MEA is partnering with Alaska Survey Research (ASR) to conduct a survey this week to better understand members’ perspectives on potential data center development within MEA’s service territory.

Randomly selected MEA members may receive an email or text message from Alaska Survey Research with a link to participate in the survey. These survey invitations are legitimate and are being sent on behalf of MEA.

The survey will ask members for their thoughts about potential data center development, including possible opportunities, concerns and priorities related to electric rates, reliability, energy supply, infrastructure and impacts to local communities.

The survey does not mean MEA has approved a specific data center project or made a decision to bring data centers to its system. Instead, MEA is gathering information to better understand member perspectives as the cooperative evaluates potential opportunities for future load growth and plans for the changing energy needs of the communities it serves.

MEA also has provisions within its tariff designed to protect existing members when serving very large new electric loads. These provisions are intended to ensure that costs associated with serving a large new customer, including infrastructure and system improvements required specifically for that customer, are appropriately assigned and not unfairly shifted to MEA’s existing membership. Any potential large-load project would also need to be evaluated for its impacts on MEA’s power supply, infrastructure, reliability and costs.

As a member-owned electric cooperative, hearing directly from members is an important part of MEA’s planning and decision-making. Feedback collected through the survey will help MEA leadership and the Board better understand members’ priorities as the cooperative considers future growth while continuing to prioritize reliable and affordable electric service.

How to Know the Survey is Legitimate

Members should know:

• The survey is being conducted by Alaska Survey Research on behalf of Matanuska Electric Association.
• Only randomly selected members will receive an invitation, so not every MEA member will be contacted.
• Survey invitations may be sent by email or text message and will include a link to participate.
• Receiving the survey does not mean there is a proposed data center planned for your property or community.
• If you receive a communication claiming to be from MEA or Alaska Survey Research and are unsure whether it is legitimate, you can contact MEA directly at 907-761-9300 before responding or clicking a link.

MEA appreciates members taking the time to share their perspectives and help us plan for the future of our electric system and the communities we serve.