Behind the Switch
A Newsletter Edition
November 13, 2025
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Upcoming Winter Rate Increase |
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Upcoming - Winter Rate Increase
CVEA reminds members that winter generation, or using fuel as the primary resource for power generation has begun.
Higher fuel usage for generating electricity will result in a cost per kWh increase. This is typical as we enter winter generation.
As a result of this increase, and potentially higher usage due to darkness and cold weather, members should anticipate higher bills starting now and lasting through the winter months. Click here to view energy efficiency tips to help keep costs down this winter.
As a reminder, fuel costs are a direct pass-through to the member based on their usage.
For specific questions regarding rates, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@cvea.org.
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Pole Placement Via Helicopter - Dayville Road |
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Dayville Road Pole Replacement Project
On Saturday, October 25, the CVEA line crew worked with contractors to be part of flying a 55-foot long utility pole - weighing 3,500 pounds - in the Dayville Road Pole Replacement Project.
The helicopter lowered the pole directly into a pre-drilled hole where CVEA line crew and contractors were waiting to secure the pole. This pole is part of a multi phase, multi year project to replace infrastructure that was 45 years old and beyond the end of its service life.
This pole is part of the main feeder line that delivers electricity from the Solomon Gulch and Allison Creek Hydroelectric Plants, and Cogeneration Plant to power downtown Valdez.
This project is part of the Cooperative's continued commitment to improving system reliability so we can continue to provide reliable power to our members.
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Community Support Funds Available |
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Donations Available for Local Nonprofit Organizations
CVEA supports local nonprofit organizations the following ways:
- Advertising & Promotional Dollars
- Donations of Equipment & Labor
- Donations of Promotional Items for Giveaways & Fundraisers
- Direct Expenditure of Funds
- Promotion of Volunteer Efforts
Please note, CVEA cannot donate or discount any product or service that is provided to all members via CVEA's Tariff.
The maximum contribution allowed by CVEA is $500.
Our Community Support funds are separate from the donations given through our nonprofit, the Community Foundation (CVEACF). We have limited funds available for the remainder of 2025, so apply today to make sure your nonprofit organization receives Community Support from CVEA.
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Thank You Veterans!
CVEA honors and thanks all Veterans who have bravely sacrificed for our freedoms. We are grateful for your service.
We also want to highlight the CVEA veterans who power our cooperative! We appreciate all that you do!
In the photo above, from left to right:
- Lee Burke - Army
- Erik Brenden - Army
- Dave Coon - Navy
- Wayne McKinzey - Navy
- Nathanael Bengston - Navy
- Mike Haley - Air Force
- Alexander Reed - Army
- Barry Jackman - Army
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Community Foundation Contribution Season |
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Congratulations Local Nonprofit Organizations!
The CVEA Community Foundation is pleased to announce recipients of the Community Foundation’s 2025 nonprofit contributions. In 2025, the Foundation provided over $35,000 in support for these worthwhile organizations, and assisted in funding programs that are impactful for our members and communities.
Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you for all that you do!
The Community Foundation is funded by capital credits that have escheated back to CVEA, investments, a Split-The-Pot fundraiser, and generous donations from CVEA members.
If your organization is educational, scientific, or charitable, keep an eye out for the 2026 CVEA Community Foundation Contribution Season application and apply for funding.
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Erik Brenden
For 28 years, Erik has been our go-to tech hero - solving computer issues, keeping our systems up to date, and making sure our network stays secure with pen testing. Whether it's a glitch, an update, or a mystery error, Erik is always there keeping us connected and productive, making everyone's job a little easier. We appreciate Erik's dedication, expertise, and decades of service that keep everything running smoothly!
From Erik: "Living in the Copper Valley has been a truly rewarding experience. Born and raised here, I've come to appreciate the incredible beauty of the Wrangell Mountains and the strong sense of community. It's the perfect place to raise a family and share life with our beloved dogs."
From Erik's Supervisor, Lisa Howard: "I appreciate Erik's behind-the-scenes efforts that keep our systems up and running. He's always ready to jump in, troubleshoot, and save the day when tech challenges pop up."
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Thanksgiving - CVEA Offices Closed |
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2025 Co-op Month Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch
Thank you for attending the Pumpkin Patches in both districts! It was so much fun to celebrate COMMUNITY with our incredible members!
Check out our record numbers from the 2025 events:
Glennallen:
- Over 400 members attended
- $2,789 raised to support 7 nonprofit organizations
- $1,034 raised for the Copper River Basin Resource Council Food Bank
Valdez:
- Over 1,000 Members Attended
- $4,741 raised to support 7 nonprofit organizations
- $2,581 raised for the Valdez Food Bank
Thank you to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company for matching the entirety of these monetary donations to the local food banks.
Pictured Above: CVEA Valdez Members - Dschaak Family
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2025 Co-op Month Trivia
The CVEA Co-op Month Trivia Contest took place on Facebook from October 21 - 30.
We gave our members 10 questions over 10 days, with each correct answer being an entry into a drawing for a $150 CVEA energy credit.
Over 100 members showed us what they knew and we want to thank everyone for participating in this fun contest.
The winner of the $150 CVEA Energy Credit is: AMANDA LUITEN!
Congratulations, Amanda!
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Beware of Scams!
CVEA will never ask you to offer up personal finance information over the phone. If you have any doubts about your utility bill, stop by the CVEA office to speak to a representative in person or call our Customer Service line directly.
Copper Basin: 907-822-3211 | Valdez: 907-835-4301
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Energy Efficiency and Electric Safety Tips |
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Save Money While You're Traveling!
If you are traveling during the holiday season, remember to set your home to vacation mode.
Lower your thermostats or create an "away" schedule with a smart or programmable thermostat.
OR
Unplug devices that are not in use such as TVs, gaming consoles, toasters, or toothbrush chargers.
Small actions can stack up to energy savings!
Photo courtesy of Dan Carr
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Decorate Safely
This Holiday Season!
Do not let your home be added to the National Fire Protection Association statistic of 860 home fires caused by holiday decorations annually.
Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights together.
Keep all decorations at least 3 feet away from heating equipment or an open flame.
Plug outdoor electrical lights and decorations into circuits protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.
Small actions can make a big difference!
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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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Powering Homes, Empowering Lives
CVEA has excellent opportunities for qualified applicants. View current job opportunities posted on the CVEA website.
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November 20 I 10 a.m. I CVEA November Board Meeting - Valdez
November 27 I Thanksgiving Holiday - CVEA Offices Closed
December 18 | 1 p.m. | CVEA December Board Meeting
December 24 & 25 | Christmas Holidays - 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
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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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