Behind the Switch

E-Newsletter

March 12, 2026

Cover Photo: Electricity in Schools Program - Glennallen Middle School

2026 Meet the Candidates: Board of Directors

Board of Directors Candidates - Jeff Saxe & Janice Maslen

Each director candidate was asked to answer the following three questions:


  1. What knowledge, skills, and experience will you bring to CVEA's Board of Directors?
    
  2. What do you feel are the Co-op's biggest challenges in the next five years, and what will you contribute to overcoming these challenges?
    
  3. If elected as a CVEA director, how will you balance the desire to keep rates low with the need to complete expensive maintenance projects necessary to ensure system reliability?


Click the link below to hear how each candidate answered!

VOTE for your CVEA Board of Directors!

Be part of your Cooperative!

Our upcoming Board of Directors election is your opportunity to help guide the future of your Cooperative. We encourage all eligible members to participate and make their vote count.


Plus, all ballots properly signed and received by the deadline will be entered to win a $100 energy credit!


Per CVEA Bylaws, a minimum of 10 percent of the district membership must return their ballots to constitute a valid election. For this reason, even if there is only one candidate in each seat, we still need you to VOTE!


  • Ballots will be mailed by March 26, 2026
  • Ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on April 28, 2026

Annual Meeting Catering Services Needed

Catering Proposals Due March 30

CVEA is seeking catering services for our upcoming Annual Meeting in Valdez and Glennallen.


We invite local vendors to submit proposals to provide grab-and-go catering for these community events. If your business is interested, we'd love to hear from you.


Proposals are due via email to Morgan Melton at mmelton@cvea.org on Monday, March 30 at 6 p.m.

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Meeting

2026 Annual Meeting of Members

Valdez - Tuesday, May 5, 2026

  • Valdez Civic Center
  • Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
  • Business meeting begins at 6 p.m.


Glennallen - Thursday, May 7, 2026

  • Glennallen Community Center
  • Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.
  • Business meeting begins at 6 p.m.


Come learn more about your electric cooperative and enjoy dinner, door prizes, and member gifts!

Legislative Advocacy

Alaska Power Association - 2026 Legislative Conference

CVEA's Vice President Yvette Delaquito, Treasurer Jan Maslen, Director Catherine Vereline, Chief Operating Officer Barry Jackman, and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Matthews attended the Alaska Power Association 2026 State Legislative Conference in Juneau from February 3-5.


Read the article below to learn more about how the CVEA team advocated for our members by discussing the biggest issues CVEA is facing such as regulatory burdens, high fuel costs, and aging infrastructure with our legislators.

CVEA March Board Meeting

All CVEA Members Welcome to Attend

CVEA members are welcome to join us for our March Board Meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 12 p.m. in the Valdez boardroom.


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


Questions? Contact Sara Horvath at shorvath@cvea.org or 907-822-3211.

Electricity in Schools Overview

Community Engagement - Core Cooperative Principle


Annually, CVEA collaborates with Gilson Middle School and Glennallen Middle School to give an Electricity in Schools Program to our local youth.


CEO Jaime Matthews and Operator Matt Craig give a presentation about:

  • How electricity travels from CVEA facilities to our homes
  • What makes an electric cooperative unique
  • Cooperative careers
  • Electrical safety


After the classroom presentation, Valdez students take a tour of the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Plant and Glennallen students take a tour of the Glennallen Diesel Plant.


A big thank you to Chief Hydro Plant Operator Kyle Anderson and Chief Diesel Plant Operator Jason Shiell and their teams for giving a fun, engaging tour to our local youth!

CVEA Employee Spotlight

Ryan Compehos

Ryan joined our team in 2008 as a Plant Operator and has become one of the most knowledgeable members of our staff. As our most experienced senior Operator, he is consistently the go-to resource for system and equipment troubleshooting.


From Ryan:

Outside of work, my biggest priority is spending time with my fiancé Natalie, my kids Kalen, Rylee, Lola, and Brynn, and my five grandbabies, Nevaeh, Koah, Augie, MJ, and McCoy. Family means everything to me, and any chance I get to be around them, I'm all in. Whether we're just relaxing together or out doing something fun, that's what I enjoy the most.


In the winter, you'll usually find me snowboarding. I love being up in the mountains and staying active. In the summer, I switch gears to golf and try to spend as much time on the course as I can. I like to stay busy and make the most of my free time. For me, it's all about balance - working hard, being there for my family, and enjoying the hobbies that keep me active and competitive.


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

Ryan's experience, his ability to remain calm under pressure, and his willingness to teach those around him make him a key member of our team and a lasting asset to CVEA. As one of only two industrial electricians on staff, he consistently uses his skills to create a safer, more efficient, and more reliable work environment. Ryan is an absolute pleasure to work with and support.

Energy Efficiency Wins


  • Unplug the energy vampires: Chargers, coffee makers, and electronics still draw power when not in use; power strips make this super easy


  • Use your curtains strategically: Open them on sunny winter days for free heat, close them at night to keep the warmth in

Ladder Safety


  • Keep ladders far from power lines: Always look up and maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from overhead lines
    
  • Maintain three points of contact: Two hands and one foot - or two feet and one hand - at all times
    
  • Don't overreach: Keep your belt buckle between the rails. Climb down and reposition instead

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

March 18 I 6 p.m. I Updated CVEA Signature Cards Due


March 19 | 12 p.m. | CVEA March Board Meeting - Valdez Boardroom


April 28 | 5 p.m. | Board of Directors Ballots Due


May 5 | 5:30 p.m. | CVEA Annual Meeting - Valdez Civic Center


May 7 | 5:30 p.m. | CVEA Annual Meeting - Glennallen Community Center

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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