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CVEA Celebrates Successful 2026 Annual Meeting of Members

The 2026 Annual Meeting of Members took place on Tuesday, May 5 in Valdez, and on Thursday, May 7, in Glennallen. The meetings were attended by approximately 560 people across both districts. Attendees enjoyed delicious to-go meals from The Potato in Valdez and The Roadside Grill in Glennallen, along with welcome booths celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Allison Creek Hydroelectric Plant, free member gifts, and the opportunity to support the CVEA Community Foundation through a Split-the-Pot drawing.

For the second year in a row, Larry Nutter won the Split-the-Pot in Glennallen, taking home $384. Leo Paddock in Valdez took home $312. Together, the drawing raised $696 for the CVEA Community Foundation. The Community Foundation funds community programs in both districts, including educational scholarships, the Senior Holiday Giving Program, and nonprofit contributions. The 2026 Youth Rally, General Education, and Continuing Education Scholarship recipients were recognized at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Members. Congratulations to Erik Vincent, Hailey Major, Austin Morgan, Scott McCumby, Ava Mitchell, Reese Noble, Kayla Abbott, Monica Bryan, Ashley Hicks, and Timothy Somers.

All members who registered by 6 p.m. received a $10 energy credit on their May bill and were entered to win 75 door prizes donated by CVEA vendors and purchased by CVEA at local businesses in both districts. Our grand prize winners took home “beater” vehicles, which were retired after 15+ years of service with CVEA’s fleet. Congratulations to Dale Mitchell in Valdez who took home a 2011 Ford Expedition and to Stan & Michelle Peterson in Glennallen who took home a 2009 Chevy Silverado.

CEO Jaime Matthews delivered an informative presentation based on the results of the 2025 Member Satisfaction Survey and the Cooperative’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on these five primary goals:

  • Being the Employer of Choice

  • Building Financial Strength

  • Reducing Dependence on Diesel Fuel

  • Maintaining and Improving System Reliability

  • Advocating for Our Members

CEO Matthews spoke about planned retirements, as CVEA has a 20% new workforce this year and saw five employees retire that had a combined 89 years of experience with CVEA. Matthews also addressed electric rates in comparison to other Alaska utilities in the summer and the winter when CVEA is producing power on hydro versus diesel. Matthews also discussed the five-year rate increase plan, of which CVEA is currently in year four. At the conclusion of year five, rates will be levelized between both districts.

CEO Matthews gave an update on the CVEA-Alyeska Intertie Project. Earlier this spring, CVEA successfully exchanged power with all three of Alyeska’s turbines. When this project is operational, it will equate to fuel savings getting passed on to members. Matthews also gave an update on the completion of the Dayville Road and Duck Flats Rebuild projects in Valdez, as well as the completion of Phase 1 of the underground line replacement in the Silver Springs subdivision in the Copper Basin. All three projects were completed in 2025.

CEO Matthews also highlighted CVEA’s continued engagement in legislative advocacy, member communication, and community support efforts. This includes three proposed Tariff changes that are open for public comment until Thursday, May 21, 2026. More information about the proposed Tariff changes can be found here: CVEA Tariff Proposed Changes

Upcoming community engagement opportunities include the following:

  • CVEA Community Foundation Nonprofit Contribution Season – Applications Open June 15

  • CVEA Member Tour – July 28

  • Glennallen Pumpkin Patch – October 10

  • Valdez Pumpkin Patch – October 17

Annual Meeting announcements also included director election results and employee service recognition.

Jeff Saxe was re-elected to the Board of Directors in the Valdez district and Jan Maslen was re-elected to the Board of Directors in the Copper Basin district. Both will serve three-year terms. Sharon Barnhill and Jeanette Sutherland each won a $100 energy credit in the election ballot drawing.

CVEA proudly recognized the following employees for their years of service:

  • Cindy Butherus – Operations Admin – 25 Years

  • Zena Disney – Power Generation Admin – 20 Years

  • Steve Williams – Power Generation Manager – 5 Years

  • Justin Moncrief – Journeyman Lineman – 5 Years

CVEA extends sincere thanks to all members who attended, volunteered, and helped make the 2026 Annual Meeting of Members a success.

For more Annual Meeting highlights, information, and pictures, do not miss the May issue of Behind the Switch – A Newsletter Edition that drops to member emails and www.cvea.org on May 14.

For more information:

Morgan Melton, CCO | mmelton@cvea.org