Fairbanks, AK – On the same day that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $2.8
million award to Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) to install a solar array and battery energy storage systems in Venetie, the Bureau of Indian Affairs announced a $9.8 million infrastructure award as part of
the Biden Administration’s Investing in America Agenda.
The $2.8 million spent in Venetie will be utilized for the install of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Once installed, the 210 kW DC Solar PV array and a 520 kWh
BESS will offset energy costs in Venetie, which experiences some of the highest electric rates in the
nation. The community’s power grid is currently fueled almost entirely by diesel fuel, at a rate of 69,000
gallons per year. Diesel fuel, which costs $7.89/gallon in Venetie, is currently delivered to the community
exclusively via Everts Air Cargo on DC4 and DC6 aircraft. The phasing out of maintenance capabilities
on these aircraft, combined with difficult runway conditions in Venetie, presents unique energy
challenges to inhabitants. The new PV and BESS systems in Venetie will save the community an average
of $127,000 annually, and $3,188,000 over the 25-year lifespan of the project.
The TCC energy program was additionally awarded $9.9M through a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Tribal Electrification Grant on March 5th,in support of TCC-owned large solar plus storage projects. The
original funding request was for $17M to support projects in Circle, Tanana and Fort Yukon and TCC
awaits guidance from BIA on which of those 3 villages this funding can support projects with.
The newly funded projects are headed by The Energy Sovereignty Initiative, a program adopted and
implemented by TCC’s Infrastructure Division. The Energy Sovereignty Initiative has already brought
clean energy projects to the communities of Hughes and Galena, and was recently awarded an Office of
Clean Energy Demonstrations (OED) award of $26 million to expand solar power and battery systems in
the remote communities of Nulato, Huslia, Minto, Kaltag, Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, and Holy Cross.
“Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Infrastructure division is dedicated to ensuring our communities are
producing local, affordable, clean energy,” says Eddie Dellamary, Rural Energy Specialist with TCC.
“Energy sovereignty is one of the most important steps Tribes can take to ensuring access to the tools
necessary to ensure overall Tribal sovereignty.”
Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Infrastructure Division is excited to work with the communities of Venetie,
Circle, Fort Yukon, and Tanana to ensure that they can achieve Tribal energy sovereignty.