Electrical Power for Valdez and the Copper River Basin-1981

CONSERVATION:Description:THE NONSTRUCTURAL ALTERNATIVEVarious measures exist which could aid in the implementation of energyconservation. Many of the steps discussed here are already in effect intne stuay area and other parts of the nation. Local measures includeenergy auditing services, a public awareness program, the utilization ofwaste heat from diesel-fired generation, and the preheating of dieselfuel in winter for more efficient combustion. State and nationwideefforts involve increased tax incentives and deductions for money spenton conservation measures and direct grants or low interest loans forconservation. The newly estao1ished energy auditing service conducted bythe State Division of Energy and Power Development has provisions forgrants up to $300 and low interest loans up to $5,000 for energyconservation purposes.Tnese programs are providing important incentives for energyconservation. Their effect on individual energy consumption could besigrlificant in the years to come. However, the most important gains willbe in the reduction of fossil fuels for heating, not for electricalgeneration. As it now stands space heating in the service area isprovided almost entirely by heating oil with wood heat running a distantsecona. There are virtually no structures in the region which utilizeelectric space heating (the Totem Inn of Valdez being a notableexception). The present generation and distribution system likewiseaffords little opportunity for added efficiency. The operating measurestaken for diesel generation have already been described. Also, it isassumed that the retirement of older diesel units will gradually improvethe efficiency of the system. Glennallen's distribution is handled by1/0 ACSR cables (14.4 kV) which currently sustain an 11 percent annualline loss. The distribution system in Valdez likewise consists of 1/0ACSR lines (7.2 kV). Although some sections of Valdez are serviced bysmaller gage 2 ACSR cables, the relatively short distances enable anoverall annual line loss of 8 percent. Officials at CVEA regard theirdistribution system as oeing fairly modern and efficient. They do notbelieve that improvements to the system will yield significantelectricity savings.Possio1e conservation methods that would influence electricalconsumption inclUde pricing decisions and incentives, minimum efficiencystandards ana growth restrictions. One method that would be effective(though not acceptable) is to artifica1ly raise the price of electricityto tne level necessary to bring about reduced use. The virtue of thisapproach is that individuals could make their own decisions on how toreduce tneir consumption oy comparing the relative costs and merits oftheir electric appliances ana consumption habits. Given that this is notpalatable, tne only recourse would be for the utility to dictate to theconsumer how to save. This could be done by offering "discounts" for offhour usage or to consumers who meet certain efficiency standards. Suchstandards might entail increased insulation for hot water heaters, theintroduction of microwave ovens, and minimum efficiency ratings for29