NOME, Alaska (AP) - Several Western Alaska communities could see lower energy costs after federal grants have been distributed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $5.6 million for the communities, KNOM reported (https://is.gd/egVgGJ).
The Yukon Delta community of Kipnuk will get the biggest chunk, nearly $3 million.
Kipnuk Utility Manager Sam Carl says the money will go for three wind turbines and about 100 thermal stoves in the community about 100 miles southwest of Bethel.
“In my area here our kilowatt hour is about $0.61,” said William Igkurak, who owns Chaninik Wind Group.
The group is helping Kipnuk in the purchase of the stoves, which use wind power to heat large arrays of bricks.
The stoves can provide heat for three or four days after being fully charged, which takes about one day.
“Once you turn the stove on there’s enough stored energy to heat up (a room) in a matter of minutes,” Igkurak said.
He estimates that could bring energy costs down to “about $0.10 per kilowatt hour.”
Noatak, which is located nearly 600 miles north of Kipnuk, will get more than $350,000 to replace a diesel engine generator.
The remaining funds will go to the Denali Commission for use in a several communities.
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Information from: KNOM-AM, https://www.knom.org
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