A rural electric utility is preparing to drill a geothermal exploration well near King Salmon. Naknek Electric Association says the multimillion dollar project has the potential to provide power to 28 villages in southwest Alaska. The project would be the first utility-grade geothermal development in Alaska. The initial cost estimate for the generation plant and 450 miles of transmission line interconnecting regional villages is $200 million. General manager Donna Vukich says the company plans to begin drilling this summer or early fall. The utility already has made a considerable investment over the past decade on research, and geological and geophysical work. Utility officials expect the exploratory well to be drilled to 9,000 to 12,000 feet.

(Associated Press)