Summer is one of the busiest seasons for MEA crews as we work to maintain reliable electric service, complete essential vegetation management, and connect with members throughout our communities. Here is this month’s latest news and information from your electric co-op:

Clearing the Way for Safe, Reliable Power

Keeping the lights on starts with keeping our power lines clear. As part of MEA’s ongoing 7-year vegetation management cycle, crews and contractors will be working throughout the summer to clear rights-of-way in the following areas:

• Gateway
• Downtown Wasilla
• Palmer and the Outer Springer system
• Chugiak
• Eklutna
• Houston and Big Lake
• Willow to Denali State Park

Most utility easements are 30 feet wide (15 feet on each side of the power pole), although widths may range from 20 to 40 feet depending on the location. All vegetation within the easement will be removed using a combination of mowing, hand cutting, bucket truck and sky trim equipment access.To help crews work safely and efficiently, please:

• Remove vehicles, equipment, and livestock from easement areas.
• Unlock gates that provide access to utility corridors.
• Watch for advance notifications, including postcards and automated phone calls.

Regular easement maintenance helps reduce outages, improve safety, and ensure crews can quickly access power lines when repairs are needed. Want to know if clearing is planned in your area? Click here to view the full vegetation management map.

Summer Power Safety Reminders

Alaska summers are filled with outdoor projects, recreation, and family activities. Please take a few moments to review these important safety reminders.

‍1. Call 811 Before You Dig - Whether you’re planting trees, building a deck, installing a fence, or tackling another outdoor project, always call 811 before digging. This free and required service allows utility companies to mark underground facilities before work begins, helping prevent service interruptions, costly repairs, and serious injuries.

‍2. Report Danger Trees - Trees falling into power lines remain the leading cause of outages on MEA’s system. If you have a tree on your property that appears likely to fall into a power line or electrical equipment, MEA will inspect it and, if necessary, take it down at no cost to you. Help prevent outages by reporting danger trees through our online reporting form.

‍3. Stay Away from Overhead Power Lines - Summer activities such as flying drones, trimming trees, operating equipment, or flying kites can bring people dangerously close to overhead power lines. Before starting any outdoor activity:

• Look up and identify nearby power lines.
• Maintain safe clearance from electrical equipment.
• Remind children never to play on or around green transformer boxes or other electrical equipment.

Remember: power lines and electrical equipment should always be assumed to be energized and treated with extreme caution.

Join Us at the Bear Paw Festival Teddy Bear Picnic

MEA is proud to once again sponsor the Teddy Bear Picnic during the annual 41st Bear Paw Festival!

📅 Join us Friday, July 10, 2026

🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

📍 Eagle River Town Square Park

Bring your children and their favorite stuffed animal for an afternoon filled with fun activities, games, and community booths designed especially for our youngest members. We look forward to seeing you there! For the schedule of Bear Paw Festival events, click here.

More Summer Events Coming Soon

Mark your calendars for these upcoming member events:

⚾ Member Appreciation Night with the Eagle River Chinooks – July 28

🥫 MEA State Fair Food Drive – Early August

🍻 Taproom Tuesdays with CEO Tony Izzo – Late August

Our new Taproom Tuesdays series will provide members with an opportunity to learn more about MEA’s gas supply challenges, future energy planning, and the issues shaping the future of your cooperative. Additional details will be shared in next month’s member email.

EV Chargers Available for Businesses & Public Organizations

MEA is expanding its Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot Program and is seeking local partners interested in hosting EV charging stations. Eligible participants include businesses, nonprofits, housing authorities, and government organizations. Selected participants will receive a commercial-grade dual-port ChargePoint Level 2 EV charger at no cost. Hosts will be responsible for installation and any associated infrastructure costs, including mounting, electrical upgrades, or transformer improvements if required. Organizations may choose to:

• Offer charging free of charge, or
• Set fees to recover electricity and maintenance costs.

MEA will collect and analyze anonymized charging data over a three-year period to better understand local EV usage trends and support future planning efforts. Interested in participating? Click here to learn more and review program requirements

‍Have questions about your service or MEA information? Please reach out to us at meacontact@mea.coop