MEA's Round Up Program asks for opt out customers

Matanuska Electric Association customers recently received information on a decision made by voters at the last MEA annual meeting.

MEA has started a round UP program.  Customers bills will be rounded up to the nearest dollar and the 50 cents or less will be given to charities in the valley that apply for the program.

Customers will automatically be part of the round up program unless they contact MEA and tell them they DON’T want to be part of the program.

MEA put the item on the latest ballot.  That item might have been the most controversial vote, but members voted 2 to1 for the round up program.  Normally, only 9 to 12 percent of MEA members vote in the annual election and this year was no different.  Close to 5,800 people voted in this year’s election — about 10% of the total customers. There were a few bylaw changes on the ballot as well as the Round UP program.  The election was held on April 26^th this year.

A Charitable Board of Directors will meet each month and decide on which non-profit the funds from the round up program will be dedicated.  Non profits can apply to be part of the program and be eligible to receive funds.  MEA estimates about $170,000 each year will be given to non profits as part of the Round Up program.

NOTE TO RESPONDERS – this is a news story about MEA’s decision. KTNA Community Radio has nothing to do with the MEA opt out program.