CEO touts operation of dam

As we at Energy Keepers, Inc. approach the completion of our first year of operations of the Selis Ksanka Qlispe (SKQ) Project, formerly Kerr Dam, we are proud to reflect on our accomplishments. 

From a natural resource perspective, we effectively managed Flathead Lake, the Flathead River, and SKQ Dam within an intricate mix of objectives for recreation, fisheries, irrigation, and flood risk management.

We took over operations and management of the Project on September 5 of 2015, right on the heels of one of the driest periods on the historical record for the Flathead River Basin. Post conveyance, we drew down the reservoir to mitigate the impacts of erosion on the shoreline, evacuating two feet from the reservoir by October 31. As we moved through the early winter, snow pack was below normal and we cautiously drew the reservoir down even further while not jeopardizing the risk of meeting both our obligation to meet minimum in-stream flow requirements and our refill objective for the summer. By late March, snow pack and water supply were sufficient to warrant a draw-down to 2884’, one foot from empty. The refill period, during April and May, was not without challenges. Natural stream flows into Flathead Lake peaked three times at over 35,000 cubic feet per second, which is very unusual. Despite the unusual shape of the runoff, Flathead Lake achieved refill on time and as planned.

Now half way through the summer recreation period, we are managing the lake inside of the top foot of full pool to ensure the best recreational opportunities for all who enjoy the lake in the summer. Come this fall, we will start the entire cycle over again.

From an operations and maintenance perceptive there are also many accomplishments to celebrate. Early in the operating year we completed our first major capital project with an upgrade of the thrust bearing on generator number three. The thrust bearing is the main bearing that holds the weight of the entire generator. After the upgrade, the unit operates more efficiently and the bearing generates less heat. We also successfully completed routine maintenance on the other units to ensure they are in good running condition for years to come. All maintenance was successfully carried out during times of low stream flow when there was no impact to generation or operations. It should also be noted that we identified, and implemented a solution to a long known issue with a few of the spill gates. A cost effective repair was carried out this past spring on one of the gates and we have a plan to repair the rest in the coming years. During the spring freshet, when runoff was high, and there was enough water to run all units, they were in service and generating at full capacity.

EKI also enjoyed many successes in the power marketing arena. We are proud to say that the large majority of our electricity is being marketed to consumers right here in the state of Montana. Our customer base includes a diverse mixture of utilities, industrial customers, hospitals, and electric cooperatives, among others.

Thanks to all of our community members, business partners, and most importantly our staff, in making our first year of operations a huge success. We are grateful.

-Brian Lipscomb, CEO of Energy Keepers, Inc.