Golden Valley Electric Association is introducing a new renewable energy program. The Experimental Renewable Resource Purchase Program, available for projects up to 2,000 kilowatts, has been created to further promote member-owned renewable resource generation and assist the co-op's efforts to meet its Green Power Pledge. 

In 2005, GVEA was the first utility in the state to offer the Sustainable Natural Alternative Power program, or SNAP, to promote renewable resource generation. Today, GVEA is again the first to offer a renewable energy program for facilities with ratings greater than the capacity allowable under the SNAP program, but less than what would affect GVEA utility system operations. 

"The new program, a recommendation from GVEA's Green Power Advisory Committee, will bridge the gap between a renewable resource facility providing power to GVEA under the terms of SNAP and large-scale renewable resource generation," said President & CEO Brian Newton. 

Program specifications include:

• Approved facility - an electric generation facility using water, biomass, geothermal, wind or solar
• Capacity - single unit not to exceed 2,000 kilowatt nameplate capacity
• Pricing - choice of GVEA's avoided cost or a fixed contract rate
• Developer qualification - owner-operator must be a GVEA member-owner

Because of the considerable unknowns additional larger-scale renewable generation may introduce to an electrical transmission system, GVEA is initially making the program available to its members on a limited basis. Maximum program capacity is 12,000 kilowatts. 

"All utilities face challenges when integrating renewable generation into its utility system operations because it's an intermittent resource," said Vice President Power Supply Kate Lamal. "We're hopeful this program will yield useful data for managing such circumstances." 

Golden Valley Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative owning and operating five power plants that provide power to over 90,000 Interior residents. In 2005, GVEA became the first utility in the state to adopt a Green Power Pledge and to offer SNAP - its Sustainable Natural Alternative Power renewable energy program.  

Golden Valley Electric Association's President & CEO Brian Newton will present "Footrace to Affordable Energy" at the Delta Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 18. 

Newton's presentation will spotlight the cooperative's efforts to meet the challenges of rising energy costs as well a discussion on short to long-term energy solutions. GVEA's recently completed Cost of Service Study will also be presented. 

Following the Chamber meeting, the co-op's Vice President of Transmission and Distribution Mike Wright, will offer a tour of GVEA's Delta Power Plant. In 2006, GVEA moved this 300-ton power plant from Fairbanks to increase reliability in the Delta area. 

Golden Valley Electric Association members will be paying a bit less for power due to a decrease in the Fuel Adjustment Charge on electric bills. The new rate of .08113 per kilowatt-hour was effective September 2.  

The effect is a decrease of about $5.75 for the average residential bill of 750 kWh. 

The Fuel Adjustment is based on a combination of forecasted and actual power costs. It is a monthly charge on members' bills that is recalculated quarterly. 

"Members see oil prices dropping and often expect they'll see a lower electric bill immediately," said President & CEO Brian Newton. "While our ability to respond to market changes lags a bit, we're glad we have this mechanism that allows us to pass on the co-op's savings to our members."  

Golden Valley Electric Association is now offering SNAP corporate sponsorship opportunities in response to businesses' requests to participate at a greater level. SNAP corporate sponsorships allow Interior businesses to promote their company and renewable energy at the same time. 

"The SNAP program has been very successful with nearly 600 individuals contributing," said President & CEO Brian Newton. "Offering the SNAP program to businesses is another way of promoting SNAP and supporting GVEA's renewable energy pledge." 

Sponsorship opportunities: $10, $25, $50 and $100 per month. At minimum, all sponsors receive a window decal promoting their participation and placement of their corporate logo on GVEA's website. 

There are currently 24 SNAP power producers online. In the past year, SNAP producers generated 67,781 kilowatt-hours - enough to power seven average Interior homes for a year. SNAP power producers are paid from voluntary contributions to the SNAP fund.