Currents, Mohave Electric Cooperative, Fall 2024

MEC

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Community Risk Reduction Safety Fair. PHOTO BY MEC

Fall Events

MEC is gearing up for another busy fall, immersed in several community events Page 5

ALSO INSIDE >>

Harvest Time in Valle Vista Page 14

MEC

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FALL 2024 Volume 1, No. 3

P.O. Box 22530 Bullhead City, AZ 86439 Member Services: 928-763-1100 Outage Reporting Toll free 844-632-2667 or text “outage” to 55050 from the phone number linked to your MEC account.

IN THIS ISSUE MEC Member Photo Contest

Mohave Electric Cooperative would like our members to show their Co-op spirit by participating in our Photo Contest.

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mohaveelectric.com Mohave Electric Cooperative Board of Directors President Joe Anderson Vice President Deborah Johnson Secretary Toni Barbaro Treasurer Rich Tempelman Michael Bartelt Tracy Weisz John Nelssen Kevin Nestrick Jose “Joe” Solar CEO Tyler Carlson MEC Currents is published quarterly, serving 37,946 members, 44,492 meters, with more than 1,571 miles of line spanning areas from Bullhead City to Topock on the west, Hualapai to Burro Creek to the south, and Nelson to the east by providing reliable, cost-effective power.

Subscription Services MEC Currents is published quarterly for members for $2.81 per year by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Nonmember subscriptions are $8.43 (U.S.) per year.

Washington Youth Tour Returns

Mohave Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the continuing sponsorship of the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. Junior students, whose parents or guardians are MEC members, are eligible to apply.

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MEC Currents Advertising Packages Fall Events MEC Member Pet Photo Contest MEC Awards $5,000 In MEC Scholarships Co-op Connections® Business Spotlight Co-op Connections® Card Washington Youth Tour Returns Harvest Time in Valle Vista Employee Spotlight: Annessa Delmont Chef-Boy MEC: New Mexico Green Chile Pozole Kids Korner Community Calendar: September-November Arizona Generation & Transmission Cooperatives News CEO Message

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Postmaster Send address changes to MEC Currents 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100 Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454 Reprint Permission Direct all requests to Public Affairs mecpa@mohaveelectric.com Advertising Inquiries Call 928-763-4115 or email mecpa@mohaveelectric.com

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MEC CURRENTS MAGAZINE ADVERTISING PACKAGES

Purchase a 2025 Annual Advertising Package which includes receiving 1 Free Ad, when you Buy 3 Ads. Must be same size ad in package, same or lesser value.

To place an ad in our Currents Magazine, call 928-763-4115 or email mecpa@mohaveelectric.com

1/4 PAGE COLOR AD

1/2 PAGE COLOR AD

FULL PAGE COLOR AD

ONLY

ONLY

ONLY

$200

$400

INSIDE BACK COVER COLOR AD

$700 ONLY

$1,000

Advertisements that feature products that are competitive with our offerings will not be accepted. Ads that are considered poor taste or unsuitable for a family magazine will not be accepted for this publication. Advertising will be on a first come, first served basis and ad position will be at the discretion of MEC staff.

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MEC Annual Meeting

MEC Member Appreciation

National Night Out

16th Annual Paul Walsh Veterans Day Parade

Fall is where the Fun is Fantastic!

MEC’s 78th Annual Meeting Per the bylaws, Mohave Electric annually holds district meetings for board elections and a large annual meeting to inform members of the co-op’s yearly activities. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Meeting convenes at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 19 at Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse, 3663 Bullhead Parkway, Bullhead City, AZ 86442.

MEC Member Appreciation In recognition of National Cooperative Month, MEC will host Member Appreciation every Thursday throughout the month of October.

Members are invited to drop by our office each week for snacks, refreshments, and spin our fun prize wheel. Every spin is a winner!

