Behind the Switch
A Newsletter Edition
September 12, 2024
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Celebrate Community at the CVEA Co-op Month
Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch
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CVEA's Co-op Month Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch events are just around the corner! Mark your calendar for a fun-filled, family-friendly Saturday that demonstrates what COMMUNITY is all about.
Pick your favorite pumpkin from the patch and enjoy pumpkin decorating, games and activities, a fall-themed photo booth, warm food, and tasty treats all while supporting 14 local nonprofit organizations who serve our friends and neighbors.
The events take place Saturday, October 12, in Valdez, and Saturday, October 19, in Glennallen. Fun for the whole family goes from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the CVEA office parking lot in each district (while supplies last).
Admission to the pumpkin patch:
Bring nonperishable food item(s) or a monetary donation for the local food bank
With your donation, you get:
- To pick your own pumpkin from the patch (pumpkin qty. limits per family)
- FREE pumpkin decorating
- A ticket for entry into the drawing for a $150 CVEA energy credit
BONUS - make extra food or monetary donations and receive extra drawing tickets
Expired food cannot be accepted
Credit cards will be accepted
Food Bank Donation Drive:
- All food and monetary donations will benefit the food bank in your district
- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company will match monetary donations up to $2,500 (total - districts combined)
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Matthews Looks Back on First Year as CEO | |
When asked to look back on her first year as CEO of Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA), Jaime Matthews said she is filled with pride for the Cooperative; "it is truly remarkable how 42 employees manage to achieve so much. Maintaining an isolated grid with five power plants across a service area the size of West Virginia is no small task, yet our team consistently makes it look effortless." | |
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Celebrating Safety at CVEA | |
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CVEA is deeply committed to a strong safety culture, recognizing the inherent risks associated with nearly every task we perform at the Cooperative. We must take the time to properly plan work and identify and avoid potential hazards. Our ultimate goal is to achieve zero accidents or incidents. To make this happen, we know safety must never be compromised for expediency or short-term cost savings. This commitment is strongly supported by leadership at all levels, including the Board and CEO, who emphasize that health and safety are paramount for everyone in the organization.
Annually, CVEA celebrates our commitment to safety during Safety Week, a series of daily activities focused on safety training and employee engagement, with incentives to encourage participation.
The highlight of the week is Safety Day, an event that began in 2016, when an employee proposed it to the Safety Review and Recommendations Committee (SRRT).
The SRRT, comprised of employees from all departments, meets quarterly to discuss safety issues and materials, assist with educational topics, and recommend improvements to our safety culture.
Coreen Palacios, CVEA's Regulatory and Compliance Specialist, along with the SRRT, plans Safety Day each year. The event includes safety training, lunch, games, and prizes, bringing together employees from all departments in both districts. Past events have featured facility tours, presentations, and demonstrations on bucket truck operations, pole top rescue, and personal protective equipment. Safety accomplishments from previous years are highlighted, and employees receive safety-related gifts.
Read more about CVEA's safety culture and the 2024 Safety Day by clicking the button below.
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On Tuesday, August 13, under a bright, sunny sky in Valdez, CVEA welcomed a full house of members and new employees for the fall Member Tour.
Participants from Valdez and the Copper Basin spent the day with CVEA's CEO, several members of the leadership team, and knowledgeable plant operators and linemen.
The tour included visits to the Valdez Diesel Plant, the Cogeneration Plant, and the Solomon Gulch and Allison Creek Hydroelectric Projects. Members also received an overview of operations, a substation summary, and an equipment and bucket truck demonstration from members of the Line Crew. For the first time, participants experienced a diesel engine cold start and had the opportunity to explore the newly commissioned Solomon Gulch Substation, which went online in December 2023.
The day also featured a quick lunch, a showing of "The People Behind the Switch - An Office Story," and a video showcasing the construction of the Allison Creek Hydroelectric Project.
Read more about the Member Tour by clicking the button below.
