between departments and energy plan
implementation.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Conduct community outreach meetings, school presentations and energy fairs in each
village.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
TBD
Dispose of hazardous materials related to energy production throughout the NSB.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems.
$5,000,000
Perform upgrades to power generation systems throughout the NSB.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems. $5,500,000
Invest in wind generation throughout the NSB wherever feasible.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems. TBD
Install generators at Walakpa Gas Field.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems. $2,343,000
Demolish, remove, and clean up out of service fuel tanks.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $1,230,000
Install system to electronically manage fuel tanks most efficiently.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $1,500,000
Upgrade village power distribution grids.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $5,778,000
Install and upgrade fuel truck loading racks.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems TBD
Fuel delivery vehicles region wide.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $900,000
Upgrade electric metering.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $150,000
Upgrade fuel heater containments.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $300,000
Upgrade to more efficient street lighting across the NSB.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $400,000
Long
>10 years
Upgrade trucks serving the high voltage line.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems $1,000,000
Planning
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an energy element into the local and regional comprehensive plans.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Refer to energy plan during the CIP review process.
Source: 2014 North Slope Regional Energy Plan TBD
Medium
5-10 years
Update the North Slope Regional Energy Plan on a regular basis.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Update NSB Comprehensive Plan to include the North Slope Regional Energy Plan.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Page |3-17 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page |1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Community Summaries
Page | 4-1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4COMMUNITY SUMMARIES
This chapter provides an
overview of each
community, their energy
use, and available energy
resources and outlines local
energy priorities.
COMMUNITY
SUMMARIES
Page | 4-2 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
COMMUNITY SUMMARIES
The eight communities on the North Slope are more isolated geographically from one another than those of any other Alaskan
region. There is little opportunity for sharing of energy resources between communities, although there have been discussions of
potential interties.
The following sections contain a community and energy profile for each of the eight North Slope communities along with a list of
energy priorities that was developed through literature research and with input by North Slope Borough staff, elected local and
regional leaders, industry representatives, local leaders and the public.
The community profiles contain general information about the location, economy, historical and cultural resources, planning,
demographics, contacts and infrastructure. In addition, the community profiles include information about Energy
Efficiency Community Block Grants and Village Energy Efficiency Program (VEEP) program that funded energy efficiency
improvements. Also included is information about the 2010 AHFC audits. These energy grade audits detail improvements that
could be made to make buildings more energy efficient.
The energy profiles for each community provide an overview of energy production and distribution. It is intended to provide a
snapshot of local energy conditions. Following the energy profiles for each community is a priority energy matrix with actions
intended to reduce energy use and minimize energy costs to the utility and to the consumers.
Figure 10. North Slope Community Location Map
Page | 4-3 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-4 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4.1 ANAKTUVUK PASS
Anaqtuuvak
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-5 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
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ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Anaktuvuk Pass
Energy Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems High potential E/E upgrades to systems
Interties Low potential
Wind Low potential Class 2 wind resource
Energy Efficiency (EE) program High potential
E/E on public and community
facilities audited. Residential E/E
upgrades
Heat Recovery High potential Public Works Bldg., Fire Station
Hydroelectric Medium potential Feasibility study needed for Contact
Creek
Solar High potential CCHRC prototype home
Biomass Medium potential Resource available Feasibility study
needed
Hydrokinetic Unknown
Geothermal Medium potential Study done resource available
Gas Low potential
Coal Low potential
Emerging Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Low potential
Page | 4-9 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Anaktuvuk Pass
Timeframe Project Name Estimated
Costs in 2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Participate in local community outreach meetings, school presentations and
energy fairs
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer,
housing and power generation as alternative and new technologies become
available
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Short
1-5 years
Implement Energy Audits on School, City Building, IRA Building, Fire Station
and M&O shop.
Source: Energy Audit, EECBG (AEA) , 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audits
$400,000
Upgrade Electrical System
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power
Grid Improvement Projects, NSB, 2011
$681,270
Generator upgrade to accept alternative power
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 $175,000
Prepare Geothermal Feasibility Study
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Fund Application $200,000
Conduct Hydroelectric Feasibility study on Contact Creek
Source: NSB Utility Master Plan and Emergency Utility Plan, June 2008 $200,000
Medium
5-10 years
Develop Geothermal Resource if determined feasible
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Fund Application TBD
Long
>10 years Develop Hydroelectric Resource if determined feasible
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Fund Application TBD
Page | 4-10 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Atqasuk
Atqasuk
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-11 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-12 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
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Page | 4-14 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Atqasuk
Energy Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems High potential E/E upgrades to systems
Interties High potential Barrow-Atqasuk Transmission Line
Wind Medium potential Class 3 wind resource
Energy Efficiency (EE) program High potential
E/E on public and community
facilities audited. Residential E/E
upgrades
Heat Recovery High potential
Hydroelectric Unknown
Solar High potential
Biomass Low potential
Hydrokinetic Unknown
Geothermal Unknown
Gas Unknown
Coal Unknown
Emerging Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Unknown
Page | 4-15 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Atqasuk
Timeframe Project Name Estimated
Costs in 2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Participate in local community outreach meetings, school presentations and
energy fairs
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer,
housing and power generation as alternative and new technologies become
available
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Short
1-5 years
Implement Energy Audits on School, USDW Building and Fire Station
Source: Energy Audit, EECBG (AEA) , 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audits $500,000
Upgrade Electrical System
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power
Grid Improvement Projects, NSB, 2011
$688,272
Generator upgrade to accept alternative power
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 $175,000
Atqasuk Transmission line Preliminary Design and Permitting
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Fund, Round VII, 2013 $2,220,000
Medium
5-10 years
Atqasuk Transmission line construction.
