... and We're Hiring!!!
MEA Co-Op Board Elections:
Make your Voice Heard by April 26, 2022
It is important to elect MEA board members who support expanding collaboration along the railbelt, speaking out against wasteful projects such as the Susitna-Watana Dam, and increasing engagement from member-owners like you! MEA plays a large role in the Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC) which is an effort between electric associations from Fairbanks to Homer to share power and innovation ideas.
Energy innovation is great, but projects such as the Susitna-Watana Dam have shown us that we need responsible board members advocating for responsible renewables on the MEA board and the RRC. That is why the Susitna River Coalition has launched a program to engage member-owners of MEA across the 4,500 miles of power-line to get out and vote for good candidates in the MEA board elections every spring.
Important Dates for the 2022 Election:
Ballots and Election information sent to members Mail Boxes.
Tuesday, April 26th @ 6PM
MEA Virtual Annual Membership Meeting:
Members can attend the meeting in person at the Curtis D. Menard Center in Wasilla or participate via Zoom. See the MEA webpage for more information.
Which Seats are up for Election in 2022?
During the 2022 MEA Board Election, an At-Large seat is up for a vote as is the Eagle River seat. All member-owners can vote for the At-Large seat while only member-owners in Eagle River can vote for the Eagle River district seat.
At-Large Seat Candidates
Christian Hartley:
"The electrical systems serving Alaska need to be working together to create a safe, effective, redundant electrical grid that can sustain natural disasters without failing and permit for rapid repair. The system needs to be the same statewide so that in times of crisis or disaster any team of linemen from any utility can come into the service area and assist with repairs seamlessly, in the same way that fire departments provide mutual aid on large emergencies."
Arthur Keyes:
"I am a lifelong Alaskan, farmer, and business owner. I've built my farm with sustainability in mind with everything I do.This mindset carries through to all aspects of my life. I've raised my family here in the valley and want this wonderful place to be somewhere that they will want to come back to and build their lives. Affordable, reliable, safe, and accessible power plays a big role in that happening. That is why I am running."
Eagle River Seat Candidates
Mark Hamm (Incumbent):
"Federal funds should be used to help cover the costs entirely ofprojects that would upgrade the underlying infrastructure toallow additional renewable resources to be added to theRailbelt. For example, the Railbelt needs to have double circuited transmission lines from Homer to Fairbanks. This will cost a significant amount and will be necessary to incentivize additional renewable resources onto the grid."
Paul Parks:
"Alaska energy consumers need reliable, affordable power, notjust for today but forthe future. Energy consumers need the electric utility to be planning new projects, infrastructure upgrades, fuel contracts, and maintenance activities 5-10 years in the future. Unified economic dispatch for the Railbelt’s power generation is the highest priority for consumers in the near term."
Robert (Bob) Seitz:
"Any funds from any source, federal, state or private that is applied to infrastructure of the utility should be based on the results of planning and good engineering to determine the type of infrastructure that would be necessary to allow proper growth of renewable onto the system while maintaining low electrical rates. The infrastructure could be Pumped hydrodams. Generation stations placed along the transmission line which would be used as focal points for Microgrids that can provide sustained power to specific locations during times of disaster."
Lee Cruise:
No SRC questionnaire received
Learn more about the election, and see the full responses to the Susitna River Coalition candidate questionnaire Here.
We're Hiring!! Renewable Energy and Utility Manager
Passionate about Utilities, Renewable Energy, and keeping the Susitna River dam-free? Then you might be the right fit for the SRC's Energy Coordinator Position!
This position works at the community level to communicate the importance of large-hydro alternatives on the legislative and local level to protect the Susitna River Watershed and prevent the Susitna-Watana Hydro project.
The right person will work well both independently and as part of a team, including staff, volunteers and partner organizations across the state. We are looking for someone who is innovative, creative, and passionate about a free-flowing Susitna River and the energy systems at play in the Susitna Watershed.
This position works closely with the Executive Director, Communications Manager, and Board as well as in close coordination with other organizations sharing our vision. The position is based remotely with preference given to candidates living or working in Talkeetna or the Mat-Su.
No More Money Wasted on
West Susitna Access Industrial Corridor
As the legislative session is extended beyond 90 days and we have yet to hear the details Governor's budget... Let's make sure that no more state funding is spent on an AIDEA boondoggle!