July 1, 2022

Palmer, AK – Starting July 1, members will see an overall increase in rates due to a 9.6% increase in the Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) rate, subject to RCA review and approval. A typical MEA member consumes approximately 673 kWh per month and can expect to see an overall increase of about $4.53 on their monthly bill due to the COPA rate change. MEA’s Board of Directors voted to not change the base rate in the third quarter.

The COPA component of rates primarily includes fuel and purchased power costs (which are largely beyond MEA’s control), while the base rate component (the “energy” charge) includes the bulk of the other costs necessary to bring power to our members’ homes and businesses. The third quarter increase in the COPA is mainly due to a significant increase in anticipated purchases of Eklutna Hydro power that MEA purchases under contract, coupled with fewer utility-wide kWh sales (which is typical in the summer months).

MEA may file limited increases or decreases in rates on a quarterly basis, provided the adjustments stay within certain financial parameters established by the RCA. Rates are subject to a variety of factors including member electric use, weather, inflation, and other economic factors.

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