The Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) program, in participation with the Golden Valley Electric Association, aims to include the University of Alaska of Fairbanks. The goal of the program is the production of renewable energy in conjunction with the existing power grid resources.

As a producing member, UAF would help provide real estate sites for solar-voltaic panels and electricity-generating wind turbines. The resulting power produced will enter the common electric grid and benefit the power needs of the university, as well as those of surrounding businesses and residences of the Fairbanks community. The generating sites at UAF will join others throughout the Tanana Valley to contribute to the goal of alleviating power generation necessities of traditional methods.

When asked about the program, Charles "Chilkoot" Ward, of UAF facility services, commented, "The program intent at the university is the support of alternative power initiatives. We want to see how passionate these issues are with the students."

The website of the program, http://www.gvea.com/alternative-energy/snap/, touts over 350 private, and otherwise, contributors who provide an estimated $22,000 per year in support. Producers of the power in the program must generate 25 kilowatts or less at their individual natural renewable energy stations and will be paid no more than $1.50 per kilowatt-hour for their power production. The SNAP program is entirely voluntary and doesn't have an impact on the bills of power customers who choose not to participate. The donations made by UAF students will be sent to the office of residence life and are tracked through a separate university Banner account. One hundred percent of the donations will be sent to the SNAP program.

The Green Power Advisory Committee (GPAC), chaired by Rick Schikora, was created in October 2003 to address alternative energy resource development. The membership of GPAC is selected by Golden Valley Electric based upon expertise and interest in the development of alternative power. The committee continues to meet with Golden Valley Electric's Alternative Energy Team on a quarterly basis.

When asked what he thought of the program, UAF student William Harper said, "I think it's great, but I'm not sure about the technology during the winter." He expressed further concern about the amount of daylight a voltaic cell could convert into energy during the dark months, adding, "I'd like to see a less polluted valley in the winter." Ultimately, Harper expressed praise, "I think the goals of an alternative energy program are admirable."

To answer any questions about this program, students and faculty are urged to contact the Office of Residence Life at 474-7247 or Linda Ferguson, the Fiscal Officer of UAF Facility Services, at 474-7351.