Yukom-Kuskokwim energy plan.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS - Geographic overview

Nuvista Light and Electric Cooperative signed a contract with Hatch Engineering for Chikuminuk Lake hydropower. Hatch has 80 years of experience with projects large and small in more than 150 countries. The agreement includes numerous subcontractor companies from throughout Alaska, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and Bethel.

The Chikuminuk Lake hydropower project is one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects in rural Alaska. Located at the northern end of Wood Tikchik State Park, it has the potential to supply electrical power to Bethel and 14 or more other communities in an economically depressed region dependent on diesel.

"Finding a regional alternative to diesel fuel for electricity would displace over five million gallons of diesel per year barged into Bethel alone, and reduce...