Behind the Switch
A Newsletter Edition
April 10, 2025
| | | 2025 Annual Meeting of Members | | |
Copper Valley Electric Association, Inc., invites you to the 2025 Annual Meeting of Members. The CVEA Annual Meeting is your chance, as a member-owner, to find out what is going on at your electric cooperative.
The purpose of the meeting will be to hear reports, learn about CVEA accomplishments, projects, and priorities, ask questions about your cooperative, accept director election results, see who is awarded Community Foundation scholarships, and transact any other business that may come before the membership.
In addition to learning valuable information, attendees will enjoy a light meal and giveaways. Every member signed in by 6 p.m. will be eligible to win a ton of great door prizes, including a $1,000 cash grand prize, and will receive a $10 credit on their power bill!
We hope to see you at the CVEA Annual Meeting.
| | VOTE for Your CVEA Board of Directors! | | |
Director election ballots will hit member mailboxes at the end of March. Please VOTE and let your voice be heard!
- WHY? The Cooperative needs a 10 percent return to constitute a valid election
- REMEMBER! To be valid, members must sign the back of the ballot envelope and the signature must match the signature on file at CVEA
- MAIL! Ballots must be received in the proper mailbox, not postmarked, by 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 22
- BONUS! All valid ballots returned by the deadline will be entered to win a $100 CVEA energy credit!!
To learn more about the 2025 director candidates, each were asked to answer the three important questions below. Click the 'Read More' button to find out how they answered.
| | Look Who's Working Hard For You - 2025 Employee Service Recognition | | Recognizing the dedication of employees is an important component when striving to be the employer of choice in our communities, a strategic goal of the Cooperative. Employee service awards highlight the commitment, loyalty, and valuable contributions that individuals bring to our organization throughout the year. We applaud each of them for reaching these important milestones with CVEA. | |
Public Hearing on Proposed Tariff Changes | | |
Copper Valley Electric members, your input is important! Join us for a public hearing to discuss proposed updates to the CVEA Tariff, including:
- Reinstating net metering credits in the summertime
- Clarifying language for past-due and delinquent accounts
- Other non-material changes
When: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Where: CVEA offices in Glennallen & Valdez or virtually via Teams
Virtual Attendance: Pre-registration is required. Email Lisa Howard by Monday, April 14.
To review the official notice, a red-lined version of the Tariff, and additional details, click the button below.
| | 2025 Member Satisfaction Survey | |
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CVEA Members - we want to hear from you!
On Monday, March 31, Copper Valley Electric launched the 2025 Member Satisfaction Survey to find out what is important to members and how they think the Co-op is doing. Member feedback will help CVEA fulfill our commitment to you and plan for the future.
The survey takes only 15 minutes, and by participating, you'll be entered for a chance to win one of four $250 energy credits.
Access the survey by clicking the button below or scanning the QR Code above. You can also visit cvea.org.
The deadline to submit your survey is 6 p.m., Friday, May 9.
Only one survey per membership.
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At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors on March 20, KPMG, LLP presented the 2024 Audit Report.
The 2024 Audit was completed successfully, with zero noted exceptions. Congratulations to the Finance department for their hard work on the audit, and special thanks to all employees for their diligence throughout the year.
| | | Operators Find Hydro Hiding in the Snowpack | | |
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), or the amount of water stored in snow matters as much to Copper Valley Electric as the amount of snow you see on the ground. Why? Because the Co-op relies on snowmelt to power the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Plant, which combined with the Allison Creek Hydroelectric Plant, provides close to 100 percent of the Cooperative's summer generation needs.
Measuring the water content in snow helps the Cooperative predict if there will be enough water to generate a sufficient amount of electricity for members. Every winter from December to April, CVEA operators conduct snow surveys at the Sugarloaf SNOTEL site. This site, along with others across the state, helps the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) measure snowpack and water content in that snow. These surveys typically happen at the end of each month but can extend into the first few days of the following month.
When performing snow surveys, operators measure the depth of the snow, length of the core and weight of the core to determine the water content and density percentage. This information is used to determine the SWE. Besides snow surveys, a rough estimate of water in the snow can be determined using the amount of fallen snow and the temperature at the time of the snowfall. As an example, if 10" of snow fell at temperatures between 28-34 degrees, it would equal one inch of rain for that 10" of snow. If the temperatures were between 0-9 degrees, 40" of snow would need to fall to equal one inch of rain.
This data helps CVEA with planning for hydroelectric power generation, and helps predict whether water content in the snowpack is enough to generate at the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Plant through the summer season. It also assists the NRCS with predictions statewide and is used by the Valdez Avalanche Center, locally, to assess avalanche risks for recreational users.
