Bethel Power Plant Upgrades

In 2020, improvements to the 45-year old power plant in Bethel included converting generation voltage to 4160Y, installing a new switchgear module and adding 10 plant step-up transformers. The Y system is designed to maintain proper voltage regulation and will provide more surge protection.
The project was broken into two phases. Phase I construction included pile supported foundations and setting the module and transformers. Phase II work included the installation of all the connection cables and re-strapping of the generators. Upgrades to the Bethel power plant will also benefit members in Napakiak and Oscarville and allows AVEC to support increased loads expected from the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s hospital expansion.

Access panels on exterior of the Bethel Switchgear Module. Photo by Aimie Morgan