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Fund, Round VII, 2013 TBD
Long
>10 years Power Plant Upgrade NSB - CIP requested Upgrade
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems TBD
Page | 4-16 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4.2 BARROW
Utqiabvik
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-17 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-18 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-19 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-20 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Barrow
Energy Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems Upgrades to current power systems Ongoing
Interties Low potential
Wind Unknown wind resource
Energy Efficiency (EE)
program
Energy Audits of public buildings
Energy Audits of NSB buildings
Water & Sewer E/E upgrades
Implement Recommendations
Implement Recommendations
Implement E/E recommendations
Heat Recovery High potential
Hydroelectric Low potential
Solar High potential Arctic Camp Solar Kit project
Biomass Low potential
Hydrokinetic Low potential
Geothermal Low potential
Gas High potential Expansion and efficiency of
current systems
Coal Low/Medium potential
Emerging Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Unknown
Page | 4-21 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Barrow
Timeframe Project Name Estimated
Costs in 2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies
TBD
Participate in local community outreach meetings, school presentations and energy
fairs.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer, housing
and power generation as alternative and new technologies become available.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Short
1-5 years
Implement Energy Audits on C St. Shop/Warehouse, Heavy Equipment Shop, Heavy
Equipment Storage building, Fire Station #1 , Municipal Bus Barn, Barrow
Sanitation Building, Search and Rescue Hangar, Shipping & Receiving Building, Light
Duty Shop, Iñupiat Heritage Center Building, School District Bus Barn, Public Works
Office building.
Source: Energy Audit, EECBG (AEA) , 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audits
$600,000
Install heat recovery systems
Source: Alaska Energy Pathway, Alaska Energy Authority, July 2010 $1,438,356
Generator upgrade to accept alternative power
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 $175,000
Medium
5-10 years
Utilize wind/diesel in combination where possible to decrease fossil fuel
dependence.
Source: Alaska Energy Pathway, Alaska Energy Authority, July 2010
$3,758,514
Long
>10 years Marine header and pipeline relocation.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power and Heating Systems TBD
Page | 4-22 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4.3 KAKTOVIK
Qaaktubvik
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-23 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-24 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-25 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-26 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Kaktovik
Energy Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems High potential E/E upgrades to systems
Interties Low potential Logistics
Wind High potential Class 5-6 wind resource, CDR
completed 2014
Energy Efficiency (EE)
program High potential
E/E on public and community
facilities audited. Residential E/E
upgrades
Heat Recovery High potential
Hydroelectric Unknown
Solar High potential
Biomass Unknown
Hydrokinetic Unknown
Geothermal Unknown
Gas Low potential
Coal Low potential
Emerging Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Unknown
Page | 4-27 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Kaktovik
Timeframe Project Name Estimated
Costs in 2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Participate in local community outreach meetings, school presentations and energy
fairs
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Short
1-5 years
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer, housing and
power generation as alternative and new technologies become available.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Implement Energy Audits on School, Warm Storage Facility, Public Safety Office
Source: Energy Audit, EECBG (AEA) , 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audit $300,000
Upgrade Electrical System
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power Grid Improvement Projects,
NSB, 2011.
$695,000
Medium
5-10 years
Wind Turbine Design and Permitting
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Fund $167,770
Long
>10 years
Generator upgrade to accept alternative power
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 $175,000
Construct Wind Turbine
Source: Alaska Energy Pathway, Alaska Energy Authority, July 2010 TBD
Page | 4-28 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4.4 NUIQSUT
Nuiqsat
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-29 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-30 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-31 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-32 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Nuiqsut
Energy
Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems High potential E/E upgrades to systems
Interties Low potential Logistics
Wind Unknown Wind Study needed
Energy Efficiency
(EE) program High potential
E/E on public and community
facilities audited. Residential E/E
upgrades
Heat Recovery Unknown
Hydroelectric Unknown
Solar High potential
Biomass Unknown
Hydrokinetic Unknown
Geothermal Unknown
Gas High currently using natural gas
Coal Low potential
Emerging
Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Unknown
Page | 4-33 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Nuiqsut
Timeframe
2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Short
1-5 years
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer, housing
and power generation as alternative and new technologies become available.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Implement Energy Audits on Trapper School and OM Shops
Source: 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audit Source: AHFC 2011 $250,000
Medium
5-10 years
Upgrade Electrical System.
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power Grid Improvement Projects,
NSB, 2011.
TBD
Page | 4-34 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4.5 POINT HOPE
Tikigaq
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-35 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-36 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-37 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-38 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Pt. Hope
Energy Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems High potential E/E upgrades to systems
Interties Low potential Logistics
Wind High potential Class 6 wind resource, CDR
completed 2014, Design 2014/15
Energy Efficiency (EE)
program High potential
E/E on public and community
facilities audited. Residential E/E
upgrades
Heat Recovery High potential
Hydroelectric Unknown
Solar High potential
Biomass Low potential
Hydrokinetic Unknown
Geothermal Unknown
Gas Low potential
Coal Low/medium potential
Emerging Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Unknown
Page | 4-39 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Pt. Hope
Timeframe Project Name Estimated
Costs in 2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Wind Turbine Design and Permitting
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Funds $146,667
Short
1-5 years
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer,
housing and power generation as alternative and new technologies become
available.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Implement Energy Audits on USDW Building and Fire Station
Source: 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audit Source: AHFC 2011 TBD
Medium
5-10 years
Upgrade Electrical System.
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power Grid Improvement Projects,
NSB, 2011.
$85,000
Long
>10 years Replace fuel pump house with more energy efficient upgrade
Source: $1,411,000
Wind Turbine Construction
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 TBD
Page | 4-40 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4.6 POINT LAY
Kali
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-41 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-42 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-43 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-44 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Pt. Lay
Energy Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems High potential E/E upgrades to systems
Interties Low potential Logistics
Wind High potential Class 5 wind resource, CDR
completed 2014. Design 2014/15
Energy Efficiency (EE)
program High potential
E/E on public and community
facilities audited. Residential E/E
upgrades
Heat Recovery High potential
Hydroelectric Unknown
Solar High potential
Biomass Unknown
Hydrokinetic Unknown
Geothermal Unknown
Gas Low potential
Coal High potential Resource assessment needed
Emerging Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Unknown
Page | 4-45 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Pt. Lay
Timeframe Project Name Estimated
Costs in 2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Participate in local community outreach meetings, school presentations and
energy fairs.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Wind Turbine Design and Permitting
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Funds $146,667
Short
1-5 years
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer,
housing and power generation as alternative and new technologies become
available.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Implement Energy Audits on School and M&O Shop,
Source: Energy Audit, EECBG (AEA) , 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audit $260,000
Medium
5-10 years
Upgrade Electrical System.
