Navigating utility bills in the Mat-Su

Have you ever opened a utility bill and wondered why the amount went up? Or maybe you've questioned how these companies decide what to charge in the first place? Understanding your utility bills and how rates are set can help you manage your budget and even have a say in what you pay.

Here in the Mat-Su, most of us rely on only a few utilities. We get electricity from Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) or we produce it ourselves. Natural gas comes from ENSTAR. Water and sewer services vary depending on where you live: Wasilla, Palmer, and Talkeetna have community systems, while others rely on private wells and septic tanks. Many of us also pay for trash pickup, internet, and phone service.

Let's start with how utility rates are set. Unlike regular businesses that can charge whatever they want, utilities are usually regulated. This means they have to get approval before changing their rates. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) regulates electric and natural gas companies in our area. This state agency reviews rate changes to make sure they're fair and necessary.

When a utility wants to raise rates, they have to file a request with the RCA. This starts a process that can take several months. The company has to justify why they need more money. Maybe they added infrastructure, or the cost of fuel went up. The RCA then holds public hearings where anyone can share their thoughts about the proposed change. This is where you come in.

As a customer, you have a right to be part of this process. The RCA must announce these hearings in advance, and they're typically advertised in local newspapers and on the RCA website. You can attend these meetings in person or submit written comments. Your input matters: the commissioners consider public feedback when making their decision.

Understanding your bill is important, too. Utility bills can be confusing with various charges, surcharges, and fees. Most bills include a base rate (the minimum amount you pay even if you use no services) and usage charges based on how much you consume. There might also be fees for things like regulatory costs or infrastructure improvements.

If you're struggling to pay your utility bills, help is available. Both MEA and ENSTAR offer budget billing programs that spread costs evenly throughout the year, preventing high winter bills. For those facing financial hardship, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides heating help. You can apply through the Alaska Heating Assistance Program office in Wasilla.

For questions about your specific bills, start by calling your utility company. MEA's customer service number is (907) 761-9300, while you can reach ENSTAR at (907) 376-7979. If you're not satisfied with their response, you can file a complaint with the RCA by calling (907) 276-6222 or visiting their website at rca.alaska.gov.

To learn more about utility regulations, the RCA offers consumer guides on their website. For those interested in broader energy issues, the Alaska Energy Authority holds public meetings and provides information about energy costs across the state.

By understanding how utility rates are set and how to read your bills, you can become a more informed consumer. You might reduce your usage, qualify for assistance programs, or even take part in the rate-setting process.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.