HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.06.21 IMC Executed Minutes
IMC Draft Meeting Minutes – June 21, 2024 Page 1 of 4
Alaska Intertie Management Committee (IMC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Alaska Energy Authority Board Room
Friday, June 21, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Andrew Laughlin called the meeting of the Alaska Intertie Management Committee to order on June 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS Members present: Andrew Laughlin (Chugach Electric Association (CEA)); Travis Million (Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA)); Ed Jenkin (Matanuska Electric Association (MEA)); and Bill Price (Alaska Energy Authority (AEA)). A quorum was established. 3. PUBLIC ROLL CALL Public present: Sunny Morrison (Accu-Type Depositions); Jennifer Bertolini (AEA); Pat
Domitrovich (AEA); Pamela Ellis (AEA); Joel Paisner (Ascent Law Partners); Mike Miller (CEA);
Russell Thornton (CEA); Dan Bishop (GVEA); Nathan Minnema (GVEA); Keith Palchikoff (GVEA);
David Pease (MEA); and Jon Sinclair (MEA).
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
5. AGENDA APPROVAL
Chair Laughlin informed that there is no Operator Report today.
MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Jenkin to approve the agenda without Item 9C.
Operator Report. Motion seconded by Mr. Million. The agenda without Item 9C. Operator Report was approved without objection. 6. APPROVAL OF PRIOR MINUTES – May 3, 2024 MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Million to approve the Meeting Minutes of May 3, 2024, as presented. Motion seconded by Mr. Jenkin. The Minutes of May 3, 2024 were approved without objection.
IMC Draft Meeting Minutes – June 21, 2024 Page 2 of 4
7. NEW BUSINESS - None
8. OLD BUSINES - None
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS 9A. Budget to Actuals Chair Laughlin requested Pamela Ellis, AEA, to provide the Budget to Actuals Report for the period through April 30, 2024. Ms. Ellis discussed that total revenue usage is at 97%. This is $682,247 more than budgeted, and is primarily due to higher than anticipated energy uses for the months of July through January. There was a decrease in usage in March, and a small increase in anticipated usage in April. Ms. Ellis explained that operating expenses for the period were less than budgeted by $2,854,955. Several categories remain significantly under budget. The budget is annualized. As invoices are continually received and paid within the next few months, the budget and actual expenses will better align. Ms. Ellis discussed the grant match that was budgeted for the FY25 budget. She informed that the grant match will be billed out at 100%, and will not be billed out incrementally as the
Committee is accustomed.
Chair Laughlin asked if the full utility match will be required as the grants are approved. Ms. Ellis
agreed. She advised that approved in the budget is GVEA at $442,794; CEA at $32,859; MEA at
$60,709; and HEA at $4,805. The total match approved in the FY25 budget is $536,362. There
were no other questions.
9B. IOC Committee
Chair Laughlin requested Jon Sinclair, MEA, to present the IOC Report. Mr. Sinclair discussed that
clearing is ongoing and active along the Intertie, and is expected to cost approximately
$400,000. Additionally, invoices have been submitted for LiDAR and orthophotography. Mr. Sinclair commented that the grant awards for the synchrophasors and for the snow load remediation are pending. No funds will be spent until the grants are awarded. The primary frequency response draft policy is in review. An update will be given at the next meeting. Mr. Sinclair discussed that the IOC reviewed an inverter-based resources (IBR) study. The comments will be provided to the System Studies Subcommittee (SSS) with the hope of posting the study in July. Mr. Sinclair highlighted the SSS’ interaction with the Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC) regarding studies and if the SSS has the capacity to manage additional assigned studies. The recommendation by the SSS is to consult with the RRC, rather than managing the studies. However, it is possible that the IMC could assign the SSS a study, if approved by the IOC on a case-by-case basis.
IMC Draft Meeting Minutes – June 21, 2024 Page 3 of 4
Mr. Sinclair noted the ongoing concerns regarding the static var compensator (SVC) at Healy, including faults and thyristor failures. This is a critical piece of infrastructure. Work continues
with GE to try to resolve the issues. The IOC approved an additional $40,000 above the current
budget for GE to continue working on the issue. Additional meetings are scheduled.
Chair Laughlin asked if the impacts to operation and reduction to capacity are known if the SVC is out of service. Mr. Sinclair noted the amount of power that can flow north drastically drops and is significantly limited if the SVC is out of service. He can provide Chair Laughlin with the specific reduced number. Mr. Price noted that the $40,000 came out of AEA’s appropriation line item and will not come from IMC’s budget this time. The contract with GE is for another three years. This can be extended. The funding that was used to pay for the GE contract is being taken back by the State and will be reappropriated. Mr. Price informed that in three years, when the GE contract expires, the contract cost, which is approximately $100,000 a year, may fall to the IMC budget. Mr. Sinclair highlighted that the SSS is moving forward with the 230KV impact study. Regarding the SCADA and Telecommunications Subcommittee, he advised that enhanced communication between Anchorage, Douglas and Healy have been established.
Mr. Jenkin noted that there appears to be funding opportunities available with grant
applications due at the end of July for the creation of additional modeling tools that would
assist in identifying IBR impacts. He asked if there is a concerted effort through the SSS or the
IOC to work toward a grant application for those funds. Mr. Sinclair indicated that he is not
aware of any grant application or movement toward a grant application. No discussion of grants
were discussed at the SSS meeting. Mr. Sinclair advised that he is open to the effort. Mr. Jenkin
commented on the upcoming July deadline and noted that additional informal discussions can
occur.
Mr. Jenkin reminded members about consistency regarding clearing plans and clearing activities.
He noted that if proposed legislation associated with clearing liability is passed, the legislation
indicates that clearing must be performed in accordance with the plan for the liability to be mitigated. There were no other comments or questions. 10. MEMBERS COMMENTS Mr. Price thanked everyone for today’s efforts and involvement. Mr. Jenkin expressed appreciation for the accuracy and consistency of the minutes. Chair Laughlin thanked Mr. Sinclair for the reports and for the information. 11. NEXT MEETING DATE – July 26, 2024