HomeMy WebLinkAboutRural Power Systems Upgrade Program Fact Sheet 04-2018-RALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY
WWW.AKENERGYAUTHORITY.ORG
REDUCING THE COST
OF ENERGY IN ALASKA
FOR MORE INFO
CONTACT:
Tim Sandstrom
PROGRAM MANAGER
TSANDSTROM@AIDEA.ORG
907.771.3000
QUICK FACTS
RURAL POWER SYSTEM UPGRADE (RPSU)
85 projects
completed
since 2000
4 projects
currently
under
construction
10 projects
currently in
design stage
CURRENT STATUS
Following is the status of the RPSU projects in construction during the first quarter of
calendar year 2018:
•The Kake powerhouse module is complete.
•The Kipnuk module is currently on site, and is scheduled for winter construction with
start-up and testing in the spring.
•Clarks Point powerhouse module is in final design. Bidding and construction are
anticipated 2018/19.
•The Port Heiden RPSU project is in final design phase. Bidding and construction are
anticipated 2018/19.
•Kwigillingok distribution system is complete.
•Kongiganak distribution system is complete.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Under 3 AAC 108.100 –130 the Alaska Energy Authority’s Rural Power Systems Upgrade
(RPSU) program may provide financial assistance and technical assistance including
construction management and training to eligible recipients.
Electricity provides for lighting, communications, heat and power necessary to operate
infrastructure that supports safe and healthy living conditions. In rural communities
throughout Alaska, electricity is generated by a small local “system” (generation and
distribution) using diesel fuel at a cost that is three to five times higher than that in urban
parts of the state.
Of 200 rural Alaska communities, approximately half are served by cooperatives or another
form of utility that performs under a well-established organization. Others are served by
very small entities, many which experience technical and administrative problems due to
lack of economies of scale and/or lack of specialized skills in the community.
Upgrades may include efficiency improvements, powerhouse upgrades or replacements,
line assessments, lines to new customers, demand-side improvements, heat recovery and
repairs to generation and distribution systems. It is not uncommon to see a 30 to 40
percent increase in fuel savings after a project is completed. Funding comes from Alaska
legislative appropriations, Denali Commission and other matching funds.
APRIL 2018