Behind the Switch
A Newsletter Edition
August 8, 2024
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CVEA Offers Opportunities for Nonprofits
and Food Vendors at the Co-op Month
Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch
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CVEA is Seeking Nonprofit Organizations Interested in Event FUNdraisers
If you are a local nonprofit organization, help CVEA put the FUN in FUNdraiser this Co-op Month at the Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch events in Valdez October 12, and in Glennallen October 19. The Co-op is looking for nonprofit organizations in each district to help coordinate and staff several pumpkin patch themed fundraisers. Nonprofit groups who participate will earn exposure in the community and PROFITS of course!!
If you are interested or would like more information, email Sharon Scheidt by clicking the button below.
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Food Vendors Needed at the Pumpkin Patch
LOCAL FOOD VENDORS in Valdez and the Copper Basin!! Help us feed the crowds this October at the CVEA Co-op Month Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch events in Valdez October 12, and in Glennallen October 19! CVEA is looking for local food vendors in each district to provide sweet and savory treats.
What's in it for you? Large, hungry crowds = great sales opportunities!
If you are interested or would like more information, email Sharon Scheidt by clicking the button below.
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Solomon Gulch Relicensing - Recreation Survey | |
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CVEA is conducting a Recreation Study as part of the relicensing of the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Project. If you have participated in any recreational activities, during any season, at the John Hunter Memorial Trail, please complete the brief survey by clicking the button below.
The survey deadline is September 2, 2024. For additional information regarding the survey or relicensing, check out the project reports section at cvea.org.
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Above image features Colin, a representative from FERC, hanging a sign at Solomon Lake notifying passers-by of the recreation survey | |
August 24 is National Hydropower Day | | |
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Saturday, August 24, is National Hydropower Day! This is a great opportunity for electric utilities and their members across the nation to celebrate the undeniable contributions that #hydropower provides.
CVEA is proud to have two hydroelectric projects - Solomon Gulch and Allison Creek - that supply over 60 percent of our annual generation needs.
This is good news for members as our hydropower provides clean, renewable, sustainable, affordable power, and it will continue for generations to come.
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CVEA Community Foundation
Idaho Youth Rally
A Trip to Remember For CVEA Students
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Each spring, the CVEA Community Foundation offers two high school students (one in each district) a youth leadership scholarship, in partnership with the Alaska Power Association, to attend the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association (ICUA) Youth Rally. This is much more than another summer camp for teens - this is a leadership program, with an emphasis on educating high schoolers on the electric industry and the important role cooperatives play in rural communities.
Video and article by Sarah Jorgenson-Owen | | |
Weighing Energy Alternatives | |
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Members often ask why CVEA does not incorporate a wide variety of alternative or renewable resources, such as wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, and tidal energy, into its generation portfolio. Some ask if we have evaluated these resources and are keeping abreast of new opportunities.
For many years, the Co-op had a vision "to reduce or eliminate our dependence on fossil fuel for generation." With that vision in mind, the Cooperative reviewed many possible alternative energy solutions. Those not selected for in-depth analysis were determined to be low priorities based on their potential benefit to our members at the time.
In 2021, our vision was updated with a strategic plan. One of the plan's key goals, and CVEA's highest priority today, is to "find a low-cost winter energy solution".
Our dedicated team of professionals continually monitors technological advancements. If a generation resource cannot contribute to this primary goal, it is not considered. Conversely, if a viable alternative has the potential to advance this goal, CVEA thoroughly investigates it.
For information on historical efforts related to alternative generation resources, please visit the projects section at cvea.org by clicking the button below.
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2024 Cogeneration Plant Overhaul Project | |
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View project photos in the slideshow above. Photos by CVEA Valdez Plant Operators
During the summer, hydropower serves as the Cooperative's primary energy source. However, from November through May, the Cogeneration Plant (Cogen) becomes the backbone of our power generation, providing the majority of electricity to our members. The Cogen contributes approximately 25 percent of CVEA's annual energy needs and is a vital part of our generation portfolio. Besides generating power, the Cogen also supplies heat to the Petro Star Refinery in Valdez. Eighty percent of the revenue from the heat sales is returned to our members as a credit on their bills, helping to offset the high cost of fuel.
To ensure the Cogen operates efficiently and reliably, a complete overhaul is required every seven years or after 30-35,000 hours of operation. Neglecting this overhaul could lead to reduced efficiency, decreased reliability, and increased downtime and maintenance costs.
The Cogen Overhaul Project, with a budget of $1.5 million, was completed in July 2024. A highly trained group of engine specialists from Solar, along with a team of CVEA plant operators, executed the project. They replaced the existing cogeneration engine and reduction gearbox with rebuilt, like-new equipment. Despite challenges with scheduling, shipping, and receiving, the project was completed in less than the planned four days.
Kyle Anderson, Hydro Chief Plant Operator, praised the effort: "This project went very well with the support of Solar's technicians. CVEA's senior operator, Ryan Compehos, along with newer employees Lee Burke and Cody McCann, took charge of the project and required minimal assistance. It was a group effort that displayed great attention to detail and unmatched workplace professionalism."
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Want to win a
$50 CVEA Energy Credit?
Answer our August
digital newsletter poll
by 6 p.m., August 12.
