Rural Power System Upgrade Program

RPSU Status and Priority List

Electricity provides for lighting, communications, heat and power necessary to operate infrastructure that supports all other elements needed in any community to permit safe and healthy living conditions.  In rural communities throughout Alaska, electricity is generated by a small local “system” (generation and distribution) using diesel fuel at a cost that is three to five times higher than that in urban parts of the state.  Of 200 rural communities, approximately half are served by cooperatives or another form of utility that performs under a well-established organization. Others are served by very small entities, many which experience technical and administrative problems due to lack of economies of scale and/or lack of specialized skills in the community.  Funding is provided for upgrades as follows:

Powerhouse and Electrical Distribution Upgrades

Upgrades may include efficiency improvements, powerhouse upgrades or replacements, line assessments, lines to new customers, demand-side improvements and repairs to generation and distribution systems.  System upgrades to be funded may be identified through a variety of ways, including via technical assistance, advanced by the local community or directed by the Legislature.  Examples of programmatic efforts include:

·        Rebuilding or replacement of worn-out diesel generator units;

·        Rebuilding or replacement of old and hazardous distribution systems;

·        Construction of new power generation systems that meet State and Federal codes;

·        Inclusion of heat recovery systems, where possible, in new powerhouses; and

·        Force account labor and technical assistance to rural communities through AEA personnel and/or contractors with experience in rural construction.

Emergency Prevention

This program is designed to prevent a potential emergency situation before disaster occurs.  It provides funding for continuance of government (COG) activities.  It allows for procurement of materials and equipment for prevention of power plant-related emergencies/disasters in Alaska.

Circuit Rider/Emergency Response Services

This program provides on-site assistance and training to local operators in the daily operation and maintenance of their powerhouse.  Emergency response is provided on an as-needed basis only.  Well-managed utilities with adequate technical and financial resources are not candidates for these services. 

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For more information about these services, please contact: