Renewable Energy

Golden Valley's fuel mix is changing. In addition to our diverse fuel supply of coal, oil, natural gas and hydroelectric power, we're adding more renewable power generation.

GVEA meets first goal of the Renewable Energy Pledge

In 2005, Golden Valley's Board of Directors adopted a renewable energy pledge. GVEA is the first utility in the state to adopt such a pledge. The pledge called for 10 percent of GVEA's peak load to come from renewable energy sources by the end of 2007. GVEA met that goal, providing 22MW of power from green sources. By 2014, 20 percent of GVEA's peak load will need to be supplied from renewable sources. Golden Valley is meeting these goals through a variety of programs and initiatives:

• Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project
  GVEA owns a share of this project, located in the Kenai Peninsula, and since 1991, has been receiving a share of its output which equates to 20 megawatts.



• Energy$ense conservation programs
  Home$ense, Builder$ense and Business$ense programs contribute by encouraging members to reduce usage. GVEA estimates a one megawatt reduction in energy needs annually due to these programs.



• Small scale renewable power
  In 2005, GVEA launched SNAP, Golden Valley's Renewable Energy Program. The 27 SNAP producers online have the capacity to contribute 92,000 watts of wind or solar power to our grid.



• Wind
  There's potential for wind generation in the Interior, particularly in the Healy area. 
  
  In addition, we're joining other Alaska electric co-ops in proposing a 24-turbine wind farm on Fire Island near Anchorage. Partial funding for the project is currently before the Alaska legislature.



• Green Power Partnerships
  We're also following the developments of other innovative projects, such as geothermal activities at Chena Hot Springs and the potential Fairbanks North Star Borough waste-to-energy plant at the landfill. It may be possible to partner with these entities and add to our green power mix.

Green Power Advisory Committee

Originally formed in October 2003, the GPAC is made up of community members interested in green power. Golden Valley selected the original members based on interest and expertise in alternative energy. Today, GPAC members represent a cross-section of professions including technology, engineering, energy and the environment.

The committee's purpose is to investigate green power alternatives which may be viable for Interior Alaska and Golden Valley Electric Association. The GPAC works with GVEA's alternative energy team, which consists of Golden Valley employees.

If you are interested in joining, please contact GVEA: (907) 452-1151 or info@gvea.com