HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-27 BPMC Agenda and docsBRADLEY LAKE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
September 27, 2024
To participate dial 1-888-585-9008 and use code 212-753-619#
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL (for Committee members)
3. PUBLIC ROLL CALL (for all others present)
4. AGENDA APPROVAL
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
6. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – August 8, 2024
7. NEW BUSINESS
8. OLD BUSINESS
A. GRIP 3, Phase 1 Update Jim Mendenhall
B. Railbelt Regional Coordination Update Brian Hickey
i. Railbelt Transmission Workshop update
9. OPERATORS REPORT HEA
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Budget Update Mark Ziesmer
B. O&D Report
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION – (Bylaws Section 5.11.4(d)) – Matters discussed with an attorney for the
Committee or a member of the Committee, the immediate knowledge of which could have an
adverse effect on the legal position of the Committee or the Authority.
12. MEMBERS COMMENTS
13. NEXT MEETING DATE – December 6, 2024
14. ADJOURNMENT
813 W Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: (907) 771-3000 Fax: (907) 771-3044 Email: info@akenergyauthority.org
REDUCING THE COST OF ENERGY IN ALASKA AKENERGYAUTHORITY.ORG
MEMORANDUM
TO: Curtis Thayer, Executive Director
FROM: Jim Mendenhall, P.E., Program Manager
DATE: September 20, 2024 SUBJECT: Railbelt Innovation and Resliency Project, Phase 1 GRIP Topic 3, Round 1 - Update AEA submitted all the documents requested by DOE in order for them to make an award and DOE issued a project award effective September 1, 2024. AEA held a Board meeting, with the new Board of Directors on September 10, 2024 and they passed resolution 2024-08 which approved the acceptance of the GRIP Award. On September 11, 2024 AEA formally accepted the award. While the DOE award is for the entire Grant ($206.5M), we are only authorized to spend $14.7M. Earlier this year we submitted a project budget of ~$14.7M for the initial budget period (10/18/2023-6/30/2025). This estimate included the pre-award expenses and will be the basis for the spending cap when the award is issued. Pre-award expenses (10/18/2023-08/31/2024) are
estimated to be ~$1.5M. As more funds are dedicated to the project, the spending cap will
increase.
State funding based on the FY2025 budget is currently $32.7M total, of which $20M is from the
Bradley Bonds and $12.7M is dedicated from State funds. The State also requested that the BPMC
dedicate an additional $30M of Bradley Bond funds to the project in accordance with the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) funding plan. The AEA Board has allocated $28M to BESS, the
three Railbelt energy regions (Southern, Central & Northern) are discussing how to distribute the
funds.
The initial focus is system studies, design, permitting and siting issues related to the HVDC line.
We did include some design costs related to the BESS because we know those systems need to be evaluated for integration in the Railbelt system regardless of when they are integrated. AEA, in cooperation with the Railbelt Utilities, is in the process of a Strategic Analysis of the Railbelt transmission system. The Strategic Analysis should provide a value for the transfer requirements of the subsea cable. AEA, through an existing contract, has asked Stantec to prepare a proposal for an initial project work plan and schedule for the HVDC project. It will include: pre-construction planning for supply, delivery, construction, installation and commissioning of HVDC Link. That proposal will be shared with the technical working group. We expect that in Q1 of CY2025 we will have the following information: 1. Initial Project Plan and Schedule
Alaska Energy Authority Page 2 of 2
2. HVDC Conceptual Design 3. HVDC Cable Preliminary Design
4. Critical Environmental Issues Analysis
5. Preliminary Cost Estimate
We continue to have weekly check-in meetings with the DOE.
1
Bradley Lake Project Management Committee Report on Railbelt
Regional Coordination
July 22nd, 2024
Overview:
The Bradley Lake Project Management Committee is focused on two main objectives: expanding
the project's capacity from 90 MW to its full potential of 120 MW and ensuring the reliable and
resilient delivery of energy and capacity to all stakeholders. Moreover, the committee is
committed to addressing and eliminating large -scale, small-signal instability oscillations that
arise when the Bradley Project interacts wi th the summer valley during periods of low lake
levels. Consistent with Section 32 of the Power sales agreement, which commits the
participants to seek a high-capacity intertie between the Kenai and Fairban ks, a comprehensive
regional transmission plan, named the Grid Modernization and Resiliency Plan (GMRP), has
been developed.
The implementation of GMRP is expected to yield several ancillary benefits, including a more
resilient and robust grid capable of withstanding extreme weather events and other disruptions.
The modernization efforts will enhance power transfer capabilities between regions, reduce the
need for thermal reserves, decrease fuel consumption, and cut carbon emissions. Additionally,
the upgraded grid will better accommodate variable clean energy sources.
This report outlines our activities related to these efforts over the months of August and
September.
Contractors:
• Vision Foresight Strategy
Grant Efforts:
State Match efforts
I continued working with the lobbying team to complete a comprehensive financial package to
fund the entire suite of Railbelt upgrades.
We are working to develop consensus and an agreement to move this concept forward.
Developed the workshop materials for the 9-16-24 workshop, conducted the workshop, and am
compiling the consensus qualitatively case for the transmission upgrades from its inputs.
2
Concept Papers:
• The DOE declined our Topic 1, Grid Resilience concept paper.
• We were asked to proceed to a full application with our Topic 3 Grid Innovation concept paper.
