Energy

SEC Energy Program 2010 Annual Report

The Southeast Conference, working with its member communities and utilities, has been successful in developing regional plans and obtaining state and federal funds for many energy projects in the region. 

Our energy committee represents communities, organizations and utilities throughout the region.This is a 'working committee' dedicated to working together to solve the region's energy problems.

Plans and Organizational Work

1. Working now with AEA to begin the Southeast Integrated Resource Plan (FY 2011)
2. Facilitating ongoing EIS underway for the Kake to Petersburg Intertie.
3. Assisted in data collection for the Alaska Energy Pathway project (Alaska Energy Authority, 2010).
4. Kake-Petersburg Transmission Intertie Study Update (2009).
5. Worked with AEA to develop the Southeast Alaska Energy Export Study (2007).
6. Took a lead role in the formation of Kwaan Electric Transmission Intertie Cooperative (KWETICO).
7. Led community effort to secure U.S. Congressional Authorization for SE Electrical Intertie System Plan (PL 106-511).
8. Completed an engineering/economic analysis of the entire Southeast Alaska Intertie Project (ACRES REPORT, 1998 AND D. HITTLE & ASSOCIATES, 2003 & 2005).

Southeast Conference Energy Program FY2010

Funding Overview

To maintain its Energy program, Southeast Conference (SEC) is working to locate short-term funding and to identify long-term (and sustained) sources of income. The immediate goal is to secure funding for two years to maximize the effectiveness of the energy program and assist communities in their ongoing efforts to reduce energy costs and increase efficiencies.

Program Goals

1. Reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This is critical in light of the recent volatility in oil prices.
2. Bring affordable hydro power to communities where this is technically and economically feasible.
3. Develop a regional electrical grid interconnecting Southeast communities and utilities with hydroelectric generation.
4. Work with member communities and utilities to develop adequate energy infrastructure including alternative energy sources (geo-thermal, biomass, wind, tidal, hydrogen) to meet current and future needs.
5. Reduce and stabilize costs to rate payers and communities and increase economic development opportunities.

Priorities/Tasks

1. Coordinate inter-agency and community efforts to design and permit Kake-Petersburg Intertie.
2. Work with Haida Corp. andAP&T to advance the Reynolds Creek Hydro to completion.
3. Work with federal and state funding agencies to construct the Kake-Petersburg Intertie.
4. Support and assist IPEC's efforts to develop alternative energy resources for Hoonah and Angoon.
5. Work with member communities and utilities to secure permits and funding for hydro and other alternative energy project development.
6. Assist geo-thermal development efforts on Chichagof Island (Tenakee Springs and near Hoonah).
7. Build a database inventory of regional energy projects.
8. Develop Southeast energy plan that includes both short-term “band-aids” (PCE to businesses, schools) and long-term solutions (hydro, interties).
9. Facilitate AEA activities, as needed, in implementing the Southeast Energy Plan and develop a regional governance model.
10. Serve as a resource of information for the membership, public, Legislature and Administration.

Southeast Conference feels it is essential to develop and implement a regional energy plan for Southeast Alaska. We are working with the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and the Tlingit & Haida Energy Department to develop a regional energy plan and working with the communities to implement the opportunities that exist in their areas. Substantial and measurable progress has been made over the past couple of years, and it is important to keep the momentum of this program moving forward. The Southeast Conference Board of Directors has voted to maintain its energy coordinator position and its energy program as a core program within Southeast Conference and voted to support its staff in the pursuit of these goals.

Other Energy Resources