Like most villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region, Kwigillingok (Kwig) is remote, roadless, and very windy. Also similar is the fact that Kwig partnered with IES to install a high-tech, holistic system of wind turbines, Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) stoves, a load regulator, and a SCADA system to control it all.

 

Kwig was one of the first communities to incorporate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Utilizing the newest lithium-ion batteries from the auto industry, the BESS stores surplus wind energy and provides the means to run the entire village from wind power. This means the lights are on, but the diesel generators are off for at least 33% of the year. No noise, no pollution, substantially reduced fuel costs and maintenance.

 

Fuel cost savings are now 50% or better.