KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Terror Lake. USDA photo
The Kodiak Electric Association is working on an expansion of its hydro capacity at Terror Lake. The cooperative utility has filed an application with federal regulators to add a third turbine to increase the capacity from 22.5 megawatts to 33.75 megawatts.
KEA President and CEO Darron Scott explains that the third turbine wouldn’t necessarily mean more power generated from the lake.
— (hydro 1 :41 "What it does … allows for that expansion.")
The hydro expansion would be required if KEA ever wants to expand its wind generation to six turbines as originally envisioned for Pillar Mountain.
— (hydro 2 :22 "When we originally … up on Pillar.")
The hydro plant was originally designed for three turbines. So the $14 million expansion wouldn’t require breaking new ground or expanding the footprint of the site and he says so far there’s been no opposition.
— (hydro 3 :24 "There’s nothing … added 25 years ago.")
Earlier this month KEA filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Scott says the expansion should lessen the use of diesel generators.
— (hydro 4 :32 "Our peak loads can run … amply hydro.")
KEA is holding public presentations at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on December 7th outlining its plans. The meetings will be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. for agencies and 7 to 9 p.m. for residents. Both meetings are open to the public. Scott says KEA hopes to have the expansion completed by 2014. He said utility rates likely won’t be affected by the expansion.
KEA’s stated goal is to have 95 percent of its power generated by renewable resources such as wind and hydro.
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