GULKANA COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN
September 2012
High-energy costs for heating, electricity and transportation are an economic burden on
the residents, businesses and organizations of Gulkana. While fossil fuels play a key role
in meeting current energy demands, renewable resources are likely to meet future
demands. This plan provides an overview of Gulkana’s energy issues, needs, projects
and priorities. It will serve as a guide for future energy projects in the community and
incorporated into the broader Copper River Basin Regional Energy Plan.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Location: Gulkana is located on the east bank of the Gulkana (Kulkana) River at its
confluence with the Copper River. It lies at mile 127 of the Richardson Highway, 14
miles north of Glennallen.
Climate: Gulkana is located in the continental climate zone, with long, cold winters and
relatively warm summers. Temperature extremes range from -65 to 91 °F. Annual
snowfall averages 47 inches, with 11 inches of precipitation
The community is located in the continental climate zone, with long, cold winters and
relatively warm summers. Temperature extremes have been recorded from -62 to 91 °F.
Annual snowfall averages 61 inches, with total precipitation of 13 inches.
Legal Entities:
 Regional: The Copper River Basin is classified as an “Unorganized Borough”
thus; there is no regional or municipal government in the region.
 Tribal: Gulkana Village Council
Population & Growth Rates: 143 (2011 Alaska Department of Labor Estimate)
According to US Census data, the population has is increasing is currently increasing:
2010 = 119 - 2000 = 88 1990 = 103
Economy: Based on 2006-2010 American Community Survey (2010 inflation-adjusted
dollars)
 Number Employed: 36
 Unemployed: 0
 Not in Labor Force: 8
 Private Sector Employment: 23
 Public Sector Employed: 6
 Subsistence: The majority of the residents participate in subsistence activities
year-round.
 Average Median Household Income: $69,167
 Per Capita Income: $15,809
 Below Poverty Level: 0
Transportation: The Richardson Highway passes close by the village and is maintained
year-round. A state-owned 5,001' long by 100' wide asphalt runway is available at the
Gulkana Airport.
Housing: Households - types of housing – heating fuel used
 2010: 36 households – 20 owner occupied – 16 rental occupied
 2000: 33 households - 18 single family – 15 rental occupied
 1990: 42 households – 18 owner occupied – 14 rental occupied
Utilities:
Copper Basin Sanitation provides refuse collection, using the Glennallen landfill.
 Water/Sewer: Permafrost and high water tables are problematic in this region.
Water is currently derived from a well, treated, and stored in a 100,000-gallon
tank. A piped water and sewer system serves most homes. A community septic
tank treats wastewater. Individual septic tanks are also used by a few residences.
 Solid Waste: Refuse collection services are available from Copper Basin
Sanitation, which hauls waste to the Glennallen landfill.
 Electricity: Copper Valley Electric Association
 Home Heating: Oil/wood
 Gasoline/Diesel:
Public Facilities
 Community Hall:
 Residential Apartment Building: Copper River Regional Housing Authority
 Health Clinic:
ENERGY RESOUCRES, PROJECTS AND PRIORITIES
Renewable Energy Resources
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Geothermal: Although geothermal is believed to exist in this region, cost would
be prohibitive for a small community to conduct reconnaissance studies or
develop the resource.
Wind: Wind potential is unknown. Site-specific tests and feasibility studies need
to be conducted to determine the potential of this resource.
Hydro:
Solar: Long daylight hours from spring until fall would indicate that solar energy
may be a viable resource to reduce energy costs. According to most experts, the
technology for solar electricity is not yet developed to make it financially feasible
for Alaska. Studies are needed to determine the feasibility solar thermal.
Biomass: The Copper River Basin contains abundant biomass resources that
could displace expensive heating oil for homes and community facilities to reduce
costs and potentially create local jobs in the community.
