Alaska Power & Telephone announced that it has filed a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) preliminary permit application for the West Creek Hydropower project. The proposed 25 MW project would be located on West Creek, a tributary of the Taiya River, near the City of Skagway in southeast Alaska.

The West Creek project would provide a new supply of clean, renewable energy to the communities of Skagway and Haines, reducing dependency on diesel-fired generation, and ensuring a supply of affordable renewable energy for future community and economic growth. Energy surpluses not used by the community could be used to power cruise ships berthing in Haines and Skagway, and help meet the growing energy needs of Canada’s neighboring Yukon Territory.

Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T) is an employee-owned business founded in Skagway in 1957. With significant hydropower development experience, AP&T provides regulated electrical service to the Skagway/Haines region, as well as to other rural communities in Alaska. These new projects have helped AP&T’s service areas transition from 90% dependency on costly diesel fuel, to 75% clean, renewable energy. Hydropower projects developed by AP&T include Kasidaya Creek and South Fork, as well as Black Bear Lake and Goat Lake – the first two certified Low Impact Hydropower projects in the State of Alaska.

In conjunction with their preliminary permit application, AP&T provided a letter to the Municipality of Skagway, clarifying their intent to partner and work closely with the municipality and the community, so that West Creek can be developed in a manner which is consistent with stakeholder expectations and community development plans. AP&T President and CEO Robert Grimm explained: “We believe the West Creek project is an important new chapter in our ongoing efforts to support Skagway’s continued community and economic development, and look forwards to working closely with the Municipality on this new project so that we can maximize the environmental, social, and economic benefits of this project for the community.”

While AP&T and the Municipality of Skagway have considered the West Creek opportunity for a number of years, AP&T’s decision to apply for a preliminary permit is a new step reflecting a serious commitment to pursue the project.

“Our new efforts on the West Creek project represent a significant new investment within the Skagway community by our company,’’ explained Grimm. “West Creek is a unique opportunity because it is capable of meeting local energy needs, while also providing a surplus for sale to other customers, which will help create new legacy jobs and tax revenue for the community. We look forward to partnering with Skagway’s leadership to complete this project.”