developing an indigenous community electrification program

What, Why and How

Dr. Dean Howard SmithProfessor, Economics and Applied Indigenous Studies

Working with the Shonto Chapter

Sustainable Energy Solutions

“From Concept to Realization”The mission of the Sustainable Energy Solutions Group is to provide society with broadly educated energy experts and new technologies, as well as to help shape energy decision-making in both the private and public sectors while increasing the public's energy literacy.

Dean Smith

The issues facing the energy segment of the US economy are becoming increasingly significant as the markets become more concerned with deregulation, distribution and air quality issues. These issues include improved technologies for producing electricity and alternative technologies for renewable energy.

Tom Acker

Areas of research include renewable energy systems, aerodynamics, combustion instabilities, and high temperature gas dynamics. In addition, he is also involved in research developing small-scale renewable energy systems.

Sustainable Energy SolutionsThe TED team

TomEarlDean

Others as Needed

Sustainable Energy SolutionsFrom Concept to

RealizationMarket Outcomes

Navajo Solar Electrification Project2000-0118,000 homes without access to electricityEstimate $250 million

Navajo Electrification for Sustainable Development: The Potential Economic and Social Benefits Craig Bain, Crystal Ballentine, Anil DeSouza, Lisa Majure, Dean Howard, Jill TurekAmerican Indian Culture and Research Journal, 2004

Benefits of ElectrificationEconomic

DevelopmentCultural Integrity

Health ImprovementEducation

Improvement

Economic DevelopmentJobs with local

installation, maintenance and repair business

Expanded arts and crafts creation

Retail sales for appliances etc

Multiplier process

Cultural IntegrityDevelopment within a cultural contextDevelopment of the society within an

indigenous context – not just jobs and income Wind and Solar are renewable resources

Social and Cultural DevelopmentThis project involves far more than simply

putting solar panels on roofsLabor saving devices and appliancesFrees time for other activitiesSafety- outdoor lightingSingingDancing

Formal EducationFewer chores=more

time for homeworkBetter environment

for homework

Internet connections for some

Informal EducationMore time for

traditional stories and histories

Parents and grandparents will have more time for sharing knowledge

Merging two worlds

Arts and CraftsHome based businessesMore time and better environmentTraditional education component

Language PreservationInstallers

Associates degrees –general educationMore time for traditional stories and histories

Health ImprovementNutrition

With refrigerators there is opportunity to store food

The variety of foods available to the people can expand Vegetables Milk Frozen goods

Nutritional variation 

Health ImprovementDiabetes

 Insulin and other medications can be kept cool in a refrigerator

Telemedicine Avoids use of

kerosene in houses

Energy Development IssuesEnergy development can provide local jobs,

tribal income, and energy self-sufficiency, while also providing important contributions to the broader energy-hungry U.S. economy

At the same time, energy development can damage the earth, streams, air, and even tribal culture if not carried out in an environmentally and culturally respectful manner

There is an inherent compatibility between renewable energy and traditional values that respect the earth, air, and water

Shonto Electrification Project2005-present200+ houses without electricityLocal Governance Act (LGA)

First certified Chapter10 years!!!!!!!

Great Local LeadershipFormer/current NAU

studentsExciting community

atmosphere

Renewable Resource Assessment

Electrification

Resource Alternatives and Analysis

Business Plan

FinancingTransmission and other negotiations

Initial Energy Audit

Implementation and Construction

Mapping System design

StorageH2O, CA, Batteries

GenerationWind, Solar

Retrofit needs

Financing

Negotiations

Project evaluation

Priority listing

Financing

Energy Efficiency

Shonto Energy Planning and Implementation

Determining the Types of SystemsRemote isolated systems will be targeted for

stand alone units. Clustered housing can be targeted for shared

distributed systems – mini sun/wind farms. Installation and maintenance schedules can

be determined that minimize travel and other costs.

Which System for W

hich Home?

Business Plan

Financing

Implementation and Construction

System design

Retrofit needs

Shonto Electrification

The simple steps left

Locating Unserved HousesUsing GIS analysisMay require outside consultantUse census maps to locate all housesUse providers mapsCreate overlay and locate unserved unitsHave community meetings to confirm the

estimates

Identify the initial 20 homes

DONE

DONE

Arizona PolicyAPS credit $2/watt off-grid

Other providers?Green credits

25% AZ tax credit up to $1000Off reservation wages

Federal Tax Credit30% no limitand for piping or wiring to interconnect a

system to the homemay be carried forward to the succeeding

taxable year

Needs Assessment Process Development Due to the current lack of sustained

economic activity and the corresponding low income levels, few of the targeted households will be able to fully purchase and maintain the electrification systems.

However, many households will be able to make regular monthly partial payments. As such a family needs assessment process will be developed to determine each family’s ability to pay. Ability To Pay Analysis

MaintenanceMaintenance is ESSENTIALBattery systems regular schedules

Trained personnelToxic and environmentally hazardous

Solar panels – minimalCosts built into funding assessment

1. Clarify the relationship with the Arizona Sustainable Growth Fund and get a firm commitment

2. Negotiate with suppliers/installation company3. Install demonstration units

To Do List

To Do List For the ASGF1. Identify specific houses

1. DONE

2. Conduct retrofit assessments1. DONE

3. Conduct “needs” assessment, or ability to pay

1. Ability to purchase appliances2. DONE

Schedule education of householdsSchedule deliveries of equipment

Schedule installations

Business Startup1. Transition plan needs developing2. Work with CAIED on the details of the

business startup3. Develop pro forma business projections4. Identify initial investment needs5. How will the demand be developed?6. Remote system monitoring?7. Who will be the investors

1. Chapter?

Time to Create a New Reality

Now The Scary Step

Start the business!

“Why Renewable Energy?” Asks Dean