Alyeska Pipeline & Copper Valley Electric Join To Exchange Energy, Reduce Diesel Use

Copper Valley Electric Hoping To Reduce Dependence on Diesel 

On May 17, 2022, Copper Valley Electric Association  and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company  finalized an agreement to begin construction of an interconnection between the electrical utility's grid and the Valdez Marine Terminal. This would  allow them to exchange energy, the utility said.

This project will benefit the Pipeline and the members of Copper Valley Electric, said the utility's CEO, Travis Million. He said that the interconnection will allow the terminal to export surplus electricity to Copper Valley Electric when available, avoiding incineration of excess hydrocarbon vapors.

In turn, the utility will provide electric energy to the terminal when its own generation is not sufficient to meet its needs without the use of diesel fuel. 

This exchange process could reduce carbon emissions for the marine terminal, and reduce diesel consumption for both entities, the utility said.  

According to Travis Million, “the Cooperative looks forward to this partnership with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company." 

The project is expected to reduce the amount of costly diesel fuel used for generation, thereby helping the Co-op strive towards our strategic goal of reducing dependence on diesel fuel, while continuing our mission of providing affordable electric service.”

Construction will begin in summer 2022 and project completion is expected in 2023, Million said.