Clarification needed on MEA’s renewable energy claims

This is an open letter to Matanuska Electric Association management to ask for some clarification and transparency with regard to MEA’s fall 2025 filing with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska that the member-owned utility can’t integrate additional non-firm renewable generation — like wind or solar — into its system. I have been unable to find any information related to this decision on any MEA media platforms.

According to an Anchorage Daily News opinion piece in December that brought this critical filing to light, MEA told the RCA that “past studies” show its system has no remaining capacity to accept additional non-firm renewable generation, including run-of-river hydro, wind, or solar, unless that generation is backed by non-interruptible power. The statement implies that new community solar projects, or even additional member-owned renewable generation, would not be allowed on its system, and seemed at odds with the purpose of the statewide RCA docket, which was intended to examine community energy and community solar programs.

The statement also seems incongruent with projects already in play at MEA, which include the addition of 10 megawatts of solar since 2019, or the fact that other Railbelt utilities continue to expand their renewables portfolios. Yes, wind and solar projects require upfront investment, but so does the infrastructure and long-term debt currently planned to import natural gas. Wind and solar don’t require a fuel source.

The looming Cook Inlet gas supply shortage is real, even with positive news of late in MEA’s latest gas contract extension to March 2029. It seems shortsighted, however, to dismiss any new form of generation, irregardless of the current federal focus away from renewable energy. Renewable kilowatt-hours mean less natural gas consumed, gas that could be saved for peak demand and home heating.

Furthermore, in the utility’s 2024 Annual Member Survey, more than 65% of respondents showed their support for adding renewable generation.

As a regulated cooperative, MEA has a responsibility to be transparent with member-owners and fully explain the studies and conclusions that have led to this surprising decision. I look forward to hearing from them.

Steven Merritt

Palmer