HomeMy WebLinkAboutBradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Quick Fact Sheet 04-01-2019-HBRADLEY LAKE HYDRO PROJECT
AEA‐owned
infrastructure
managed by
Railbelt
utilities
~386,000
MWh
generated
annually
$0.04/kWh
makes this
among the
lowest
electricity
rates in AK
CURRENT STATUS
The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project generates between five and ten percent of the total
annual power used by Railbelt electric utilities. From 1995 through 2018, Bradley averaged
386,000 MWh annually at $0.04 per kWh. Bradley provides some of the lowest‐cost power
in the state.
Railbelt utilities and AEA agreed on a new Operations and Maintenance Agreement for
Homer Electric Association to operate Bradley Lake Hydroelectric facility for the next five
years.
The West Fork Upper Battle Creek construction contractor Orion Marine Contractors is
preparing to mobilize to Bradley Lake for Spring startup. Outlet pipe installation, pioneering
to diversion, and blasting on Wall 2 will be first priority. Project is expected to be completed
in 2020.
WEST FORK UPPER BATTLE CREEK DIVERSION PROJECT
By diverting glacial water from the West Fork Upper Battle Creek to Bradley Lake this
project will increase Bradley Lake Hydro electricity production approximately 37,300 MWh,
or about ten percent. The project includes construction of three miles of road and a
concrete diversion dam, and five‐foot pipe under the road to convey the water to Bradley
Lake. Total Project cost is estimated between $42 and $47 million.
In September 2016, The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission amended the Bradley
license to add this project.
PROJECT OVERVIEW & HISTORY
The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project is located 27‐air miles northeast of Homer on the
Kenai Peninsula and has 120 MW of installed capacity. The project consists of a 125‐foot
high concrete‐faced, rock‐filled dam structure, three diversion structures, a 3.5‐mile long
power tunnel and vertical shaft, generating plant, interior substation, 20 miles of
transmission line, and substation.
The power generation potential of Bradley Lake was first studied by the U.S. Corps of
Engineers in 1955. The project was authorized by Congress in 1962. Funding challenges
delayed development. AEA, then the Alaska Power Authority, assumed responsibility for the
project in 1982. Planning, field work, FERC licensing, construction, the creation of the
Bradley Project Management Committee (BPMC), and a Power Sales Agreement between
AEA and Railbelt utilities followed.
Through the Power Sales Agreement, 100 percent of the project’s capacity has been sold to the
power purchasers.
APRIL 2019
QUICK FACTS
Bradley was declared in commercial operation on Sept. 1, 1991 and
has been producing power since. Total project costs, including
major capital improvements, as of June 30, 2015 are $328 million.
The project was funded through legislative appropriations and AEA
revenue bonds that are being repaid by the participating utilities.
The BPMC generally manages the project, subject to AEA’s non‐
delegable rights, duties and responsibilities.
FOR MORE INFO
CONTACT:
INFO@
AKENERGYAUTHORITY.ORG
907.771.3000
WWW.AKENERGYAUTHORITY.ORG
REDUCING THE COST
OF ENERGY IN ALASKA