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power Grid Improvement Projects,
NSB, 2011.
$770,000
Long
>10 years Generator upgrade to accept alternative power
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 $175,000
Wind Turbine Construction
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 TBD
Page | 4-46 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
4.7 WAINWRIGHT
Ulbuniq
Community and Energy Profile
Page | 4-47 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
.
Page | 4-48 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-49 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Page | 4-50 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
ENERGY IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/ALTERNATIVES Wainwright
Energy Opportunity Potential Projects
Existing Systems High potential E/E upgrades to systems
Interties Low potential Logistics
Wind High potential Class 4-5 wind resource, CDR
completed 2014. Design 2014/15
Energy Efficiency (EE)
program High potential
E/E on public and community
facilities audited. Residential E/E
upgrades
Heat Recovery High potential
Hydroelectric Unknown
Solar High potential
Biomass Low potential
Hydrokinetic Unknown
Geothermal Unknown
Gas Low potential
Coal Unknown potential Resource assessment needed
Emerging Technologies Unknown
Waste to Heat Unknown
Page | 4-51 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
PRIORITY ENERGY ACTIONS Wainwright
Timeframe Project Name Estimated
Costs in 2014
Immediate
0-1 year
Adopt an Energy element into local comprehensive plan.
Source: NSB 1981 Energy Policies TBD
Participate in local community outreach meetings, school presentations and
energy fairs.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Wind Turbine Design and Permitting
Source: AEA Renewable Energy Funds $146,667
Short
1-5 years
Train local utility operators for new systems, including water and sewer,
housing and power generation as alternative and new technologies become
available.
Source: Stakeholder Discussion, 2014
TBD
Upgrade Electrical System.
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power Grid Improvement Projects,
NSB, 2011.
$770,000
Implement Energy Audits on School and Fire Station,
Source: 2010, AHFC Energy Grade Audit Source: AHFC 2011
$175,000
Electrical System Upgrades.
Source: Village Distribution Systems: Report of Conditions and Proposed Power Grid Improvement Projects,
NSB, 2011.
$1,465,598
Medium
5-10 years
Wind Turbine Construction
Source: Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways, 2010 TBD
Long
>10 years
Replace power plant with more energy efficient upgrade, accommodate
alternatives.
Source: Section 13 - Light, Power, and Heating Systems, Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Energy Pathways,
2010
$22,000,000
Page | 5-52 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
5 COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Community Outreach
Page | 5-1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
This chapter community
comments collected at
outreach meetings held in all
North Slope Borough
communities.
Community Outreach
Page | 5-2 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
5 COMMUNITY OUTREACH
5.1 COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Community meetings were held throughout the North Slope Borough to engage local leadership in the planning
process prior to data collection and outreach. This allowed for guidance in the grassroots approach to the energy
planning process. The chart below shows the dates of the Leadership meetings and Community Outreach
meetings, as well as engaged agencies and entities which participated in this process.
Table 15: Community and Leadership Meetings and Participants
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP MEETING COMMUNITY OUTREACH
MEETING
ORGANIZATIONS
ATTENDED
Anaktuvuk Pass 2/18/2014 3/3/2015
City of Anaktuvuk Pass,
Nunamuit Corp., Native
Village of AKP, NSB Liaison
Atqasuk 2/19/2014 2/19/2015
City of Atqasuk, NSB Public
Works, Native Village of
Atqasuk
Barrow 6/27/2014 TBD
NSB Grants, NSB Fuel,
BUECI, Umiaq, NSB
Planning, NSB Admin &
Finance, NSB Public
Works, UIC, Native Village
of Barrow, City of Barrow,
ASRC
Kaktovik 3/3/2014 3/11/2015 KIC, ASRC, Native Village of
Kaktovik, City of Kaktovik
Nuiqsut 3/5/2014 3/10/2015 Native Village of Nuiqsut,
NSB Liaison, Kuukpik
Point Hope 2/11/2014 3/2/2015
NSB Liaison, Native Village
of Pt. Hope, City of Pt.
Hope, Tikigaq Corp., ASRC,
AEA
Point Lay 1/28/2014 2/20/2015
NSB Liaison, Native Village
of Pt. Lay, IGAP, NSB-
DWM, Cully Corp., ASRC
Wainwright 3/6/2014 4/28/2015
City of Wainwright, Native
Village of Wainwright,
Olgoonik Corp., ASRC
Energy, AEA
Residents and other stakeholders were given opportunity to voice their opinions both orally in the meetings and in
writing via comment forms. Comments spanned a broad range of topics related to energy and planners used the
feedback to be sure that each area of concern was addressed in the plan. The comments on the following page
provide a representative sample of the feedback received from across the study area.
Page | 5-3 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
s no back up at the Power Plant and when the system shuts down we have electricity to the fuel pump. The
Our h
-efficient programs and projects would greatly reduce the operations costs for the
NSB employee
ard to find solutions in housing. Requiring construction of only Arctic climate designed
to be
-
efficien
-to-
our homes and water and sewer system is sinking due to climate change and
Wainwright leader
Page | 6-4 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
6 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Implementation Plan
Page |6-1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
This chapter provides
funding information and a
strategy for completing the
energy priorities.
Implementation Plan
Page |6-2 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
6 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
6.1 REGIONAL PRIORITIES
Regional priority energy actions were identified from the NSB CIPM capitol project list, stakeholder interviews,
input from the Energy Steering Committee and public meetings. The priorities were categorized into immediate
(<1 year), short term (1-5 years), medium term (5-10 years) and long term (over 10 years). Potential sources,
opportunities, and constraints for energy project funding projects are presented in Appendix A.
