MEA sets three brewery Q&A sessions with CEO Tony Izzo

Matanuska Electric Association members can question CEO Tony Izzo about the cooperative's energy plans and challenges at three brewery meetups running from mid-August into September.

MEA's notice invites members to "Join CEO Tony Izzo for Taproom Tuesdays in August," with sessions running 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 at Odd Man Rush Brewing in Eagle River, plus two more at Bleeding Heart Brewery in Palmer on Aug. 25 and Bearpaw River Brewing Company in Wasilla on Sept. 1. The cooperative says the sessions will cover "current initiatives, future energy plans, and the challenges and opportunities facing your cooperative," with Izzo answering questions during an informal Q&A.

The meetups follow a rate increase members are already paying. MEA's Cost of Power Adjustment rose from $0.07879 to $0.10195 per kilowatt-hour for the third quarter, adding about $14.53 a month for a typical residential member using 623 kilowatt-hours. The board approved no change to base rates. In materials filed with the Alaska State Legislature, MEA told members to expect total bills to rise roughly 5% a year for three years, with its Hilcorp gas contract expiring April 1, 2029. Beyond that date, MEA has projected LNG imports could add another $21 to $31 to a typical monthly bill.

MEA also invites members to its Aug. 10 Board of Directors meeting.