Wind Energy

Golden Valley Electric Association is asking for proposals on how the utility could generate more electricity with renewable-energy sources, like wind and solar. The goal is to reduce the Golden Valley’s greenhouse gas emissions without affecting its ability to produce electricity reliably, with few blackouts. And, to do all that with minimum impact on ratepayers’ monthly bills.

A Colorado-based company’s proposal to generate and sell 100 megawatts to Golden Valley Electric Association has devolved into a dispute involving state and federal energy agencies. Golden Valley officials say they’ve got concerns about Eco Green Generation’s hybrid renewable-energy proposal, so they’ve halted work on a tariff they’re required to file in response. State regulators have OK’d GVEA's request to suspend the tariff until federal regulators rule on the utility’s request to declare Eco Green is unqualified to submit the proposal.

Delta Wind Farm President and CEO Mike Craft is taking the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to court. Craft is asking a judge to overturn the commission’s approval of a Golden Valley Electric Association tariff filed last summer. He claims the tariff violates new state regulations intended to help renewable-energy projects like his access the grid.

Construction is nearing completion on the state’s largest wind farm: Golden Valley Electric Association’s 93 million dollar Eva Creek Project. A ribbon cutting held yesterday (Weds.) at the hill top site near Healy. KUAC’s Dan Bross attended and has this report.