National Night Out For more than 20 years, Mohave Electric Cooperative has been proud to partner with the Bullhead City Police and Fire Departments for National Night Out (NNO). National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and encourages neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

Community Risk Reduction Safety Fair Children, parents, and caregivers can visit several Fire and Life Safety booths, including Hands-Only CPR, water safety, and car seat safety. Kids can check out the fire apparatus and try out a firefighter skills obstacle course. MEC’s Hazard Hamlet booth demonstrates to children the importance of electrical safety.

Saturday, October 12 from 9 a.m. – Noon at Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse, 3663 Bullhead Parkway, Bullhead City, AZ 86442.

16th Annual Paul Walsh Veterans Day Parade Every year, MEC honors all active-duty military and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom with a float in the Veterans Day Parade. Look for Old No. 1 decked out in red, white, and blue thanking all of you.

Saturday, November 9 at 10 a.m. at Riverview Mall proceeding down Miracle Mile.

For a full list of community events take a peek at our community calendar on page 19. n

Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. at Bullhead City Police Department parking lot, 255 Marina Boulevard, Bullhead City, AZ 86442 FA L L 2 0 2 4

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PHOTO C

MEC Member

Mohave Electric Cooperative would like our members to show their Co-op spirit by participating in our Photo Contest. Thank you to the dozens of members who submitted photos this last round. There were so many great photos of your pets that we decided to crown a winner for canines, felines, and exotics! Please see below for the winners and the honorable mentions.

Power credits for winners will automatically be added to your member account.

Feline Photo Contest Winner: Joel S. Joel won a $25 power credit for his photo, “Candid Portrait.”

Honorable Mention: Jenny K.

“Gracie assisting with puzzle.”

Canine Photo Contest Winner: Geneva C. Geneva won a $25 power credit for her photo, “Always Save Energy.”

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Honorable Mention: Diane G.

O CONTEST

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on:

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY VILAYAT

Exotic Photo Contest Winner: Debbie P. Debbie won a $25 power credit for her photo. “Bernie adores Arizona Sunsets.”

Honorable Mention: Margaret C. “Fancy White Bearded Dragon Jaco.”

Next Photo Contest Theme

The next photo contest theme is the best Operation Cool Shade tree photo. MEC members may submit a photo to be featured in an upcoming issue of the newly designed quarterly Currents magazine. Submissions may be emailed to mecpa@mohaveelectric.com and must be in high resolution for print in a png or jpeg format. If you have a photo you would like featured, submit today, and you could also win a $25 power credit. Deadline for submission is October 1, 2024. Members are allowed to submit more than one photo.

Email photos to mecpa@mohaveelectric.com MEC’s Energy Services Supervisor Bill Nielson with his Operation Cool Shade tree, a Live Oak.

Disclaimer: Mohave Electric Cooperative reserves all rights. Images submitted that feature products that are competitive with our offerings will not be accepted. Photos that are considered poor taste or unsuitable for a family magazine will not be accepted for this publication. Submission of photograph must be an original image from a Mohave Electric Member. Final acceptance or rejection of any image will be determined by the Public Affairs staff of Mohave Electric Cooperative.

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MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

MEC AWARDS $5,000 IN MEC

TO SUPPORT EDUCATION Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) is proud to announce two student winners for MEC’s 2024 Scholarship Program.

Thanks to MEC’s executive leadership, students in MEC’s service area attending a higher education institution this fall semester were eligible to apply for assistance up to $5,000. Applications were due April 26, 2024, and a panel of judges selected two student winners.

Lee Williams High School graduate, Amelia Brackett, received a $2,500 scholarship as she enters her junior year as an accounting and operations major at Indiana University. Additionally, Kaylee McNally, a recent graduate of River Valley High School, received a $2,500 scholarship for her upcoming studies in biomedical science at Northern Arizona University.

“MEC is proud to continue providing the tools and resources, if and when we can, to students who are furthering their educational goals and who took the time to complete the application for MEC’s scholarship,” said CEO Tyler Carlson. “Congratulations Amelia and Kaylee!”

