Chugach Electric Assocation approached the community of Girdwood this last winter with a plan to upgrade the existing substation in Old Girdwood. This plan was bitterly opposed by neighbors and Chugach Electric Association subsequently agreed to work with a Subcommitte in identifying alternative locations and determining the cost to relocate the substation. At Monday night's Land Use Committee meeting Chugach Electric Association presented their study. Three sites were identified and costs estimated as follows:
- Toadstool Drive - $4,988,317
- Gravel Pit - $6,582,573
- Industrial Park - $4,323,671
As Chugach Electric Association feels as though the current substation site is adequate for the needs of Girdwood, their position is that the community of Girdwood should pay for the relocation work. Respectively, the cost per meter (based on 1,627 meters) would be $3,066, $4,046, or $4,501. These figures are of course estimates.
Heated discussion broke out concerning how the numbers were generated and who was going to pay for the relocation. Chugach Electric Association contended that there was no precedent for all rate payers paying for the elective relocation of one substation as was suggested by meeting attendees.
Up next for this issue will be a presentation to the Girdwood Board of Supervisors on Monday August 17th.
