Doyon Utilities Chooses GE Proficy for $50-Year Alaska Utility Privatization Project

GE Intelligent Platforms recently announced that Doyon Utilities LLC, a Native regional organization based in Fairbanks, Alaska, has begun a major multi‑year upgrade of its utility infrastructure using GE’s Proficy Process Systems.

The 50‑year privatization contract covers the electric, natural gas, steam, potable water, and wastewater distribution systems at U.S. Army forts Wainwright, Richardson, and Greely—located in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Delta Junction.

When Doyon assumed ownership, it discovered that the existing infrastructure was aging and inconsistent across the three sites. The company’s goal was to modernize, repair, rehabilitate, and replace key assets to raise system reliability and operational efficiency.

After extensive evaluation, Doyon chose a turnkey solution that could be deployed rapidly, scaled as needed, and integrated with existing plants. “We needed stable, optimized boiler control and power generation without relying on the grid, which had become unreliable due to outdated control systems,” said project manager Robert Maxfield.

GE Intelligent Platforms was selected to design, implement, and integrate an end‑to‑end distributed control system (DCS) built on Proficy Process Systems. The solution delivers continuous uptime, high availability, and both direct and supervisory control. Proficy Historian and Proficy Troubleshooter provide enterprise‑wide data capture, analytics, and troubleshooting capabilities.

“This project exemplifies the value GE Intelligent Platforms brings to utilities,” said Maryrose Sylvester, GE’s president and CEO. “By embedding intelligence into Doyon’s operations, Proficy Process Systems and Historian lower total cost of ownership while boosting productivity, efficiency, and profitability.”

Work began with the Fort Greely boiler controls and proceeded to Fort Wainwright. The Wainwright project will roll out in phases—starting with boiler controls, then coal handling, and finally a retrofit of the ACC. The full deployment is expected to take a minimum of three years, delivering modern controls, updated documentation, and optimized steam and power generation.

Once completed, Doyon will enjoy an end‑to‑end solution that offers flexibility, lower implementation costs, and improved data‑driven decision making. Proficy Historian will archive historical data, enabling predictive analytics that uncover root causes of production issues and prevent future incidents. Enhanced process visibility will support faster, more informed decisions and increased productivity.

“The privatization will increase reliability and profitability of the utility services,” said Dan Gavora, Doyon Utilities CEO. “Modernizing the infrastructure also allows us to track consumption of electricity, water, wastewater, and steam—creating opportunities for conservation and further cost savings.”

Proficy demonstrates how GE’s $4 billion‑a‑year software and solutions services are helping customers improve productivity and competitiveness.

For more information, visit www.ge.com.