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| It is Back-to-School! What is your favorite BTS memory? | | | Congratulations to Kent Runion, the winner of CVEA's July e-Newsletter poll. | |  |
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CVEA Employee Spotlight
Joyanna Hoffman
| Meet Joyanna, who has been a part of the CVEA Team for 9 years! Joyanna started as the Customer Service Representative in 2015 and is now the Customer Service Supervisor. Joyanna is a dedicated employee who makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome - from employees to members. She always shows up with a smile on her face and is willing to pitch in wherever and whenever needed. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at her family cabin. Thanks for all you do Joyanna! | | |
Hydropower Regulatory and Compliance Visits | |
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Recently, members of CVEA's regulatory/compliance and generation teams supported Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) representatives during annual dam safety inspections at the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Project. The visit included a comprehensive review and inspection of the monitoring program, equipment, and all project features. These inspections, along with many others, are mandated by FERC as part of CVEA's hydroelectric project licenses.
Additionally, a consultant conducted inspections of the Allison Creek and new Solomon Gulch substations. While not required by FERC, these inspections are essential for regulatory compliance.
Photos by Coreen Palacios, CVEA Regulatory and Compliance Specialist
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As Summer Winds Down, So Will Construction | | |
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When summer comes to an end, so will CVEA's construction season. If you are planning new construction or a service upgrade before the end of the season, don't wait. All paperwork must be submitted and payment made prior to September 15 in order to be considered for the current construction season. Please submit your request as soon as possible to construction@cvea.org. Visit the construction page, by clicking the button below, for information and a general summary of the process. | |
Unplug During Family Fun Month | |
Back-to-School Energy Efficiency and Safety Tips For College Kids | |
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Dorm Habits That Save Energy
As students stack boxes and bedding in their cars to head to the dorms this semester, help them pack a little energy efficiency too. One study suggests that 30 percent of the average dorm room's electrical energy is consumed when no one is in the room! That's due to appliances and devices plugged in and drawing power from outlets even when turned off or idle. It's best to unplug devices completely when you are not using them! See below for other tips to help students save energy:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower on cold winter days; wear a sweater or wrap up in a blanket while doing homework - never leave your windows open when the heat is running
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Game consoles can be huge energy drainers if constantly left on or used to stream videos; try using a streaming device or apps already on your TV, these require one-fifteenth of the energy
- Reduce your hot water usage; take shorter showers and only wash full loads of laundry
For more energy-saving tips, click the button below.
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Tips for Staying Safe in Your College Dorm
Today's college student uses many electronics for school, work, and play. When used improperly, these gadgets can become electric hazards. If you or a loved one is heading off to college, Safe Electricity has the following tips to prevent electric accidents and fires.
- Dorm rooms may not have enough outlets to plug in all your gadgets at once; extension cords should be temporary and unplugged when not in use
- Consider purchasing power strips with an over-current protector
- Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps; do not exceed 60 watts
- Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths
- Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away from bedding, curtains, and other flammable material
- Discard or repair damaged electronics; it may be tempting to use but they can shock or electrocute students
- If your lights flicker, electronics shut off, or circuits trip - notify campus staff
- Watch out for overheated outlets; if an electrical outlet becomes so hot you cannot leave your hand on it, there is potential for a fire and you must unplug everything and notify dorm officials ASAP
College students should also know escape and meeting plans in case of fire. For more electric safety tips, click the button below.
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August is Back-to-School Safety Month
It is back-to-school time and we are encouraging all members to make safety a priority.
Whether you drive your children to school or they ride their bicycles, walk or take the bus, it is important to be safe. Here are tips from the National Safety Council to ensure your child travels safely. Stay safe and have a great school year!
Bike Riders
- Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic and in a single file.
- Come to a complete stop before crossing the street.
- Walk bikes across the street.
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
Walkers
- Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available.
- When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
- Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right, and left again, to see if cars are coming.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
Bus Riders
- Stand 6 feet, or three giant steps, away from the curb.
- If you must cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the side of the road until you are 10 feet ahead of the bus. The child and bus driver should always be able to see each other.
Driving Your Child to School
- Obey school-zone speed limits.
- Follow your school's drop-off procedure.
- Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street.
- Never pass a bus loading or unloading children.
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We Want Your Feedback And Ideas! | |
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Have Feedback on the e-Newsletter or Ideas For Articles?
CVEA's goal is to meet your communication needs. If you have feedback or topics you would like to see included in a future issue of Behind the Switch - A Newsletter Edition, send us an email by clicking the button below. We will review thoughts and ideas and do our best to make adjustments and include member suggestions throughout the year.
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Member Comments and Questions | |
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Copper Valley Electric wants to know what members have to say, and our team is on hand to answer questions you may have.
If you have comments or questions on any CVEA topic, email Customer Service by clicking the link below.
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CVEA has excellent opportunities for qualified applicants. View current job opportunities posted on the CVEA website. | |
- August 12 I CVEA Safety Day I CVEA offices closed for training; Glennallen closure 9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., Valdez closure 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
- August 13 I 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. I CVEA 2024 Member Tour (Registration Closed)
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August 15 I 10 a.m. I CVEA August Board Meeting - Glennallen
- August 24 I National Hydropower Day
- September 2 I Labor Day I CVEA Offices Closed
- September 2 I Solomon Gulch Hydro Relicensing Recreation Survey Deadline
- September 15 I Construction Season Paperwork/Payment Deadline
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Copper Valley Electric Association | info@cvea.org | 907-822-3211 | www.cvea.org
Mile 187 Glenn Highway, PO Box 45, Glennallen, AK 99588
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Stay up to date on our Facebook page or visit us at cvea.org | |
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Copyright © 2023 Copper Valley Electric Association, All rights reserved.
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