SOUTHEAST ALASKA– Several areas in Southeast Alaska will now have more water-generated power. Officials say the new improved Hydroelectric Modules will be constructed in Pelican and in Gustafson.

The majority of the time, the communities do run off of Hydroelectric power, but there are times when the water gets too low. Then they need to use Diesel as a back up.

According to the Alaska Energy Authority the new system will save money and lower diesel emissions. The new modules were paid for by the Denali commission.

Kris Noonan, from the Alaska Energy Authority said, “In Gustafson, where this one is actually going, we're building a new hydro-facility down there – they don't have hydroelectric right now, they run 100 percent off diesel. This will basically give them the ability that once the Hydro completed, 80 to 90 percent of the power will be generated by Hydro now.

Officials with Alaska Energy say that they will continue researching Geo-thermal, wind, and solar power as alternative sources in Alaska.

Reported by: Christina Coleman