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Flying the Line
2024 Transmission Line Drone Inspection
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As outlined in the January issue, comprehensive inspections of the transmission line were budgeted for completion in 2024. Among these, an aerial inspection - required every eight years - was successfully conducted. Aerial inspections are critical for identifying equipment in need of maintenance or repair in hard to access locations and detecting issues not visible from the ground.
In 2024, the inspection was completed using drones rather than the traditional manned helicopters, resulting in significant time and cost savings for the Cooperative.
The decision to use drones followed four years of research, cost analysis, and a successful proof of concept using a smaller project at the Duck Flats in Valdez.
The drone inspection, expertly conducted by Firmatek, finished four days ahead of schedule and yielded high-quality images that will guide future transmission line maintenance and repair efforts.
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Want to win a
$50 CVEA Energy Credit?
Answer our September
digital newsletter poll
by 6 p.m., September 16.
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| What makes you 'fall' in love with Autumn? | | | Congratulations to Brady Longhurst, winner of CVEA's August e-Newsletter poll. | |
Behind the Switch Photo Contest - Watch Future e-News for Information!
Photo: Adobe Stock-Paul
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CVEA Employee Spotlight
Coreen Palacios
| Meet Coreen, from Saipan, who has been part of the CVEA team for nine years! Coreen was hired as the Regulatory and Compliance Specialist in 2015 and continues to be instrumental in implementing, maintaining, improving the Cooperative's occupational safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental compliance programs. Programs include re-licensing of the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Project, annual Federal Energy Regulatory Commission inspections, safety trainings, health and safety policies, generated waste management, SPCC (spill) plan, and air quality. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and her pride and joy, daughters Ce'Anika and Chloe. According to Wayne McKinzey, CVEA Chief Operating Officer, "Coreen brings so much value to the team. She is relentless in ensuring we meet all our regulatory requirements and is a true champion for safety." Thanks for all you do Coreen! | | |
Reliability Improvement Projects Continue to Take Top Priority
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Installing and Replacing Fuse Cutouts
In March, we informed members that fuse cutouts play a crucial role in restoring power during outages by allowing linemen to quickly locate and address issues.
Many structures within CVEA's system either lack fuse cutouts or are damaged and in need of replacement. Recently, our crews identified structures in trouble areas where adding or replacing cutouts would be beneficial. The team is adding them to taps and transformers in the Copper Basin that were not originally fused and replacing failing ceramic models with polymer models that will last longer.
This year, a total of 21 cutouts have been installed as a result of power outages or new services and 26 more will be installed by the end of this summer.
CVEA will continue to install fuse cutouts across our service territory to improve system reliability, a strategic priority of the Cooperative.
For reference, a fuse cutout in electrical distribution combines a fuse and a switch, and is used on primary overhead feeder lines and taps to protect distribution transformers from surges and overloads.
Photos by Dirk Williams, CVEA Operations Manager
Check out the March edition of this e-Newsletter at cvea.org for a video detailing identification and repair of a blown fuse cutout.
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Right-of-Way Maintenance
Maintaining the right-of-way is crucial to CVEA's mission of delivering reliable electric service to our members. Tree and brush clearing and trimming can help reduce the number and length of outages, especially during severe weather conditions.
We continue to make progress on our Right-of-Way Maintenance Program, working in several areas throughout both service districts through the fall season. If you are interested or have questions related to CVEA's right-of-way maintenance, click the button below.
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Heading into winter each year, inflows at Solomon Gulch stop and the lake level begins to fall as water is used to generate hydroelectricity. During this time, CVEA backs off Solomon Gulch to manage water use and brings the Cogeneration Plant online, using fuel to generate the majority of CVEA's winter requirements. This is called the winter generation season, and it typically runs from October through May.
CVEA urges members to prepare for the winter generation season, when fuel costs and typically higher usage, create higher electric bills. Members can easily see these impacts by reviewing their bill. Separate line items denote the amount each individual member is charged for generation, transmission, and fuel costs associated with their electric usage. Current and past bills can be viewed by using SmartHub.