ENERGY PROJECTS
Biomass: 2010 Gulkana Central Wood Heating Construction - Biomass
Gulkana has been the most active community in the region in developing biomass. The
community has moved forward with a biomass-heating project for the community
PLANS AND PRIORITIES
Potential Renewable Energy Resources: The following resources are potentially
available to the community. Resource assessments are needed to determine what
renewable resources may be feasible to develop.
Biomass: The community is currently pursuing plans for the development of a pellet mill
that would provide biomass products in the region.
Solar Thermal: Hot water typically represents a significant percentage of residential
energy costs and most homes and facilities in Copper Center require small amounts of
heat at night that is currently provided by oil or wood. Solar thermal may provide a
viable resource to replace oil and/or wood.
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Plan: Conduct feasibility studies to assess the potential of solar thermal systems
for reducing energy costs for homes and facilities.
Priority:
Solar Electric:
 Plan:
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Priority:
Hydro:
 Plan:
 Priority:
Wind: Feasibility studies are needed assess the resource and potential projects.
 Plan: Acquire and install equipment to assess wind resources
 Priority:
Residential Energy Planning: Planning is needed to reduce energy costs with homes
and housing facilities.
Plan:
 Conduct energy efficiency studies on home and housing facilities to identify
conservation measures that can be taken to reduce energy costs
 Conduct a feasibility study on converting homes and housing facilities to biomass
 Conduct a feasibility study on incorporating solar thermal or other technologies to
reduce energy costs for homes and housing facilities
 Identify resources to help home owners and facility managers implement
conservation measures and renewable energy systems
Priority:
Human Resources: Gulkana has limited staffing to work on energy projects. Given the
importance of reducing energy costs to the community there is need to create adequate
staffing to address energy issues identified in this plan.
 Plan(s): Form an Energy Committee to address energy issues – prioritize energy
issues with exiting staff/programs where appropriate - seek additional funding for
human resources to address energy issues
 Priority:
Participation in Regional and Statewide Energy Planning: Regional and statewide
energy projects can potentially reduce energy costs and the community needs to ensure
they have a voice in the decisions that are made.
 Plan: Participate in regional and statewide energy planning
 Priority:
CONCLUSION:
Gakona
Demographics and Energy Data Sheet
Government
Legal Entities: Gulkana Village Council
Population
Population: 143 (2011 Alaska Department of Labor Estimate)
Growth rates: 1990 = 103 - 2000 = 88 – 2010 = 119 (91 Alaska Native - 28 white)
Economy
# Employed: 36 – Unemployed: 0 – Not in Labor Force = 8
Private: 23 Public: 6
Licensed businesses: 0
Housing
Owner Occupied Homes: 20
Rental Occupied Units: 16
Community
Facilities
Existing Facilities: Community hall New Construction:
Utilities
Water: individual or shared wells – no piped water system
Sewer: Individual sewer systems – central water hauling point - no community sewer system
Solid Waste: Land fill – Garbage pickup service
Electricity
(2011)
Provider: Copper Valley Electric Association
Power Plant: diesel generators – hydro power
Rates: cents
Power Cost Equalization: cents kWh
Total Generated 2011: kWh
Average Residential Rate: cents kWh
Heating Fuels
Community Facilities: Fuel Oil
Residential: Fuel oil/wood
Fuel Oil Price: $4.15 per gallon (under 200 gal.) - $4.00 per gallon (over 200 gal.)
Cordwood Price: $200 - $250 per cord when available - Bulk Fuel: None
Transportation
Primary Source: Motor vehicle
Gasoline Price: $4.38
Diesel:
Bulk Fuel: None
Energy Projects
Biomass: Gulkana Central Wood Heating – Biomass
Funding Source: AEA $500,000
Electricity:
Energy Sources
and Studies
Wind:
Hydro:
Solar:
Potential
Projects
Feasibility Studies: Wind – solar thermal – hydro
Residential Biomass: For residents currently heating with fuel oil installing pellet stoves in homes