PALMER – The Matanuska Electric Association Board of Directors unanimously voted on Feb. 12 to authorize an increase of 1.75 percent in base rates, effective the second quarter of 2007.

MEA's electrical rates remain among the least expensive for residential service in Southcentral Alaska.

The rate increase allows MEA to keep up with rapid growth in its service area and the resulting demands associated with this rising level of activity, said spokesperson Lorali Carter. The average MEA consumer uses about 800 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. These consumers can expect to see a monthly increase of $1.27 as a result of the base rate adjustment, she said.

Under the terms of rules set by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, MEA is allowed on a quarterly basis to file for small increases or decreases in base rates, provided that the adjustments stay within certain financial parameters established by the RCA.

The rate filing is based on the test year ending Dec. 31, 2006, and will take effect April 16, pending approval by the RCA.