Nuvista in Transition

Photo couresy of Valerie Thomas, Bethel

Winding Down the Chikuminuk Lake Hydroelectric Project

As many know all too well, energy prices in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta remain unsustainably high for our families and businesses - crippling our abilitiy to thrive. At Nuvista, we are committed to speaking up for, working on behalf of, and finding energy solutions alongside the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region. We believe locally-driven efforts to access affordable energy are a component of self-determination for our people and self-sufficiency for our communities.

One way we sought to address our energy needs was through working to better understand the feasibility of hydroelectric generation at Chikuminuk Lake. This project could have created enough energy to power Bethel, Dillingham, and several communities in the YK and Bristol Bay regions. Though we believe the Chikuminuk Lake Hydroelectric Project has merit and may someday become essential, our Board felt there were too many unanswered environmental and economic questions, as well as political issues, that would prevent this particular hydroelectric project from being a practical solution to Western Alaska’s energy problems at this time.

We remain proud of the work we have conducted to analyze the project and the conditions at the site. Our research produced the first ever, thorough investigation of the environment and human uses of this remote landscape.

A summary of all that we learned is available for download on our website www.nuvistacoop.org on our “resources” page. In particular, the Interim Feasibility Report pulls together the work of scientists and researchers who worked with us to explore the project potential and understand the potential impacts.

Looking Forward: Regional Energy Planning

In early 2014, the Nuvista Board made the decision to shift focus to nearer-term, lower-cost projects. To set the stage for our new focus, we are embarking on a regional energy planning process. Working in partnership with regional stakeholders, Nuvista's planning effort aims to provide recommendations for actions and projects that will reduce the long-term cost of power, heating and transportation (where possible), and improve energy system reliability in the region. The regional energy plan will set the stage for understanding where intertie and electrical grid network improvements are needed and how we can integrate wind and alternative energy resources that can help alleviate our reliance on diesel.  

We look forward to working with communities and stakeholders in the region to detemine, and eventually implement, the right energy projects for the Y-K.

Request for Proposals: Y-K Regional Energy Planning - Proposals Due October 2, 2014

As we begin regional energy planning, Nuvista is looking for a qualified team of consultants to provide high caliber public engagement support, technical skills, and knowledge in energy efficiency, conservation, planning, and systems. You can download the full RFP here. Proposals are due to Nuvista by 4:00p.m. on October 2, 2014

Nuvista Hires Program Coordinator, Natalie Hanson

Nuvista is pleased to announce the hire of Ms. Natalie Hanson as our new Program Coordinator. She officially joined the team August 27, 2014.

Natalie, the daughter of Rick and Kathy Hanson, was born and raised in Bethel, AK. After graduating from Bethel Regional High School, she attended Boise State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Geosciences with an emphasis in Hydrology.

Upon graduation, Natalie returned to her home state of Alaska. She comes with experience in program coordination, consulting, and community planning. In addition to her well-rounded experience, Natalie is currently attending the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she is working on her Masters in Applied Environmental Science & Technology.

Please join us in welcoming her to Nuvista!

Community Sustainability: Quyumta

The community sustainability project is a community planning effort focused on finding opportunities to better use and coordinate public infrastructure and services to support overall sustainability.

Two "clusters" of communities currently participating in this project are: Toksook Bay, Tununak and Nightmute; and Emmonak, Alakanuk, Nunum Iqua. Nuvista is looking for a third set of communities interested in participating. Feel free to send us a note or give us a call if your village would like to participate in this initiative!