At a Glance

• Beginning October 1, MEA’s Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) will decrease by approximately 8.4%, from 10.195 cents to 9.34 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
• A typical residential member using 623 kWh per month will pay approximately $5.32 less per month, a 3.1% decrease in their total bill, compared to the third quarter.
• Base rates remain unchanged. The reduction comes mainly from lower purchased power costs and a smaller adjustment for past power supply expenses.

PALMER, Alaska — MEA members will pay a lower rate for electricity beginning October 1, 2026, as the cooperative’s Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) decreases for the fourth quarter.

For a typical residential member using 623 kWh per month, the monthly bill will decrease from approximately $171.38 to $166.06, assuming the same electricity use.

Why Is the Cost Going Down?

The decrease is mainly due to lower costs for electricity MEA purchases from other utilities and a reduction in the amount needed to cover past power supply expenses.

MEA estimates its power supply costs in advance, then compares those estimates with actual costs. Any difference is accounted for in future COPA rates. For the fourth quarter, that adjustment is smaller, helping bring the rate down.

These savings are partially offset by higher expected fuel and transportation costs during the colder months.

What Is COPA?

COPA is the part of your electric bill that covers the fuel and purchased electricity MEA uses to supply power to members. These costs are passed through to members without any additional markup.

COPA rates are updated each quarter to reflect changes in power supply costs and are filed with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) for review and approval. Base rates, which help pay for operating, maintaining and improving MEA’s electric system, remain unchanged for the fourth quarter.

What Does This Mean for Your Bill?

The lower COPA means you will pay less for each kilowatt-hour of electricity you use compared to the third quarter. Your actual savings will depend on your electricity use.

For energy savings tips, please visit: Energy Efficiency

MEA reviews rates each quarter to keep bills aligned with real costs, while following RCA-approved guidelines. MEA remains focused on managing power supply costs while providing safe, reliable and affordable power to our members.

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