Federal government awards $24.2 million for renewable energy project increasing affordability of clean water access in four Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta communities

Federal government awards $24.2 million for renewable energy project increasing affordability of clean water access in four Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended $24.2 million in funding through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG) for an ANTHC-led project to install 1 MW wind turbines and battery energy storage systems in the communities of Chevak and Toksook Bay. These clean energy projects will be transformative for both local microgrids, providing more than half of the electricity used in Chevak and Toksook Bay. The projects will also benefit the electrically intertied communities of Nightmute and Tununak.

ANTHC's Rural Energy Program will manage the design and construction of these projects and the renewable energy systems will ultimately be owned by the Cities of Chevak and Toksook Bay, who will sell the electricity produced to the local utility, the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC). Leaders in both cities committed to using the revenue generated from these systems to reduce the cost of water and sewer services to local families, including those in Nightmute and Tununak. This is especially important as both Nightmute and Tununak are poised to receive in-home piped water and sewer service for the first time thanks to funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

"The City of Toksook Bay is very excited for this renewable energy project for it will greatly benefit both the water treatment plant and the community it serves. The electricity generated by wind energy will help with the high operational costs it takes to run the facility. Most importantly, the excess energy generated will provide for the opportunity to subsidize water and sewer bills for the households we serve," said Sam Chanar, Mayor of Toksook Bay.

"ANTHC recognizes the strong partnerships and advocacy that led to this investment and these projects coming to fruition," said David Beveridge, Vice President of ANTHC Environmental Health and Engineering. "From Alaska's Congressional Delegation and their strong support and advocacy at the Federal level to local partnerships with organizations like AVEC. AVEC's willingness to enter into power purchase agreements with local organizations is unique for an electric cooperative and shows their commitment to providing benefits for its member communities. Local and Federal partnerships like these are what make these projects possible."

"The EPA's investment into clean energy through these projects will provide a reduction in the cost of water and sewer services for ratepayers in these communities," said Dustin Madden, ANTHC Senior Rural Energy Manager. "This is especially important for Nightmute and Tununak, who for the first time will have an opportunity to have clean water piped directly to their homes."

Bill Stamm, CEO of AVEC, said, "AVEC has been integrating renewable energy on its power grids for many years, and now that the technologies have matured, we see the value in partnering with Tribal and community organizations to build these projects that will bring further benefits to local families. Working together for the community is one of the primary principles of the Cooperative and a part of who we are as Alaskans."

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