Behind the Switch

E-Newsletter

June 11, 2026

Cover Photo:

Journeyman Lineman Justin Moncrief &

Valdez Line Foreman Tim Stradinger

$28,363 Available for Local Nonprofits

2026 CVEA Community Foundation Nonprofit Contribution Season Opens June 15


Eligibility at a glance:

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


Application deadline is August 20.


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.

CEO Matthews Legislative Summary

CEO Matthews Advocates for CVEA in Washington D.C.

CEO Matthews recently travelled to Washington D.C. to attend the Alaska Power Association (APA) Federal Legislative Conference.


This was an opportunity to work towards one of our cooperative's strategic goals of advocating for our Members by hitting the highlights about the regulation and cost struggles of providing power to rural Alaska.


Click the link below to read the full legislative overview.

Analysis of a Potential Transmission Interconnection

Member Advocacy

One project that has been discussed for many years and was updated in 2020 is the Railbelt Intertie, a proposed 388-mile transmission line that would connect CVEA's grid, as well as other rural communities along the route (Sutton-Glennallen-Tok-Delta), to the Alaska Railbelt system.


Click the link below to read CVEA's full analysis and current stance on this project.

Board of Director Certificate Completions

Congratulations Vice President Delaquito & Director Hess

At this year's Annual Meeting, we were proud to recognize two of our dedicated board members for their outstanding commitment to professional development. Congratulations to Director Andy Hess for successfully completing the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC)! This specialized program provides in-depth education on critical industry and governance issues. It is a meaningful achievement that reflects Director Hess's dedication to serving our members well.


And, a very special congratulations to Vice President Yvette Delaquito for earning her Director Gold Credential - the highest training achievement available to cooperative directors! This prestigious credential recognizes directors who go above and beyond their foundational training to continuously advance their knowledge and strengthen their ability to fulfill their fiduciary duty to CVEA members. Vice President Delaquito's achievement exemplifies a true commitment to staying at the forefront of the energy industry and leading with excellence in our community.


We are grateful to have board members who invest so much time in their growth and in serving our members.

Construction Season | Call 811 Before You Dig

Construction Deadline: September 1, 2026

All construction paperwork and payment needs to be submitted by September 1, 2026, in order to be considered for the current construction season.


Click here for CVEA's construction process.


Additionally, please remember to call 811 BEFORE you dig for line locates.


Hitting a buried power line is a hazard to your safety, the safety of others, and the integrity of utility systems. Any damage done to City of Valdez, electric, telephone, or television underground facilities is the responsibility of the person or company doing the excavation work.

June 2026 Rate Update

June 2026 | Rate Update

The energy charge for residential and small commercial members will increase on the June bill to reflect Tariff changes approved in 2023. This rate adjustment is the fourth in a five-year plan that will transition both rate classes and districts to a unified 11 cents/kWh rate by 2027. Members can expect to see an energy charge of 10.75 cents/kWh in the Copper Basin and 10.50 cents/kWh in Valdez. The impact on the average residential bill is an increase of roughly $2 - $4/month.


Additionally, we have made the transition to summer generation, utilizing 98% hydropower to meet members’ power needs. As a cooperative, fuel costs are passed directly to members based on usage. We strive to provide our members with affordable, reliable power, while focusing on our strategic priorities of maintaining and improving system reliability and reducing dependence on diesel fuel.


This transition will result in a significant reduction of the fuel component on the bill.


Overall, while the scheduled tariff adjustment will slightly increase the energy charge, the substantial reduction in fuel costs is expected to result in a lower total electric bill for most members in June. 


Click here to learn more about the 2023 Tariff changes.

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


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.

Member Tour Registration Opens June 29

Registration Capped at 20 Members

Join us for the CVEA 2026 Member Tour on July 28 and get an up-close look at the infrastructure that powers our communities.


Walk the hydroelectric facilities, view our diesel plants, ask questions with the people who keep our districts running, and hear directly from CVEA leadership.


It is a one-of-a-kind experience you will not want to miss!


Space is limited to 20 members. Registration opens June 29.

CVEA June Board Meeting

All CVEA Members Welcome to Attend

CVEA members are welcome to join us for our June Board Meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Glennallen boardroom.


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


The June 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

Steve Williams

Steve joined CVEA in April 2021 as a Plant Operator Trainee and quickly mastered the role, advancing to a full Plant Operator within a few months. With his strong knowledge, motivation, and leadership skills, he was promoted to Power Generation Manager in February 2023. Steve treats everyone with respect, is well liked, and demonstrates genuine care for his crew—consistently ensuring they are safe, supported, and set up for success. He is a valued contributor at CVEA, and his leadership and commitment positively impact both the Cooperative and our communities.


From Steve:

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me relaxing with my family or planning our next trip somewhere warm. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and exploring anywhere I can get behind the wheel or handlebars of something motorized. I’m also known for constantly searching for my next “expensive toy,” which my wife will tell you drives her crazy. 


From Steve's Supervisor, Chief Operating Officer, Barry Jackman:

What I admire most about Steve is his positive attitude and his commitment to the Cooperative and his team. He’s someone people naturally gravitate toward—well liked, well respected, and able to bring people together. He’s also willing to offer a different perspective, and even when we disagree, he does so in a way that is respectful and constructive.

Summer Essentials


  • Check and repair weatherstripping around doors and windows
    
  • Install a door sweep to exterior doors


  • Unplug your devices and chargers when they are not in use

Electrical Safety Month


  • Use outdoor rated cords when working outside


  • Never run cords through water or puddles


  • Keep connections dry and covered


  • Inspect your cord before every use

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

June 15 | CVEA Community Foundation Nonprofit Contribution Season Applications Open


June 18 | 10:00 a.m. | CVEA June Board Meeting - Glennallen Boardroom


June 29 | CVEA Member Tour Registration Opens


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


July 16 | 8:30 a.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

Stay up to date on our Facebook page or visit us at cvea.org

Facebook  Web

Copyright © 2023 Copper Valley Electric Association, All rights reserved.