Chikuminuk Lake Hydroelectric Project NORTHWEST HYDROELECTRIC ASSOCIATION February 20, 2013 Elaine Brown, Nuvista CEO

Western Alaska Energy Options ISSUES, QUESTIONS, CONCERNS? Chikuminuk Lake Hydroelectric Project

Why Chikuminuk Lake? Our Mission: To improve the energy economics in rural Alaska. South Western Alaska needs sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy solutions. Energy conservation and alternative sources like hydro, wind, and biomass can help, but aren’t sufficient on their own to meet energy needs. We think Chikuminuk is worth looking at as one option to help our communities survive and thrive.

Previous Alternatives Considered Alt. Energy TypeCost to Construct Cost to Operate Use Cost per Kw Capacity to Demand 65kw Public Perception Likelihood or Feasibility DieselExistingHigh Same-Existing GeothermalHighLow-NonePositiveSmall Wind PowerMediumHighLow PositiveLimited HydropowerHighLowMediumHighPositiveHigh Coal Power Plant HighMediumLowHighNegativeMedium to Low Nuclear PowerLow HighVery Negative Poor to None

Remaining Hydro Options Chikuminuk Lake, Kisaralik River Upper Falls, Kisaralik, River Lower Falls, Kisaralik River Golden Gate

Chikuminuk Lake – A long history Nuvista is building on studies that began in 1954 Previous geotechnical work in the 1980’s authorized by an “incompatible use” permit issued by the State Park Nuvista was denied a State Park Special Use Permit for 2012 field work SB 32 would allow Nuvista to study the lake’s potential for hydroelectricity Our Goal: To determine if the the Chikuminuk Lake project is feasible and a good fit for Western Alaska.

A Comprehensive Approach Look at all solutions: conservation, efficiency, distribution, and supply Develop a regional approach, south western Alaska as a whole, for example, – Job training for locally based energy related jobs (wind, hydro, interties, weatherization) – Shared knowledge of wind power solutions – Regional supply and distribution alternatives – 2012 Rural communities spent 60 to 75% of income on utilities and home heating Nuvista wants to explore all these options

Chikuminuk Transmission Routes Transmission Options

Decision Point Benefits Impacts Costs - SB 32

Project Issues… Concern about impacts on fish and wildlife. (3 stream gages in place to understand water flow. Wildlife studies in ) (Temporary gages install in spring and removed in the fall to monitor water temperature) Is this project linked to any mine projects or other industrial development? (NO) Not enough power will be generated Is it possible or appropriate to develop a hydro project inside Wood-Tikchik State Park? (Grant and Elva are being studied. Chikuminuk requires state statute change) - SB 32 Legislation Introduced to allow feasibility studies at Chikuminuk Lake Who will get the power? (Dillingham? Bethel?) We don’t know at this time, we are studying both routes How much will it cost, who will pay? (Currently, we don’t know. Economic study to be done in Cost to be determined.) Federal 65% or M Acres, State 24.5% 90.0M Acres Native 10% 36.7M Acres

How to Stay Involved Project # P Sign-up for our mailing + list Contact Information Elaine Brown: Tanya Iden:

Thank You Alternative Energy for Southwest Alaska