The overarching energy vision for the North Slope Regional Energy Plan to serve as a clear guide for future energy
actions. It is intended to be an inspiration and provide the framework for strategic planning. In our vision we can
provide affordable energy, keep our people warm, and be the leaders in bringing the most economical, sustainable
energy to rural Arctic communities.
Each of the projects addresses issues or takes advantage of opportunities to improve the energy system and
reduce energy costs. The projects have gone through initial screening, recognizing that grant funding is becoming
scarcer and there is a need to be creative and realistic about what can be accomplished in the 20-year planning
horizon. It is important that analysis of existing wind, heat recovery, solar and other energy saving measures be
done to provide lessons learned for future projects.
The following table lists planned projects and includes a brief description or title of the project, if the project is
ongoing or one recently identified by the energy steering committee or others, what the next step is in developing
the project and the status of the funding. Columns have been left open for future planning efforts toward
implementation of the energy projects.
Page |6-3 North Slope Regional Energy Plan PROJECTS PROJECTS STATUS NEXT STEPS PARTNERS FUNDING STATUS Estimated Costs Community Energy Efficiency and Education Conduct community outreach and educational energy fairs. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Collaborate with TNHA, Native Village of Barrow, CCHRC and other arctic building specialists to identify energy-efficient, arctic climate appropriate structures. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Require bidders on all new facilities to research and present at least one demonstration energy conservation feature, system or material application. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Incorporate energy policies in the employee handbook to encourage energy efficiency practices among NSB employees. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Identify energy conservation strategies for public and private structures and vehicles Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Implement RurAL CAP Energywise Program in each village. Short 1-5 years TBD All Integrate AKSmart Energy curriculum in schools. Short 1-5 years TBD All Install metering systems, such as TED and smart meter grids, to track and collect energy production, consumption and cost. Short 1-5 years TBD All
Page |6-4 North Slope Regional Energy Plan PROJECTS PROJECTS STATUS NEXT STEPS PARTNERS FUNDING STATUS Estimated Costs Community Develop and maintain matrix showing current cost of energy. Short 1-5 years TBD All Conduct study to determine actual heating costs. Short 1-5 years TBD All Calculate life-cycle energy costs for all proposed new Borough facilities. Short 1-5 years TBD All Create a building code that emphasizes sound energy efficient arctic construction. Short 1-5 years TBD All Design and construct energy-efficient, arctic climate appropriate structures Short 1-5 years TBD All Complete energy audits on public buildings and implement recommendations. Short 1-5 years TBD All Energy Infrastructure Reassess current failing systems such as water and sewer and redesign for environment and energy efficiency as needed. Short 1-5 years TBD All Reevaluate current design of systems and incorporate emerging energy technologies as appropriate. Short 1-5 years TBD All Dispose of hazardous materials related to energy production throughout the NSB. Short 1-5 years $5,000,000 All Perform upgrades to power generation systems throughout the NSB. Short 1-5 years $5,500,000 All
Page |6-5 North Slope Regional Energy Plan PROJECTS PROJECTS STATUS NEXT STEPS PARTNERS FUNDING STATUS Estimated Costs Community Install generators at Walakpa Gas Field. Short 1-5 years $2,343,000 All Upgrade village power distribution grids. Short 1-5 years $5,778,000 All Upgrade electric metering. Short 1-5 years $150,000 All Upgrade fuel heater containments. Short 1-5 years $300,000 All Upgrade to more efficient street lighting across the NSB. Short 1-5 years $400,000 All Upgrade trucks serving the high voltage line. Long >10 years $1,000,000 All Upgrade Electrical System Short 1-5 years TBD Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Pt. Hope, Pt. Lay, Wainwright Generator upgrade to accept alternative power. Short 1-5 years TBD Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Pt. Lay Atqasuk Transmission line Preliminary Design and Permitting Short 1-5 years $2,220,000 Atqasuk Atqasuk Transmission line construction. Medium 5-10 years TBD Atqasuk
Page |6-6 North Slope Regional Energy Plan PROJECTS PROJECTS STATUS NEXT STEPS PARTNERS FUNDING STATUS Estimated Costs Community Power Plant Upgrade NSB CIP requested upgrade. Long >10 years TBD Atqasuk Marine header and pipeline relocation. Long >10 years TBD Barrow Replace power plant with more energy efficient upgrade, accommodate alternatives. Long >10 years $22,000,000 Wainwright Planning Adopt an energy element into the local and regional comprehensive plans. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Refer to energy plan during the CIP review process. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Update the North Slope Regional Energy Plan on a regular basis. Short 1-5 years TBD All Update NSB Comprehensive Plan to include the North Slope Regional Energy Plan. Short 1-5 years TBD All Energy Financing Analyze current electrical costs, NSB electrical rates and consider ways to increase PCE subsidy. Short 1-5 years TBD All Provide incentives for bill payment through education and energy efficiency measures that reduce monthly bills. Short 1-5 years TBD All Maintenance
Page |6-7 North Slope Regional Energy Plan PROJECTS PROJECTS STATUS NEXT STEPS PARTNERS FUNDING STATUS Estimated Costs Community Train employees for new systems, including water and sewer, housing and power generation. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Communication Provide means to assist with communication between departments and energy plan implementation. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Conduct community outreach meetings, school presentations and energy fairs in each village. Immediate 0-1 year TBD All Geothermal Prepare Geothermal Feasibility Study. Short 1-5 years $200,000 Anaktuvuk Pass Develop Geothermal Resource if determined feasible. Medium 5-10 years TBD Anaktuvuk Pass Heat Recovery Install heat recovery systems. Short 1-5 years $1,438,356 Anaktuvuk Pass Hydroelectric Conduct Hydroelectric Feasibility Study on Contact Creek. Medium 5-10 years $200,000 Anaktuvuk Pass Develop Hydroelectric Resource if determined feasible. Long >10 years TBD Anaktuvuk Pass, Oil and Gas
Page |6-8 North Slope Regional Energy Plan PROJECTS PROJECTS STATUS NEXT STEPS PARTNERS FUNDING STATUS Estimated Costs Community Upgrade fuel tanks for safety and capacity. Short 1-5 years $100,000 All Demolish, remove, and clean up out of service fuel tanks. Short 1-5 years $1,230,000 All Install system to electronically manage fuel tanks most efficiently. Short 1-5 years $1,500,000 All Install and upgrade fuel truck loading racks. Short 1-5 years TBD All Fuel delivery vehicles region wide. Short 1-5 years $900,000 All Replace fuel pump house with more energy efficient upgrade. Long >10 years $1,411,000 Pt. Hope Wind Wind Turbine Design and Permitting. Short 1-5 years TBD Kaktovik, Pt. Hope, Pt. Lay, Wainwright Construct Wind Turbine Long >10 years TBD Kaktovik, Pt. Hope, Pt. Lay, Wainwright Invest in wind generation throughout the NSB wherever feasible. Short 1-5 years TBD All
Page |6-9 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
The table below shows the possible savings over time for the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation energy audits
done throughout the North Slope Borough.
