Slana community energy plan

High-energy costs for heating, electricity and transportation are an economic burden on the residents, businesses and organizations of Slana. 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 Slana’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.

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  Regional: The Copper River Basin is classified as an “Unorganized Borough” thus; there is no regional or municipal government in the region.
  
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  Local: Slana Community Corporation – Slana League
  

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  Number Employed: 54
  

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  Unemployment Rate: 48.1%
  
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  Not in Labor Force: 43.2%
  
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  Private Sector Employment:
  
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  Public Sector Employed: 33.3%
  
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  Subsistence: The majority of the residents participate in subsistence activities year-round.
  
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  Average Median Household Income: $40,489
  
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  Per Capita Income: $15,916
  
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  Below Poverty Level: 50.2%
  

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  2010: 77 households – 66 owner-occupied – 11 renter-occupied
  
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  2000: 62 households – 55 owner-occupied – 7 renter-occupied
  
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  1990: 25 households – 16 owner-occupied – 9 renter-occupied
  

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  Water/Sewer: Individual wells are the primary source of water in Slana; others draw water from Rufus Creek. The schools operate individual wells. Outhouses, honeybuckets, and septic systems are used for sewage disposal. Approximately one-third of the homes have complete plumbing.
  
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  Solid Waste: The landfill was closed in 1990.
  
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  Electricity: Alaska Power Company
  
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  Home Heating: Oil/wood
  
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  Gasoline/Diesel: A gasoline station is located in the community
  

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  Slana League Building
  
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  School:
  
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  Health Clinic:
  
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  Solar Thermal: Hot water typically represents a significant percentage of residential energy costs and most homes and facilities in Slana 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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  Solar Electric: 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.
  

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  Carlson Creek Hydro:
  
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  Contractor: Alaska Power Company
  
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  Funding Source: AEA - $40,001
  

1) Reduce energy consumption

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  Plan: Conduct energy efficiency studies on home and businesses to identify conservation measures that can reduce consumption
  

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  Priority:
  

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  Plan: Conduct reconnaissance studies to assess the potential availability of solar, wind, biomass and other renewable resources.
  
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  Priority:
  

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  Plan: Conduct feasibility studies on renewable energy systems
  
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  Priority:
  

4) Human Resources: Slana 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.

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  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
  

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  Priority:
  

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  Plan: Participate in regional and statewide energy planning
  
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  Priority: