Clay Koplin will lead Matanuska Electric starting in January

The utility that powers the Mat-Su is changing hands in January, and it is handing them to a man who has spent two decades running one of the smallest and most isolated electric systems in Alaska.

Clay Koplin, chief executive of Cordova Electric Cooperative for nearly 20 years, takes over Matanuska Electric Association on Jan. 7. He succeeds Tony Izzo, who is retiring after more than 45 years in gas and electric utilities.

Izzo has spent a good part of his final stretch on Cook Inlet gas. At a joint press conference with Anchorage and Mat-Su officials, he said: "For the first time in my career, I cannot go to my customers or members and guarantee reliable power during periods of normal operation."

That problem does not retire with him. Izzo will keep advising MEA on gas supply and other strategic questions into the new year, after Koplin is already in the chair.

Koplin is an electrical engineer with an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. MEA cited his experience with Alaska electric systems, utility management and hydroelectric projects. He chairs the Alaska Energy Authority board, where Izzo also sits.

"Clay brings a unique and valuable combination of technical expertise, proven leadership experience, strong relationships and an innovative approach to problem solving," said Arthur Keyes, president of MEA's board.

Izzo came to MEA in 2012 after leading ENSTAR Natural Gas, and became chief executive in 2016. The board says the two will work together through the handoff.

MEA serves roughly 58,000 members through 73,000 meters across Southcentral Alaska.