Renovation of a municipal facility in Ketchikan, Alaska. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a municipal facility.

Ketchikan does not currently have an adequate level of back-up/emergency generation to supply the community in the event of a loss of Southeast Alaska Power Agency's (SEAPA) 115kV transmission line, particularly during cold winter months, or should local lake levels not provide for adequate generation. Future load growth projections will dramatically exacerbate the issue. KPU currently owns six (6) diesel generators: 4 (four) at Bailey Powerhouse, with one unit, one (1) of the two (2) 3.5MW 1964 Worthington units out of commission; and two (2) units at the North Point Higgins Substation. Conceptually, both of the Worthington generators at Bailey will be replaced by a large co-generation (co-gen) turbine unit with secondary steam generation, in the order of magnitude of 25MW. Extensive work to the powerhouse structure, fuel tank farm and delivery system, exhaust & cooling system, control & communication systems, and adjoining Bailey Substation electrical equipment (see Bailey Substation Replacement CIP), will be required. The project is included in the City's 2026-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As of April 28, 2026, further details have not yet been identified. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.