MySurvey

UAS Sustainability Survey

Some Background Information:

Historically, Juneau has been a relatively “green” city: about 98% of the power needs in Juneau have been produced from hydroelectricity, an energy source which involves the minimal release of greenhouse gases. Only a very small portion has historically been produced by the burning of fossil fuels like petroleum-based diesel. Juneau’s loads reached average capacity of existing hydro resources in 2007.

Source: AELP

In 2008, a low run-off year, demand has consistently exceeded hydroelectric capacity, consequently increasing our reliance on diesel burning by up to 5% of total power production and driving up residential and commercial utility rates. The future will likely be a “mixed bag” for hydroelectric power generation in Juneau. A new hydroelectricity project, Lake Dorothy Phase I, which is under construction and is expected to be on line by 2009, is anticipated to add about 20% capacity to serve Juneau area needs for the next 10-15 years. Beyond that, however, Phase II of the Lake Dorothy project and future potential hydro projects are expected to be relatively expensive, and construction costs will likely be passed on to the consumer. Moreover, climate change could affect future hydroelectric capacity. In 2007 and 2008, we observed lower than average hydroelectric capacity during late fall and winter, a period during which electric loads for heating homes and businesses typically increase. If these recent conditions reflect the consequences of human-induced climate change, climate change could continue to have significant impacts on Juneau energy sources. However, if individuals, institutions, and businesses in Juneau were willing to invest in energy saving technologies, implement policies and incentives for sustainable practices, and/or modify personal energy consumption habits, then it is likely that 100% of the electricity produced and consumed in the Juneau area could be derived from hydro power. For instance, if one-half the residential households in Juneau reduced power consumption by ~23% -- a preliminary estimate -- Juneau could refrain from fossil fuel burning in the future, assuming little change in commercial demand. The UAS Sustainability Initiative is a campus committee of student, faculty, and staff that discuss, research, and educate on sustainability in Southeast Alaska. A workshop – “Juneau Energy: The Next 25 years” will be sponsored for the community by the UAS Sustainability Initiative and several partners on Friday, April 4, 2008. The results of this survey will be presented at this workshop.

Sources and Additional Resources:

AELP information about the consequences of diesel use: http://www.aelp.com/energy/energyupdates.htm

EPRI Report about Southeast Alaska Tidal Power: http://www.aidea.org/AEA/PDF%20files/EPRI-SETidalResourceReport1-07-2007.pdf

Alaska International Polar Year: http://www.alaska.edu/ipy/

CBJ Report on Predicted Impacts on Juneau by Climate Change: http://www.juneau.org/clerk/boards/Climate_Change/CBJ%20_Climate_Report_Final.pdf

This is an anonymous survey. Your name will not be provided to the survey author.