Behind the Switch E-Newsletter


July 9, 2026


Cover Photo:

2025 Member Tour - Chief Plant Operator, Kyle Anderson

Registration is Open for the CVEA Member Tour

Join us on July 28 for the Member Tour!

Get an up-close look at the infrastructure that powers our communities! The Member Tour includes the following stops:


  • Don Smith Substation
  • Valdez Diesel Plant
  • PetroStar Cogeneration Plant
  • Solomon Gulch
  • Solomon Dam
  • Allison Creek Powerhouse
  • Allison Creek Hydroelectric Plant


Space is limited to 20 members, so don't wait. Register today by clicking the link below!

2026 CVEA Board Officers

History of CVEA & CVT

Read About The History of CVEA & CVT

Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) and Copper Valley Telecom (CVT) are both member-owned cooperatives that serve the rural comunities of the Valdez and Copper Basin districts.


Today, in 2026, CVEA and CVT are two separate cooperatives with separate services, staff, and mission statements; however, these two organizations originally worked together under one umbrella.


Learn more by clicking the link below!

Nonprofit Contribution Season Committee

Be part of the CVEA Community Foundation

The Co-op is looking for members to serve on the 2026 Nonprofit Contribution Season Committee.


The committee plays a meaningful role in our community by helping decide which local nonprofits receive funding through the CVEA Community Foundation for the 2026 Nonprofit Contribution Season.


It is a great way to give back and have a direct impact on the organizations that matter most in our communities!

Apply for Nonprofit Contribution Season Funding

2026 Nonprofit Contribution Season

$28,363 is available for local nonprofit organizations to apply for!


Eligibility at a glance:

  • Nonprofit organization
  • Educational, scientific, or charitable mission
  • Beneficial to CVEA's member service area


Application Deadline: August 20, 2026


Questions? Reach out to Marketing & Communications Specialist, Kirsten Hart, at khart@cvea.org


*The CVEA 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.

Updated Office Hours

CVEA Office Hours | 7:00a.m. - 5:30p.m.

As of July 1, office hours at both of our district offices have been updated to 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. , Monday - Thursday.


This change was approved by our Board of Directors at the June Board Meeting and is reflected in the updated Tariff.

Right-of-Way (ROW) Clearing

Summer Overview

CVEA began our right-of-way clearing on June 1 and will work until August 30. The following locations will be part of this summer’s clearing:


• Richardson Highway: Mile 66 - 82

• South Edgerton Highway: Mile 0 - 4

• Valdez Transmission Line: Mile 23 - 35

• Richardson Highway: Mile 126 - 128

• Dayville Road


Crews will be clearing within 10 - 30 feet of the lines and will be trimming from ground to sky. Please clear right-of-way paths of personal items and be mindful of crews and equipment in the area.


Maintaining rights-of-way is an investment in maintaining and improving system reliability, a strategic priority of CVEA. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our system reliable.

Capital Credits

Check The List

As a member-owned cooperative, CVEA returns profits back to you in the form of capital credits. Some of those credits are still unclaimed, which means there may be money out there with your name on it.


If you have ever been a CVEA member, past or present, it's worth checking to see if you have unclaimed capital credits waiting.


Questions? Contact Customer Service at customerservice@cvea.org or call 907-822-3211.

CVEA July Board Meeting

All CVEA Members Welcome to Attend

CVEA members are welcome to join us for our July Board Meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.. in the Valdez boardroom.


For electronic attendance, please contact Sara Horvath by 6 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting.


The July Board Meeting agenda will be loaded to the CVEA website seven (7) days prior to the meeting.


If you have any questions or are interested in attending the meeting in person or electronically, please contact Sara Horvath at shorvath@cvea.org or 907-822-8342.

CVEA Employee Spotlight

Zena Disney

Zena joined CVEA in 2006 as an Engineering Assistant and transitioned to the Generation Administrator role in 2010. She serves as the organizational backbone of the Generation Department and is the person turned to when tasks need to be completed quickly and efficiently. Her positive attitude, willingness to help, and dedication to supporting her coworkers make her an invaluable member of the team, and her contributions are greatly appreciated.


From Zena:

I was born and raised in Alaska and lived in several places, but I have called Valdez home for the last 26 years with my husband, Donald raising our 6 children Daile, James, Emory, Isaac, Spencer, and Jace in addition to various pets. I have been fortunate to work for Copper Valley Electric’s Generation Department for the past 20 years. When I am not at work I love spending time with my family out fishing, camping, and berry picking. I’ve enjoyed cheering on all my children in all the sports and other school activities they have participated in over the many school years. Another favorite past time of mine is cooking new and different recipes. During my quieter days I enjoy watching endless episodes of Dateline which has me interested in volunteering time to organizations that help with solving cold cases in my retired years. 


From Zena's Supervisor, Power Generation Manager, Steve Williams:

Zena is often the person who keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes. Her hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting the department allow the rest of us to focus on our operational responsibilities. She is dependable, detail-oriented, and can always lighten the mood with some well-timed sarcasm when it's needed most. Zena consistently keeps things organized and follows through on her commitments. I truly enjoy having her on my team and appreciate everything she does to support the department. I look forward to working with her for many years to come.

National Grilling Month


  • Choose your fuel wisely - electric grills and induction cooktops are more energy efficient than you might think
    
  • Batch cook on the grill - cook extra chicken, veggies, or kabobs to take care of lunches for the week


  • Choose the right sized grill for the job - a massive grill for two burgers is like running your oven to heat a single roll

Summer is Here


  • Do not overload outdoor outlets - spread the load and use outlets rated for outdoor use


  • Inspect extension cords before use - a damaged cord is a hazard


  • Keep electrical units away from water - water and electricity are a dangerous combination


  • Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space including garages

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.

Career Opportunities

Powering Homes, Empowering Lives

CVEA has excellent opportunities for qualified applicants. View current job opportunities posted on the CVEA website.

Important Dates

July 15 | 10:00 a.m. | CVEA Executive Session - Strategic Planning


July 16 | 8:30 a.m. | CVEA Executive Session - Strategic Planning


July 16 | 1:00 p.m. | CVEA July Board Meeting - Valdez Boardroom


July 28 | CVEA Member Tour


August 20 | 10:00 a.m. | CVEA August Board Meeting - Glennallen Boardroom


August 20 | CVEA Community Foundation Nonprofit Contribution Season Applications Close

Copper Valley Electric Association | customerservice@cvea.org |

907-822-3211 | www.cvea.org

Mile 187 Glenn Highway, PO Box 45, Glennallen, AK 99588

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