Though there appears to be less snow on the ground in Valdez this year, higher elevations in 2025 remain close to the typical winter average and, fortunately, have a higher-than-average water content for this time of year. The Cooperative is thankful this bodes well for hydropower.
| | | Valdez Duck Flats Pole Replacement Project Project Update | | |
Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) successfully completed the first phase of the Valdez Duck Flats Pole Replacement Project on March 20, finishing ahead of schedule.
Working alongside Harris Sand & Gravel (HSG) under the leadership of Project Manager Todd Stahley, CVEA line crews installed new pilings next to existing poles on the Duck Flats along the Richardson Highway, from the Salmon Turnaround to Mineral Creek Loop Road. This work prepared for the upcoming pole replacements and removal of structures.
To minimize disruptions during the community's busy summer season, the second and final phase of the project is scheduled for fall 2025.
This project is essential for maintaining system reliability, as this section of the line delivers electricity from the Solomon Gulch and Allison Creek Hydroelectric Plants, as well as the Cogeneration Plant, to downtown Valdez. The current infrastructure, now 45 years old, has gone beyond the end of its service life and requires replacement.
CVEA appreciated the community's patience and cooperation as our team worked to improve the electrical system.
Watch the video above for a look at the recent project.
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Todd Stahley
Todd began his journey with CVEA in 2004, and over the course of 21 years, he has held a variety of key roles within the Operations department. Starting as a lineman, he quickly advanced, taking on positions such as Foreman, Superintendent, Operations Manager, and ultimately Project Manager; leaving a lasting impact on the organization through his dedication and leadership. Todd is retiring this month, and we wish him the best. May his retirement be filled with relaxation, adventure, and all the joy he deserves. Todd has left an incredible legacy, and his contri-butions will always be remembered.
According to Wayne McKinzey, CVEA Chief Operating Officer, "Todd is one of the most productive and knowledgeable people I've ever known. His work ethic and commitment to our members are second to none. Over the years, he has taught me so much. It has truly been a pleasure to learn from him."
Todd says, "My wife and I are thrilled to be building our dream home in Wasilla, a peaceful retreat where we can enjoy the serenity of our 40-acre property as we enter retirement. We're eagerly anticipating the arrival of another grandchild, and we can't wait to share our home and land with the little one. With a busy schedule ahead, our biggest job will be spoiling our grandkids and creating lasting memories on our beautiful property."
| | Budget Billing - Enroll NOW! | | Energy Efficiency and Safety Tips | | |
Celebrate Earth Day With Energy Efficiency
Happy Earth Day! 🌍💚 Let's celebrate our beautiful planet by becoming more energy efficient. Here are a few simple ways to save energy:
🌱 Switch to LED Bulbs: They use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs
🌱 Unplug Devices: Chargers and electronics use energy when plugged in
🌱 Lower Your Thermostat: A couple degrees can make a big difference
🌱 Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Heating water consumes a large amount of energy
🌱 Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: Look for the ENERGY STAR® label
For more efficiency tips, click the button below.
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Electric Safety Message: Vehicle Accidents Involving Power Lines
Would you know what to do if your vehicle collided with a utility pole? What if you came upon such an accident and wanted to help? Exiting the vehicle or approaching the vehicle to provide assistance could expose passengers or responders to thousands of volts of electricity from downed power lines.
Please read more below to learn what to do in this dangerous situation.
Source: SafeElectricity.org
For additional safety tips, visit cvea.org.
| | | We Want Your Feedback And Ideas! | | |
Have Feedback on the e-Newsletter or Ideas For Articles?
CVEA's goal is to meet your communication needs. If you have feedback or topics you would like to see included in a future issue of Behind the Switch - A Newsletter Edition, send us an email by clicking the button below. We will review thoughts and ideas and do our best to make adjustments and include member suggestions throughout the year.
| | Member Comments and Questions | | |
Copper Valley Electric wants to know what members have to say, and our team is on hand to answer questions you may have.
If you have comments or questions on any CVEA topic, email Customer Service by clicking the link below.
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Powering Homes, Empowering Lives
CVEA has excellent opportunities for qualified applicants. View current job opportunities posted on the CVEA website.
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April 17 I 11 a.m. I CVEA April Board Meeting - Glennallen
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April 29 I 5:30 p.m. registration I CVEA Annual Meeting - Valdez
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May 1 I 5:30 p.m. registration I CVEA Annual Meeting - Copper Basin
- May 27 I Memorial Day - CVEA Offices Closed
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Copper Valley Electric Association | info@cvea.org | 907-822-3211 | www.cvea.org
Mile 187 Glenn Highway, PO Box 45, Glennallen, AK 99588
| | Stay up to date on our Facebook page or visit us at cvea.org | | |
Copyright © 2023 Copper Valley Electric Association, All rights reserved.
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