Table 16: Example of Cost Evaluation for Energy Efficiency Projects
Page |7-1 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
7 GLOSSARY
AkWarm: AHFC released AkWarm in 1996 as a software tool for builders, designers, energy raters, lenders, and
homeowners. The software can be used for energy design, retrofit, or to determine an energy rating.
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA): A public corporation of the state with a separate and independent legal existence
with the mission to construct, finance, and operate power projects and facilities that
resources to produce electricity and heat. Website: http://www.akenergyauthority.org/
Alaska Retrofit Information System (ARIS): ARIS is a project funded by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
(AHFC). The project goal is to create a means by which to collect, manage, access, and report on information
rization programs, as well as other official uses of AkWarm.
Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative (ARUC): ARUC is a program managed by the Alaska Native Tribal Health
Consortium. ARUC manages water and sewer systems in partnership with rural Alaska communities. ARUC
management is intended to result in more cost-effective operations and maintenance.
ARUC sets rates with community council input. Each community's rates are set to be self-supporting, so rates will
vary per community and hires a local water plant operator (and backup) in each community at good wages and
retirement benefits. They purchase all fuel, parts, electricity, etc. for water/sewer system with money collected
from water/sewer customer and often can find grant money to purchase fuel, supplies, and needed parts and
repairs for ARUC communities in the first year of membership.
Auxiliary Generator: A generator at the electric plant site that provides power for the operation of the electrical
generating equipment itself, including related demands such as plant lighting, during periods when the electric
plant is not operating and power is unavailable from the grid. A black start generator used to start main central
station generators is considered to be an auxiliary generator.
Backup (Standby) Generator: A generator that is used only for test purposes, or in the event of an emergency,
such as a shortage of power needed to meet customer load requirements.
Barrel (bbl.): A unit of volume equal to 42 U.S. gallons.
Benchmarking: Benchmarking is the preliminary data collection and analysis that takes place before the audit.
Typical benchmark data consists of building age, square footage, occupancy, building drawings (original and
additions), historical energy use including a minimum of two years of fuel and electrical bills, etc. It can be used to
determine the level of audit needed or if retro-commissioning should be undertaken.
Bituminous coal: A dense coal, usually black, sometimes dark brown, often with well-defined bands of bright and
dull material, used primarily as fuel in steam-electric power generation, with substantial quantities also used for
heat and power applications in manufacturing and to make coke. Bituminous coal is the most abundant coal in
active U.S. mining regions. Its moisture content usually is less than 20%. The heat content of bituminous coal
ranges from 21 to 30 million BTU per ton on a moist, mineral-matter-free basis. The heat content of bituminous
coal consumed in the United States averages 24 million BTU per ton, on the as-received basis (i.e. containing both
inherent moisture and mineral matter).
British Thermal Unit: The British thermal unit (BTU or Btu) is a traditional unit of energy equal to about 1.06
kilojoules. It is approximately the amount of energy needed to heat one pound (0.454 kg) of water 1 °F (0.556 °C).
Page |7-2 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
It is used in the power, steam generation, heating and air conditioning industries. In North America, the term
cooling systems. When used as a unit of power, BTU per hour (BTU/h) is the correct unit, though this is often
.
Capital Cost: The cost of field development, plant construction, and the equipment required for industry
operations.
Climate Change: A term used to refer to all forms of climatic inconsistency, but especially to significant change
;
of natural changes in climate, including climatic cooling.
Coal: A readily combustible black or brownish-black rock whose composition, including inherent moisture, consists
of more than 50% by weight and more than 70% by volume of carbonaceous material. It is formed from plant
remains that have been compacted, hardened, chemically altered, and metamorphosed by heat and pressure over
identified short tons. Major coal provinces include Northern Alaska, the Nenana area, Cook Inlet Matanuska
Valley, the Alaska Peninsula, and in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering River. Alaska coals exhibit low metallic trace
elements, good ash-fusion characteristics, and low nitrogen content making them favorable for meeting
environmental constraints on combustion in power plants.
Cogeneration System: A system using a common energy source to produce both electricity and thermal energy for
other uses, resulting in increased fuel efficiency.
Combined Cycle: An electric generating technology in which electricity is produced from otherwise lost waste heat
exiting from one or more gas (combustion) turbines. The exiting heat is routed to a conventional boiler or to a heat
recovery steam generator for utilization by a steam turbine in the production of electricity. This process increases
the efficiency of the electric generating unit.
Combustion: Chemical oxidation accompanied by the generation of light and heat.
Commercial Sector: An energy-consuming sector that consists of service-providing facilities and equipment of
businesses; Federal, State, and local governments; and other private and public organizations, such as religious,
social, or fraternal groups. The commercial sector includes institutional living quarters. It also includes sewage
treatment facilities. Common uses of energy associated with this sector include space heating, water heating, air
conditioning, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, and running a wide variety of other equipment. Note: This sector
includes generators that produce electricity and/or useful thermal output primarily to support the activities of the
above-mentioned commercial establishments.
Consumer (energy): Any individually metered dwelling, building, establishment, or location.
