Wet summer overflows Swan Lake

During Southeast Alaska's record breaking rainfall this summer, the Swan Lake hydroelectric facility reached its full capacity for the first time since the project was upgraded three years ago, according to a press release from Sen. Bert Stedman's office and Southeast Alaska Power Agency. Water levels reached the flashboards and forced a reservoir spill on July 24.

The upgrade expanded the capacity of the hydroproject from 86,000 acre-feet to 111,800 acre-feet, according to the press release. The expansion can store about 25 to 30 percent more storage.

Swan Lake hydroelectric facility can now provide up to 12,000 MWh of additional energy annually, which is the equivalent of 800,000 gallons of diesel fuel, according to SEAPA. The expansion will eliminate nearly 18 million pounds of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere as a result of diesel generation.

"Hydroelectricity and this expansion to the system increases the stability and reliability of the electrical system throughout the district," said Stedman in a prepared statement. "This expansion is a perfect example of how we are working to sustainably develop our great state and bring cheaper, more reliable electricity to our residents."

In the upgraded hydroproject's first year of service, it saved Ketchikan about $1.1 million in diesel generation.

The project was funded through bonds and a $3.9 million direct appropriation from the state of Alaska, according to the press release. The total cost came in under $13.3 million, which was the estimated cost for the project.

SEAPA provides hydropower to Ketchikan, Wrangell and Petersburg. The Swan Lake hydroproject is dedicated to Ketchikan, while the Tyee Lake hydroproject powers Wrangell and Petersburg.