Workshop and state match efforts
• Planned and organized workshop logistics
• Developed four future scenarios and back up material
• Developed Questions for teams to answer
• Engage non-utility stakeholders and discuss proposed proces s
Looking Forward:
• The final GRIP Funding Cycle 3 concept paper and application process likely to kick off in
late Fall/early winter of 2024
• Continued efforts to coordinate back-up material for State match efforts
• GRIP F-3; T-1 application as that opportunity presents itsel f.
Other Activities:
• As noted previously, on April 3rd, I transitioned to a reduced (40%) role at EDRRC as I
begin assisting the Seward Electric System with their utility management. However, I will
continue to oversee the Federal Grant applications process and aid as required in state
and utility match efforts.
• Met with Travis Million of reach agreement on my forward-looking goals
This report reflects our continuous commitment to enhancing the Railbelt region's energy infrastructure
and resilience, marking significant milestones in our journey towards a more sustainable and efficient
energy future.
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 1
Bradley Lake Operator Report
BPMC
September 2024
Unit Statistics:
Generation Unit 1 (MWhrs) Unit 2 (MWhrs) Total (MWhrs)
July 2024
Aug. 2024
Sept. 2024
12,022
18,231
21,070
13,255
2,954
6,278
25,278
21,185
27,348
Hydraulics Avg. Lake Level (ft.) Bradley Fishwater
(ac ft.)
Battle Creek MIF
(ac ft.)
July 2024
Aug. 2024
Sept. 2024
1,131
1,158
1,172
3,355
5,044
2,624
1,017
1,114
598
Battle Creek Inflows to Bradley (ac
ft.)
July 2024
Aug. 2024
Sept 2024*
10,606
10,549
7,223
*Lake Level – 1,176.2’ As of Sept 20, 2024
Activities
Forced Outages – Unit #2 has experienced a number of fantom trips with an 86G
event. Dave Buss from EPS and Steeve Wheeler from Basler were brought in to
determine the cause of the trip and verify the functionality of the Automatic
Voltage Regulator (AVR). After reviewing the events they confirmed that voltage
matching was initiated while the unit was on-line, resulting in the leading var
loading and loss of excitation trip. Voltage matching logic in the DECS400 was
confirmed. The Basler engineer confirmed the AVR was working as programmed.
It is suspected that the 52D relay was dropping out while the unit was online
giving the AVR an erroneous signal. The 52D relay was replaced with a spare from
inventory. The unit was returned to service. On 8 September 2024, the unit
experienced another trip with the breaker opening without a recorded command.
We began to inspect all wiring, hand over handing, ringing out and meagering all
breaker wiring, devices, and contacts. John Venables and Kellin Gillming from EPS
arrive on site to help with the troubleshooting. With everything that has been
checked testing out good, we test run the unit. Initially the unit spins up and goes
online. 24 minutes later the unit trips with no command. The breaker wiring was
looked over and we conducted several more tests. The breaker began tripping
with each consecutive test. When breaker devices were again checked it was
discovered that the Aux contacts responsible for reporting breaker status have
failed along with the Under Voltage Device (UVD). We install a gag screw in the
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 2
UVD and wired the breaker status into a spare set of contacts. The unit was test
run and successfully stayed online.
Dam/Spillway – Completed the monthly safety inspection, and spillway readings.
DOWL engineer conducted the annual operator dam safety training.
Battle Creek Diversion – After the high flows from 7-10 Aug. 2024 we inspected
and flushed the low point drain on the outflow pipe. It contained no gravel. The
outflow pipe discharge gate hinges were repaired.
Bradley Lake New Residence – The blinds were installed. Waiting for permit
approval for the modified design of the septic system.
Fire System – Nothing new to report.
Safety – There have been no lost time or reportable accidents for the month of
August and as of this date September 2024. Next safety meeting is October 9,
2024.
Needle Valve Purchase- The container has reached the port of Seattle. It has
cleared customs and will be loaded onto a truck to be transported through
Canada and on to Homer. ETA is 10 Oct 2024.
Barge Trip – The large barge will be scheduled for the third week in Oct. It will
bring the needle valves, the new pickup, the all-terrain forklift.
New Equipment – We have received the new Polaris Ranger. The boom mounted
brush hog ETA is now November 2024.
Barge Dock- Reviewing permit requirements.
Personnel- Brandon Venhuizen, operator apprentice resigned. The job has been
posted and interviews have been conducted.
Contractors/ Visitors
o DOWL Geotech.
o AEA – Bryan Carey, Ryan McLaughlin, Bill Price, AEA Board and legislators.
o HEA - Larry Jorgensen – Aug. Safety Meeting.
o DOWL – Russ Reed
o HEA- Andy Patrick, Howerd Somers, Aimy Wong – Electrical safety training.
o EPS – Dave Buss, John Venables, Kellin Gillming
o ADFG – Holly Dickon and her crew.
o AEA- Dixon Diversion Board of Consultants- Brian Sadden, Mike Bruen, Carlos
Jaramillo, Tom Fitzgerald, Ted Deere.
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 3
Bradley Lake Dam Lake Elevation at 1175.4
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 4
Bradley Lake Dam Spillway Elevation at 1175.4
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 5
Unit #2 Main Breaker Unit #2 UVD
Unit #2 AVR Unit #2 300G
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 6
Battle Creek Diversion
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 7
Battle Creek Outfall Pipe
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 8
Battle Creek Fish Counting Weir
Fall Colors on the Road to the Dam
Bradley Lake Operators Report Page 9
Bradley Tailrace
New Polaris