Diesel #1: Also known as DF1 or Jet A. Diesel #1 is commonly used as heating fuel throughout most of northern
rural AK. Diesel #1 has a lower gel temperature than Diesel #2 which is sold for heating fuel in warmer climates.
Diesel #1 is same fuel the refineries sell as Jet fuel (Jet A), and in many tank farms it is stored as Jet A until sold as
DF1.
Diesel #2: Is commonly used throughout the US. In Alaska, it is used for marine and highway diesel as well as
heating fuel in warmer regions. Diesel #2 is preferred over #1 where it is warm enough as it has higher energy
content.
Page |7-3 North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Diesel Fuel: A fuel composed of distillates obtained in petroleum refining operation or blends of such distillates
with residual oil used in motor vehicles. The boiling point and specific gravity are higher for diesel fuels than for
gasoline.
Distillate Fuel Oil: A generic name for a refined petroleum product. It can refer to diesel, heating fuel or jet fuel.
Electric Meter, or Watt-hour Meter: Electric Meter, or Watt-hour Meter (also known as The Energy Detective or
TED meters) is an instrument that measures the amount of electric energy used by a consumer. The meter is
calibrated in kilowatt-hours.
Electricity: A form of energy characterized by the presence and motion of elementary charged particles generated
by friction, induction, or chemical change.
Energy Balance: The difference between the total incoming and total outgoing energy. When the energy budget is
balanced, the system neither gains nor loses energy.
Energy Information Agency (EIA): An independent agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that develops
surveys, collects energy data, and analyzes and models energy issues. Website: http://www.eia.doe.gov/
Fuel: Any material substance that can be consumed to supply heat, power, or mechanical energy. Included are
petroleum, coal, and natural gas (the fossil fuels), and other consumable materials such as biomass.
Biodiesel (Fish Oil) 121,000 BTU/Gal
Coal (Healy) 7,900 Btu/lb
Crude Oil 138,000 Btu/gal
Diesel #1 132,000 Btu/gal
Diesel #2 138,000 Btu/gal
Electricity 3,412 Btu/k/Wh
Garbage 4,800 Btu/lb.
Gasoline 124,000 Btu/gal
Natural Gas 1,000 Btu/cf
Paper 7,500 Btu/lb
Propane 92,000Btu/gal
Wood (Birch) 24.2 MMBtu/cord
Wood (Birch)) 8,300 Btu/dry lb.
Wood (Spruce) 15.9 MMBtu/cord
Wood (Spruce) 8,100 Btu/dry lb.
Gallon: A volumetric measure equal to four quarts (231 cubic inches) used to measure fuel oil.
Gas: A non-solid, non-liquid combustible energy source that includes natural gas, coke-oven gas, blast-furnace gas,
and refinery gas.
Grid: The layout of an electrical distribution system.
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Heating Degree Days (HDD): A measure of how cold a location is over a period of time relative to a base
temperature, most commonly specified as 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The measure is computed for each day by
subtracting the average of
measure for a specified reference period. Heating degree days are used in energy analysis as an indicator of space
heating energy requirements or use.
Hydroelectric Power: The use of flowing water to produce electrical energy.
Installed Capacity: The maximum theoretical production output of a plant, based either on nameplate capacity or
actual (practically determined) capacity.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): A unit of energy equal to one kW applied for one hour; running a one kW hair dryer for one
hour would dissipate one kWh of electrical energy as heat. Also, one kWh is equivalent to one thousand watt
hours.
Kilowatt (kW): One thousand watts of electricity (See Watt).
Load (Electric): Amount of electricity required to meet customer demand at any given time.
MCF: One thousand cubic feet.
Megawatt (MW): One million watts of electricity (See Watt).
Microgrid: A microgrid is a small-
main electrical grid.
Microturbines: Microturbines combine heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration, for an efficient and clean approach
to generating electric power and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. CHP is used to replace or
supplement conventional separate heat and power (i.e., central station electricity available via the grid and an
onsite boiler or heater). Every CHP application involves the generation of electricity and the recovery of otherwise
wasted thermal energy. Therefore, CHP provides greater energy efficiency and environmental benefits than
separate heat and power. CHP systems achieve fuel use efficiencies of 60 to 90 percent, compared to a typical
separate heat and power efficiency range of 45 to 55 percent. This improvement in efficiency translates to energy
cost savings from reduced fuel used, reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other regulated air pollutants,
increased electricity-supply reliability and power quality, and reduced grid congestion and transmission and
distribution losses.
In addition to burning liquid fuels such as diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, and liquid biofuels, microturbines can burn
almost any carbon-based gaseous fuel: natural gas, propane, sour gas, sweet gas, well casing gas, flare gas,
methane and other waste gases to create renewable power and heat. Waste material buried in landfills
biodegrades over time to produce methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Treatment of domestic wastewater,
agricultural waste and food processing waste using anaerobic digestion also produces methane and other gases.
Many sites flare these waste gases; or worse yet vent them directly into the atmosphere. Methane has a
greenhouse gas impact on the atmosphere that is 21 times that of carbon dioxide, and burning methane in a flare
completely wastes its energy value.
Natural Gas: Gas in place at the time that a reservoir was converted to use as an underground storage reservoir in
contrast to injected gas volumes.
O&M: Operations and maintenance
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Peak: The amount of electricity required to meet customer demand at its highest. The summer peak period begins
June 1st and ends September 30th, and the winter peak period begins December 1st and ends March 31st.
Petroleum: A broadly defined class of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. Included are crude oil, lease condensate,
unfinished oils, refined products obtained from the processing of crude oil,.and natural gas plant liquids. Note:
volumes of finished petroleum products include non-hydrocarbon compounds, such as additives and detergents,
after they have been blended into the products.
Power: The rate of producing, transferring, or using energy that is capable of doing work, most commonly
associated with electricity. Power is measured in watts and often expressed in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW).
Power Cost Equalization Program (PCE): Participating utilities receive state funding to reduce the charge to
consumers in rural areas where prices can be three to five times higher than prices in urban areas.
