Members to see Decrease in Overall 4Q Rates
Palmer, AK – Members will see a slight decrease in overall rates in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to a decrease in the Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) rate. This is the third overall rate decrease in 2021. MEA’s Board of Directors voted for no change in base rates (also known as the “energy charge”) in the fourth quarter. MEA continues to offer the lowest base rate in the Railbelt at $0.12453/kWh. More anticipated usage of hydro resources and less natural gas burned in electric generation during the fourth quarter is a primary factor in the COPA rate decreasing from $.07460 to $.07223 per kWh.
A typical MEA member, consuming about 677 kWh per month of electricity, will see their overall monthly bill decrease by about$1.60 or 1.08%. The rate changes, effective October 1, 2021, are subject to approval by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).
MEA may file limited increases or decreases in base rates on a quarterly basis, provided the adjustments stay within certain financial parameters established by the RCA. The base rate includes the costs of infrastructure and bringing power to our members’ homes and businesses. The COPA rate, which flows through fuel and purchased power costs, fluctuates quarterly based on varying market conditions and power sales.
