HomeMy WebLinkAboutCircuit Rider Program Fact Sheet 04-2018ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY
WWW.AKENERGYAUTHORITY.ORG
REDUCING THE COST
OF ENERGY IN ALASKA
FOR MORE INFO
CONTACT:
Alan Fetters
Rural Assistance Manager
AFETTERS@AIDEA.ORG
907.771.3000
QUICK FACTS
CIRCUIT RIDER
Real time
remote
assistance
reduces need
for travel
Protects the
State’s
investment in
energy
infrastructure
Reduces
likelihood of
electrical
emergencies
CURRENT STATUS
During the first quarter of calendar year 2018 and in accordance with 3 AAC 108.220 the
Circuit Rider (CR) and Rural Electric Utility Workers (REUW) provided real time remote
assistance and training via phone and SCADA to the following communities:
APRIL 2018
CR and REUW traveled to the village and provided onsite training and assistance to: Akiak,
Akiachak, AVTEC, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Levelock, Napakiak, Pedro Bay, Tuntatuliak.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Under 3 AAC 108.200 -240 the Alaska Energy Authority’s Circuit Rider program provides
eligible utilities with technical assistance to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of
their power systems and helps reduce the risk and severity of emergency conditions.
AEA staff instruct the rural utility operators and managers in the proper operations and
maintenance of their generation and distribution infrastructure. Generation includes
conventional diesel and alternative sources of hydro and wind. Technical staff can help with
diagnosing and troubleshooting through real time remote monitoring, or provide onsite
training, technical consultation, assistance and minor repairs. The program does not replace
the utility’s necessary operations and maintenance budget or provide funding for major
repairs or reconstruction of utility systems.
AEA annually evaluates the utilities needs under the Circuit Rider program. The program
manager and Circuit Rider technician review the needs and requests and in coordination with
other information respond accordingly.
This program is available for rural Alaska communities with a population between 20 and
2,000. The utility’s ability to pay for assistance from other sources is considered. The utilities
are encouraged to have power plant operators who have: knowledge of the local power
system; are able to communicate effectively; are available during onsite visits; and the ability
to maintain written performance logs. To reduce the programs travel expenses the utilities
are encouraged to use email, phone calls and have a remotely accessible Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
Current funding is from both State of Alaska and Denali Commission.
Akiak
Akiachak
Alakanuk
Atmautluak
AVTEC
Beaver
Buckland
Central
Chenega
Chefornak
Chignik Bay
Chignik Lagoon
Chitina
Crooked Creek
Diomede
Egegik
Elfin Cove
False Pass
Hoonah
Hughes
Igiugig
Kake
Kipnuk
Kwethluk
Kwigillingok
Kongiganak
Larsen Bay
Levelock
Manokotak
McGrath
Nikolski
Newtok
Northway
Nunam Iqua
Ouzinkie
Pedro Bay
Pelican
Prince of Whales
Whale Pass
Port Alsworth
Sleetmute
Stevens Village
St. George
Stoney River
Tatitlek
Takotna
Tuluksak
Unalakleet