Rankine Cycle: Converts heat into power, the heat is supplied in a closed loop of water. Organic Rankine Cycle uses
a liquid with lower boiling temperature.
Refinery: An installation that manufactures finished petroleum products from crude oil, unfinished oils, natural gas
liquids, other hydrocarbons, and oxygenates.
Renewable Energy Fund (REF): Established by the Alaska State Legislature and administered by the Alaska Energy
Authority to competitively award grants to qualified applicants for renewable energy projects.
Renewable Energy Resources: Energy resources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited. They are virtually
inexhaustible in duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available per unit of time. Renewable energy
resources include biomass, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action, and tidal action.
Rural Utility Business Advisor (RUBA) Program: - The goal of the RUBA program is to increase the managerial and
financial capacity of rural water and wastewater utility providers. The program is advisory only; travel and
assistance is at the request of local utility staff. The program offers capacity building assistance to rural utilities
throughout all regions of the state. One-on-one or small group training in the community is provided by RUBA staff
for the local utility staff. http://commerce.alaska.gov/dnn/dcra/RuralUtilityBusinessAdvisorProgramRUBA.aspx
Smart Grid: A smart grid is a modernized electrical grid that uses analog or digital information and communications
technology to gather and act on information, such as information about the behaviors of suppliers and consumers,
in an automated fashion to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics, and sustainability of the production and
distribution of electricity. It also allows utility operators to shut off power to portions of the grid while making
repairs.
Smart Meters: Smart meters are meters that identify energy consumption in more detail than a conventional
electric or Watt Hour meter). They have the ability to communicate information via a secured network back and
forth between the end user and the utility provider. This allows the utility to close portions of grid as needed for
repairs or maintenance without shutting off the entire system.
Space Heating: The use of energy to generate heat for warmth in housing units using space-heating equipment. It
does not include the use of energy to operate appliances (such as lights, televisions, and refrigerators) that give off
heat as a byproduct.
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Transmission System (Electric): An interconnected group of electric transmission lines and associated equipment
for moving or transferring electric energy in bulk between points of supply and points at which it is transformed for
delivery over the distribution system lines to consumers, or is delivered to other electric systems.
Turbine: A machine for generating rotary mechanical power from the energy of a moving force (such as water, hot
gas, wind, or steam). Turbines convert the kinetic energy to mechanical energy through the principles of impulse
and reaction, or a mixture of the two.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Oversees programs, such as Wind Powering America, with the mission to
advance national, economic, and energy security; promote innovation; and ensure environmental responsibility.
Website: http://www.energy.gov/
Waste to Energy or Energy from Waste: Waste-to-energy (WtE) or energy-from-waste is the process of generating
energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the incineration of waste. WtE is a form of energy recovery.
Most WtE processes produce electricity and/or heat directly through combustion, or produce a combustible fuel
commodity, such as methane, methanol, ethanol or synthetic fuels.
Watt (Electric): The electrical unit of power. The rate of energy transfer equivalent to one ampere of electric
current flowing under a pressure of one volt at unity power factor.
Watt (Thermal): A unit of power in the metric system, expressed in terms of energy per second, equal to the work
done at a rate of one joule per second.
Watt hour (Wh): The electrical energy unit of measure equal to one watt of power supplied to, or taken from, an
electric circuit steadily for one hour.
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North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Appendix A: Funding Opportunities for Energy Projects
North Slope Regional Energy Plan
North Slope Regional Energy Plan
Funding Opportunities for Energy Projects
The majority of energy funding resources accessed for Alaska projects come from either the State of Alaska or
from U.S. Department of Energy. AHFC funds energy efficiency projects for residences, businesses, and buildings
owned by municipalities and educational entities, such as the University of Alaska Anchorage. AEA provides
energy audit services to commercial and governmental agencies, renewable energy funds, rural power systems
upgrades, bulk fuel construction funds and alternative energy and energy efficiency development programs. AEA
also provides economic assistance to rural customers where kilowatt hour charges for electricity are three to five
times higher than more urban areas of the state.
Private foundations and corporations also provide funds for smaller projects, some of which can be energy
improvements, but most of which are capital funds for construction or reconstruction projects.
In the table that follows, funding sources are listed by type of project and then funding agency. The description of
the type of project eligible is included as well as if the funding eligibility is dependent on economic status of the
applicant.
North Slope Regional Energy Plan
North Slope Regional Energy Plan Program Funding Agency Description of Funding Opportunity Restrictions for Eligibility Comments Direct Aid Power Cost Equalization Alaska Energy Authority http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ To provide economic assistance to customers in rural areas of Alaska where the kilowatt-hour charge for electricity can be three to five times higher than the charge in more urban areas of the state. PCE only pays a participating utilities. AEA determines eligibility of community facilities and residential customers and authorizes payment to the electric utility. Commercial customers are not eligible to receive PCE credit. Participating utilities are required to reduce each bill by the amount that the State pays for PCE. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program -- LIHEAP Department of Health and Social Services http://liheap.org/?page_id=361 Fuel assistance for low-income families. Income-based Energy Efficiency Improvements Alaska Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Program Alaska Housing Finance Corporation http://www.ahfc.us Provides financing for permanent energy-efficient improvements to buildings owned by regional educational attendance areas, the University of Alaska, the State or municipalities in the state. Borrowers obtain an investment grade audit as the basis for making cost-effective energy improvements, selecting from the list of energy efficiency measures identified. All of the improvements must be completed within 365 days of loan closing. Public facilities
North Slope Regional Energy Plan Program Funding Agency Description of Funding Opportunity Restrictions for Eligibility Comments Commercial Energy Audit Program Alaska Energy Authority http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ Funding for energy efficiency audits for privately owned commercial buildings across Alaska. The program provides reimbursements of qualified commercial energy audits for privately owned commercial buildings up to 160,000 square feet. The maximum reimbursement is set by the building size and complexity and ranges from $1,800 for buildings under 2,500 square feet up to $7,000 for buildings from 60,000 and above. Owners of commercial buildings This funding was available in 2013/2014. Check website for notice of future funding availability. Application period is typically November to December. Energy Efficiency Interest Rate Reduction Program Alaska Housing Finance Corporation http://www.ahfc.us AHFC offers interest rate reductions when financing new or existing energy-efficient homes or when borrowers purchase and make energy improvements to an existing home. Any property that can be energy rated and is otherwise eligible for AHFC financing may qualify for this program. Interest rate reductions apply to the first $200,000 of the loan amount. A loan amount exceeding $200,000 receives a blended interest rate rounded up to the next 0.125 percent. The percentage rate reduction depends on whether or not the property has access to natural gas. Energy Rating Required Alaska Home Energy Rebate Program Alaska Housing Finance Corporation http://www.ahfc.us Homeowners may receive up to $10,000 for making energy-efficient improvements. Based on before and after energy audits. Rebate is based on final energy rating audit outcome. Upfront cost for energy audit. Second Mortgage Program for Energy Conservation Alaska Housing Finance Corporation http://www.ahfc.us Borrowers may obtain a second mortgage to finance home improvements or purchase a home in conjunction with an assumption of an existing AHFC loan and make repairs if need be. The maximum loan amount is $30,000. The maximum loan term is 15 years. The interest rate is the Taxable Program or Rural Owner-Occupied, 15-year interest rate plus 0.375.
