Matanuska Electric Association

10/05/2026

⚡ Some great news for our co-op members! ⚡

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced plans to provide up to $150 million in federal funding for the Alaska Energy Authority’s Beluga-Healy Transmission Project—a planned $418 million investment in Alaska’s electric grid.

The project would build approximately 223 miles of new transmission line, creating a second high-voltage connection between Southcentral and Interior Alaska.

Why does this matter for MEA members? An additional pathway to move electricity between regions would strengthen reliability and help lower power costs over time. Once complete, the project is expected to benefit communities representing approximately 75% of Alaska’s population, while supporting major military installations.

This is an important step toward the reliable, affordable power our members depend on. We look forward to sharing updates as the project advances.

Read more here:

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced its intent to deploy Defense Production Act funding to develop a second high-voltage connection between Southcentral and Interior Alaska, strengthening grid infrastructure essential to national defense.

10/05/2026

❄️ ENERGY SAVINGS TIP: KEEP THE HEAT IN

October is National Energy Awareness Month, and in Alaska, it’s also a good time to get your home ready for colder weather.

As temperatures drop, check around windows and exterior doors for drafts. Weatherstripping, caulk and door sweeps are relatively simple ways to reduce cold air coming in and keep warm air where you want it — inside your home.

💡 Bonus tip: Open curtains and blinds when the sun is shining to take advantage of free solar warmth, then close them after dark to help reduce heat loss.

Small changes can add up as we head into an Alaska winter!

10/04/2026

***PALMER FISHHOOK

UPDATE, 8:20pm: power has been restored to all members. Crews removed a large tree from the lines. If you are still without power, please report via SmartHub or by calling 907-746-7697. Thank you! 

6:20pm: we currently have 196 members out of power in the Falk Road area off of Palmer fishHook. A crew is heading that way now. 

10/03/2026

***SUTTON OUTAGE***

UPDATE, 7:15pm: this outage has been restored. If you are still without power, please report via SmartHub or by calling 907-746-7697. Thank you! 

UPDATE, 3:50pm: crews were able to isolate the outage down to about 175 members. There’s a very large tree through the lines so the repairs to get everyone else back on will take a couple of hours. Thank you for your patience.

2:00pm: we have 776 members out of power from Soapstone Road north to Sutton. A crew is nearby and will be there soon to start their patrol.

10/03/2026

***PALMER FISHHOOK OUTAGE***

UPDATE, 1:40pm: power has been restored to all members. If you’re still without power, please report via SmartHub or by calling 907-746-7697. Thank you.

UPDATE, 11:35am: crews made repairs and restored power to the 1200 members out north of Falk. There’s still a smaller, separate outage at the beginning of Fishhook north up to Buffalo Mine Rd. affecting 178 members. Crews will be on site momentarily to get working on that outage.

UPDATE, 10:35am: crews are on site and continuing to work toward restoration. There was a report of a tree on the line so they are making repairs.

8:45am: we currently have 1198 members out of power on Palmer Fishhook from Falk Road north to Hatcher Pass. A crew is being called in now to respond.

*Please note on average, outages take 3-4 hours to restore to include traveling to the site, conducting line patrols to identify the issue, make repairs, and reenergize. Sometimes outages can be quicker while others can take longer depending on the cause.

10/02/2026

October is National Co-op Month and we're celebrating with weekly drawings for free power! Join us each Friday for a new opportunity to win. Thank you for being a co-op member!

10/01/2026

***HOUSTON/WILLOW OUTAGE***

UPDATE, 1:00pm: power has been restored to all members. If you’re still without power, please report via SmartHub or by calling 907-746-7697.

UPDATE, 12:15pm: crews have located equipment that will need to be changed out. They’ve been able to restore power to about 500 members and are working on the rest.

11:20am: we have 3320 members out of power from Big Lake to Willow. Crews are en route.

10/01/2026

📉 MEA members will see an overall rate decrease beginning October 1!

A lower Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) means a typical residential member using 623 kWh per month will pay approximately $5.32 less—a 3.1% decrease—compared to the third quarter, with the same electricity use.

The decrease is mainly due to lower purchased power costs and a smaller adjustment for past power costs. Base rates remain unchanged.

💡 As colder, darker days arrive, remember that using more electricity can still increase your bill—even when rates go down. Check out the simple energy-saving tips in this reel!

Read more: https://www.mea.coop/news/members-see-overall-rate-decrease-for-fourth-quarter-2026

09/30/2026

Rolling outages are not scheduled or inevitable this winter. Despite claims circulating online, they are a last-resort emergency step in the Energy Watch program—after conservation efforts and using diesel to generate power.

▶️ Watch as MEA explains the plan and how we would keep members informed.

Please help us share this video so we all have accurate information heading into winter. We’re here for you - every day and during emergencies.

09/30/2026

Join the MEA family! We have offices in Palmer, Wasilla, Eagle River, Big Lake and Eklutna. Find full job postings and apply today at https://www.mea.coop/connect/careers