Chugach Electric seeks renewable energy ideas

Alan Bailey

for Petroleum News

Anchorage-based utility Chugach Electric Association has issued a request for proposals, seeking ideas for the construction of renewable energy power generation projects that would integrate into the regional electrical system. The utility wants to add 100,000 megawatt hours per year of renewable generation to its power supplies by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The additional generation capacity could potentially come from a single facility or from multiple facilities.

The objective is to diversify Chugach Electric’s power supply sources without increasing the electricity rates for the utility’s members, the utility says. Currently the utility obtains 76% of its electricity from natural gas fired power stations, 21% from hydropower and 3% from wind.

“We know there are independent power producers with great ideas and innovative projects out there just waiting to find the right partner,” said Chugach Electric CEO Lee Thibert. “We look forward to seeing the results of the RFP process.”

Although the utility seeks projects that can be in commercial operation by March 31, 2025, the utility is also interested in evaluating projects that will take longer to complete. The deadline for submitting proposals is 4 p.m. on Dec. 17.

- ALAN BAILEY