Southeast Alaska Power Agency

The meeting focused on a Draft Application for Capacity Amendment to the License for the Tyee Lake Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 3015) to add a third generating unit. Discussions covered the rationale for the upgrade, which is necessitated by existing load growth, projections exceeding current generation sources, and beneficial electrification efforts like heat pump conversions. The value of the third unit includes meeting current and future demand, increasing operational flexibility for lake balancing, reducing dependence on expensive and less reliable diesel generation, and improving system resiliency. The construction process involves utilizing the existing powerhouse footprint, requiring minimal new ground disturbance, and the proposed timeline aims for construction starting in 2026, commissioning in 2027. The agencies reviewed the draft amendment application exhibits, including the preliminary draft environmental assessment, with attention paid to potential impacts on aquatic resources in Tyee Lake, Hidden Creek, and the Tailrace Creek.

The meeting included financial reports, CEO and staff reports, and new business discussions. Key topics included consideration and approval of a contract award for the Tyee Transmission Line Marker Ball Replacement Project, the Swan Lake Reservoir Expansion Debris Boom Project, review of employee benefits plan renewal rates, and a surplus power sales discussion. The financial position of SEAPA was reported as stable, with a review of the agency's financial statements and revenue graphs. The Swan Lake Reservoir Expansion Construction Project was a significant focus, with discussions on its funding and the importance of cooperation for its success. The FY17 SEAPA budget was presented and approved, premised on retaining the wholesale power rate of 6.8 cents/kWh.

The agenda included approval of the agenda, financial reports, and discussion of old and new business. Old business included a quarterly update on the operations plan and an update on the wholesale power rate. New business involved consideration and approval of a contract award for the revised Vank Island Transmission Line Brushing Project, a second revision to the Digital Communication Device Policy, and authorizing a resolution and indenture for Submarine Cable Financing from the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank. Also discussed was the 2nd Amendment to Lease & Easement Documents for Tyee, Swan and Terror Lakes and Solomon Gulch Hydro Projects and Agreement Re Reclamation Reserve Account Payment. An executive session was scheduled to discuss potential interconnection with Metlakatla.

The agenda included reviewing and approving minutes from previous meetings, financial reports, CEO and staff reports covering operations, special projects, and power systems. New business involved discussions on a potential Unit 1 rewind at Swan Lake, contract awards for used manlifts, sole source contracts for communication network extensions, employee benefits plan renewal rates, and resolutions concerning signature authorities, special land use authorization, and capital asset management. The board also addressed the status of Bell Island, updates on Mahoney Lake legislation, and wholesale power rates.

The agenda included an executive session for a contract negotiations update regarding the Submarine Cable Replacement Project, followed by consideration and approval of the Submarine Cable Replacement Contract. Additionally, the board considered and approved the SEAPA 2021 Administrative Employee Group Benefits, including health and welfare, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.