GCI’s annual refueling operation for its TERRA Network has hit the halfway point, according to a press release issued on July 22. The telecommunications company delivers approximately 106,000 gallons of fuel every year to power generators at remote mountaintop towers.
Located far from commercial power grids, these remote towers rely on annual refueling operations to maintain self-sufficiency. A specialized Bering Air UH-1H “Huey” helicopter loaded with an internal fuel bladder makes the mission possible.
The operation includes over 200 round trips from bases in Nome, Kotzebue, Bethel, and Anchorage. With help from Bering Air, they have already refueled 13 of the 22 towers in the TERRA Network.
Earl Merchant, Senior Manager of GCI Rural Network Operations & Maintenance, expressed his appreciation for Nome-based Bering Air in the press release.
“We couldn’t make this happen seamlessly every year without our dedicated team of rural technicians and longtime aviation partners at Bering Air. Every person involved in the project brings a wealth of knowledge and plays an important role in keeping rural Alaska connected,” Merchant said.
At each remote location, helicopters deliver Arctic diesel fuel in 410 to 440-gallon loads to fill one or two 4,500-gallon fuel storage tanks. Each site can require up to 16 round trips to complete the refueling process.
Fuel for the operation is purchased by Bering Air on behalf of GCI from Crowley Fuels in Nome, Kotzebue, Galena, and Togiak. They also purchase fuel from Unalakleet Native Corporation in Unalakleet and Everts Air Fuel in Fairbanks.
The annual refueling operation is expected to be completed by the fall to ensure continuous connectivity throughout the winter. This time next year, they’ll be back at it again.