CVEA also encourages members to take control of their power bill by becoming more efficient with their energy usage. Often, a substantially higher winter bill is not only caused by additional fuel costs, but increased usage during the coldest, darkest time of the year. Many often think rates have increased, when in fact, rates stayed the same and it was higher usage that caused the bill to increase. You can view historical rates on the website.
Finally, take advantage of CVEA's energy calculator. The energy calculator can help members determine which commonly used appliances and household items have the greatest impact on their power bill, creating awareness and fostering smart changes. Preparing a home for winter is the first line of defense against high energy consumption during winter months.
Visit cvea.org for ways to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly bills. If you have questions about the winter generation season or your bill, click the button below.
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The Power of Emergency Preparation | |
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With severe weather events occurring more frequently, now more than ever, it makes sense to be prepared. During a prolonged power outage or other emergency, this means having enough food, water, and supplies to last.
In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, we want to remind community members about the power of preparation.
While you do not have to achieve a "doomsday prepper" level of preparedness, there are several practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.
Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and lessen the impact of an emergency event. We recommend starting with the basics.
Click the read more button below to learn the basics and tips for preparing your vulnerable and four-legged family members.
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Energy Efficiency and Safety Tips | |
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Check Heating System Checkup Off Your List
Fall is the perfect time to schedule maintenance for your heating system. Completing easy maintenance tasks, like changing a filter, or necessary updates and repairs before winter weather blows in will give you peace of mind and ensure your family will be comfortable as the thermostat drops.
Many people can manage some tasks on their own, but others may want a qualified technician who will clean filters, check for leaks, and make sure your system is in tip-top shape.
See all the benefits you can enjoy from inspecting and servicing your heating system annually:
- Keeps your family warm in the winter
- Avoids unnecessary increases in your electric bill
- Prevents unexpected breakdowns during the coldest time of year
- Maintains healthy air quality inside your home
- Prevents leaks, ensuring the safety of your home
- Prolongs system lifespan - saving you money on more costly repairs or replacement
- Helps maintain your system warranty
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Keeping Our Littlest
Co-op Members Safe
September is National Baby Safety Month. Take this opportunity to ensure the safest environment possible for your little ones.
Keep them safe by prioritizing electrical safety around the home. Here are a few tips:
- Childproof electrical outlets with covers or caps
- Unplug electrical devices when they are not in use and secure loose cords
- Cover power strips or place them in an area that little ones cannot reach
- Regularly check electrical cords for damage or exposed wires
- Keep electrical items a safe distance from any water sources
- Secure heavy electronics like TVs to prevent them from being pulled down or knocked over
- Keep electrical cords away high-traffic areas in the home
- When they are old enough, teach children about the importance of electrical safety
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We Want Your Feedback And Ideas! | |
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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.
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Member Comments and Questions | |
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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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CVEA has excellent opportunities for qualified applicants. View current job opportunities posted on the CVEA website. | |
- September I The September Board Meeting is canceled
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September 15 I Construction Season Paperwork/Payment Deadline
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October 10 I 10 a.m. I CVEA October Board Meeting - Glennallen
- October 12 I 10-2 p.m. I Co-op Month Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch - Valdez, CVEA parking lot
- October 19 I 10-2 p.m. I Co-op Month Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch - Glennallen, CVEA parking lot
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November 21 I 10 a.m. I CVEA November Board Meeting - Valdez
- November 28 I Thanksgiving Holiday - CVEA Offices Closed
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Construction Deadline - September 15 | |
When summer comes to an end, so will CVEA's construction season. If you are planning new construction or a service upgrade before the end of the season, don't wait. All paperwork must be submitted and payment made prior to September 15 in order to be considered for the current construction season. Please submit your request as soon as possible to construction@cvea.org. Visit the construction page, by clicking the button below, for information and a general summary of the process. | |
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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
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Stay up to date on our Facebook page or visit us at cvea.org | |
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Copyright © 2023 Copper Valley Electric Association, All rights reserved.
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