North Slope Regional Energy Plan Program Funding Agency Description of Funding Opportunity Restrictions for Eligibility Comments Village Energy Efficiency Program Alaska Energy Authority http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ Upgrades are performed in rural Alaskan community buildings. There are currently three phases of funding with Phase II communities recently completed. Community selection was based on the status of the The community either recently received or is slated to receive a new power system. Weatherization Program Alaska Housing Finance Corporation http://www.ahfc.us Weatherization programs have been created to award grants to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of improving the energy efficiency of low-income homes statewide. These programs also provide for training and technical assistance in the area of housing energy efficiency. Funds for these programs come from the US Dept. of Energy and AHFC. RurAL CAP Weatherization RurAL CAP http://www.ruralcap.com Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP) manages a state program administered by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation that offers free weatherization services for low and middle-income residents in western and northern Alaska, the Municipality of Anchorage, and the City and Borough of Juneau. An Anchorage family of four with income up to $87,800 qualifies. An income-based program RurAL CAP Energy Wise RurAL CAP http://www.ruralcap.com The Energy Wise Program engages rural Alaskan communities in behavior change practices resulting in energy efficiency and energy conservation. This tested model uses community-based social marketing to save energy a multi-step educational approach involving residents in changing home energy consumption behaviors. Locally hired crews are trained to educate community residents and conduct basic energy efficiency upgrades during full-day home visits. Through Energy Wise, rural Alaskans reduce their energy consumption, lower their home heating and electric bills, and save money. No income restrictions Communities receive the following: ten locally hired and trained crew members; on site "launch week" by a RurAL CAP staff for hiring and training of local crews; one community energy fair to engage community residents and organizations. Households receive: Full day home visit from a trained, locally hired crew; household
North Slope Regional Energy Plan Program Funding Agency Description of Funding Opportunity Restrictions for Eligibility Comments energy consumption and cost assessment conducted with the resident; education on energy cost-saving strategies; an estimated $300 worth of basic, home energy efficiency supplies installed. Infrastructure Development Alternative Energy & Energy Efficiency Development Program Alaska Energy Authority http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ AEA's Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency programs promote: 1.) Use of renewable energy resources and local sources of coal and natural gas alternatives to diesel-based power, heat, and fuel production; 2.) Measures to improve efficiency of energy production and end use. Bulk Fuel Construction Program Alaska Energy Authority/Denali Commission http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ With substantial contributions from the Denali Commission, the bulk fuel upgrades program provides funding for the design/engineering, business planning and construction management services to build code-compliant bulk fuel tank farms in rural communities. The bulk fuel upgrade retrofit and revision program, with financial support from the Denali Commission, provides funding for repairs to enable affected communities to continue to receive fuel. Emerging Energy Technology Fund Alaska Energy Authority http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ The Authority may make grants to eligible applicants for demonstration projects of technologies that have a reasonable expectation to be commercially viable within five years and that are designed to: test emerging energy technologies or methods of conserving energy; improve an existing energy technology; or deploy an existing technology that has not previously been demonstrated in Alaska. Eligible applicants: An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05; an independent power producer; a local government, quasi-governmental entity, or other governmental entity, including
North Slope Regional Energy Plan Program Funding Agency Description of Funding Opportunity Restrictions for Eligibility Comments tribal council or housing authority; a business holding an Alaska business license; or a nonprofit organization. Renewable Energy Fund Alaska Energy Authority http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ Solar water heat, photovoltaics, landfill gas, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, CHP/cogeneration, hydrothermal, waste heat, transmission or distribution infrastructure, anaerobic digestion, tidal energy, wave energy, fuel cells using renewable fuels, geothermal direct-use Rural Power Systems Upgrades Alaska Energy Authority/Denali Commission http://www.akenergyauthority.org/ Upgrades may include efficiency improvements, powerhouse upgrades or replacements, line assessments, lines to new customers, demand-side improvements and repairs to generation and distribution systems. Tier 1 Grant Program Rasmuson Foundation http://www.rasmuson.org Grants for capital projects, technology updates, capacity building, program expansion and creative works, including building construction/renovation/restoration, technology upgrades in community facilities, and capacity building grant support.
North Slope Regional Energy Plan Federal Funding Opportunities Program Funding Agency Description of Funding Opportunity Restrictions for Eligibility Comments EERE Tribal Energy Program U.S. Department of Energy DOE http://energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy Various grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including: Biomass, energy efficiency, geothermal, hydropower, solar photovoltaics, solar water heat, wind, and other renewable energy projects. Rural Utilities Service Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities Program U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_Our_Grant_Programs.html Funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities and to establish fuel transport systems that are less expensive than road and rail. Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and feasibility studies.