Matanuska Electric goes on taproom tour as members absorb rising rates and a looming gas cliff

Matanuska Electric Association is sending CEO Tony Izzo out to meet members over beers this month — a round of informal "Taproom Tuesdays" that comes as those same members are absorbing a rate increase and facing years more of them.

The three meetups at at Aug. 18 at Odd Man Rush Brewing, Aug. 25 at Bleeding Heart Brewery, and Sept. 1 at Bearpaw River Brewing.

MEA says Izzo will field questions on "current initiatives, future energy plans, and the challenges and opportunities facing your cooperative."

There's plenty for members to ask about. The fuel-and-power surcharge on MEA bills jumped this quarter — adding about $14.53 a month to a typical residential bill — even as the board held base rates flat. And the co-op has told members to brace for more: in materials filed with the state, MEA said total bills are likely to rise roughly 5% a year for three years. The bigger uncertainty comes after that, when its natural gas contract with Hilcorp expires in 2029; MEA has projected that importing LNG to replace that gas could add another $21 to $31 to a typical monthly bill.

Members can also attend MEA's board of directors meeting Aug. 10.