PALMER – The Matanuska Electric Association Board of Directors unanimously voted on Aug. 11 to authorize an increase of 1.10 percent in base rates, effective the fourth quarter of 2008.

The average MEA consumer uses just under 800 kilowatt hours of electricity per month.  “These consumers can expect to see a monthly increase of about $0.85 as a result of the base rate adjustment,” said spokesperson Lorali Carter.

Under the terms of rules set by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, MEA is allowed on a quarterly basis to file for limited 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 June 30, 2008 and will take effect during the first week of October 2008, pending approval by the RCA.