MEA is beginning its 70th year in business as an electric cooperative in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Eagle River/Birchwood/Chugiak area. MEA is Alaska’s oldest electric cooperative serving about 57,000 consumers through more than 4,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines.
Currently, MEA has an all-requirements power sales contract with Chugach Electric Association that expires December 31, 2014, and also enjoys the benefits of participating in power generated from the Bradley Lake and Eklutna hydroelectric projects. With an ever-growing number of residential and commercial customers, MEA must be prepared to meet the challenge of providing reliable, reasonably-priced electrical service. MEA is planning for its own generation needs and a few months ago placed a request for proposal for generation options seeking Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) or Independent Power Producer (IPP) bids for a 180 MW gas-fired plant.
MEA received responses on February 10, 2010, and will be evaluating the responses to determine the best option for MEA’s customers. “Our main concern is which option, or combination of options, will be the lowest cost to our members,” General Manager, Joe Griffith stated.
The response to the solicitation is very encouraging, and over the next couple of months MEA and their consultant in the bidding process, the Shaw Group, will be carefully reviewing and evaluating each proposal. The General Manager, Mr. Griffith, along with his senior staff, expect to make a recommendation to their Board of Directors in May or early June of this year. The Board of Directors will make the final decision to award the bid.
“This is an important milestone for MEA in our local generation planning,” said Lois Lester, MEA Board President.
For more information on MEA’s local generation plans, contact MEA at (907)761-9300 or email
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