Regulatory Commission of Alaska

Public Comment for TA451-18 by Don Lind

To Whom It May Concern:

I ask the Regulatory Commission to consider lowering the amount of COPA charges on MEA bills.
I have seen an increase of 100% on my bills over the last 6 months. My household uses approximately 1400 kwH per month. Old bills used to only be about $150 a month for the same amount of usage, I now am seeing bills in the $350 range and this is using the minimal amount of power (aside from a hot tub which probably accounts for half of that) that my 2 person households uses. This is especially difficult during the winter months when costs of other utilites are up as well. Many people I know can not afford the additional expense. I understand the need for COPA/WPCRA but as an MEA member, I wish the public were more aware of these proposed changes ahead of time so that they may reject the proposal to allow the new charges. It would be of great relief if MEA would cooperate and listen to the community, the members, when they say they simply can not afford these fees. I propose that MEA only charges COPA fees during the warmer months, ie. May through October. It may take longer for MEA to pay back the loans they received to build the new power plant, but the people will get some relief as well. Additionally, because members are having to tighten their budget, we propose that MEA tightens up their budget as well. Just as the State of Alaska itself is facing budget cuts, MEA should make an effort to recoup a percentage of the costs themselves by tightening up their internal costs, instead of putting the entire burden on its members. 

Thank you for your time,
Kim Allen

Type

Comments

Date Filed

3/11/2015

Tracking Number

TR1501476

Filed By

Don Lind

Entities

Certificate(s)

Means Received

Internet

Related Matters

TA451-18	Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. (New COPA Cost Element - Economy Energy Transactions)

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