Palmer, AK – MEA members will begin the second quarter of 2021 with another overall rate decrease. This is the third consecutive overall rate decrease in as many quarters. The second quarter rate decrease is primarily due to MEA’s recent energy sales to other utilities, and refunds for, among other things, MEA’s share of hydro-resources including Bradley Lake and the Battle Creek Diversion project, which MEA is flowing back to its members in the form of lower rates.

A typical MEA member, consuming about 677 kWh per month of electricity, will see their overall bill decrease by about $2.27 or 1.6%. The rate changes, effective April 1, 2021, are subject to approval by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).

MEA’s Board of Directors voted for no change in base rates in the second quarter. Additionally, the Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) rate decreased nearly 4.9%.

MEA may file limited increases or decreases in base rates on a quarterly basis, provided the adjustments stay within certain financial parameters established by the RCA. The base rate includes the costs of infrastructure and bringing power to our members’ homes and businesses. The COPA rate, which flows through fuel and purchased power costs, fluctuates quarterly based on varying market conditions.