Carlson envisioned a supplementary, MEC-awarded college scholarship, and put into action an investment fund for member education programs. These funds, are held separately from rates, and are ear-marked for community projects benefitting MEC members. This annual scholarship is in addition to the thousands of dollars provided to Mohave Community College (MCC) to award student scholarships. Education, Training, and Information are part of the seven Cooperative Principles upheld by MEC to support the future of even the youngest of our members. n

MEC CEO Tyler Carlson, along with board members Toni Barbaro, Debbie Johnson, and Michael Bartelt present Amelia Brackett and Kaylee McNally with $2,500 scholarship grants on June 10, 2024. PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE OWENS/MEC

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Co-op Connections Business Spotlight:

Advanced Animal Care

Co-owners Jenn Galvin and Dr. Cartwright with Dr. Guinn and Dr. Hopkins. PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE OWENS/MEC

Pet Families Welcome Advanced Animal Care is a state-of-the-art veterinary practice with three dedicated veterinarians and a support team of technicians and client representatives that make their practice a welcoming place for pet families.

In July 2012, Dr. Erika Cartwright and Jenn Galvin, co-owners, opened Advanced Animal Care, located at 5842 S Hwy 95 in Fort Mohave, providing quality care that promotes long, happy lives, for your pets. “There’s a lot of diversity with a small animal practice that enables me to do what I love, getting to know my patients, and being a part of their lives,” says Dr. Cartwright.

Dr. Cartwright grew up on the southern coast of Oregon and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2004 and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State in 2008. Shortly after, she moved to Arizona to practice as a mixed animal veterinarian. She expanded her training in veterinary dentistry and jaw fracture repair and is one of the only veterinarians in the area that performs cruciate ligament repair surgery.

Jenn Galvin, administrator, started in the

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veterinary field as a kennel assistant in 1999.

While working in several different veterinary hospitals, she attended Mohave Community College and Northern Arizona University to obtain her business degree.

“I’ve been an animal advocate my entire life and I am proud to offer the kind of care to our patients that I demand for my own pets.”

-JENN GALVIN

Veterinarian, Dr. Deborah Guinn, has an extensive background in emergency care and was an ER veterinarian for over twenty years.

She made the transition to general practice and joined the team in February 2023. “I truly enjoy being the voice for pets. When was the last time someone was so overjoyed to see you that they literally ran to you? Pets are the best!” says Dr. Guinn.

The newest addition, veterinarian, Dr. Sarina Hopkins, joined the team in June 2024, after graduating from Oregon State University of Veterinary Medicine. “I’m glad to be back in my home state and

excited to develop relationships with our clients and their pets,” said Dr. Hopkins.

Advanced Animal Care goes beyond your average visit. Offering everything from foundational wellness and preventive care to ultrasound, dentistry, surgery, and massage therapy. And when you show your Co-op Connections® card, you’ll receive $5.00 off nail trims. Give them a call at (928) 770-4918 or visit www.aac.vet to schedule an appointment.

If you don’t already have your free Mohave Electric Co-op Connections® card stop by Member Service at 928 Hancock Rd. to receive one or sign up online at www.coopconnections.com.

Thinking of becoming a Co-op Connections business member and not sure where to start? Scan the QR code or email us at coopconnections@mohaveelectric.com. n

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Attention High School Juniors: Washington Youth Tour Returns With the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Mohave Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the continuing sponsorship of the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. Junior students, whose parents or guardians are MEC members, will be selected to represent Mohave Electric Cooperative in the annual Washington D.C. Youth Tour.

The week-long excursion allows the students to interact with others from all over the country, visit our Capitol’s landmarks, and learn about our country’s rich history. The annual Washington D.C. Youth Tour is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity and takes place in Summer 2025. This trip is funded by assigned capital credits at no cost to members.

MEC Washington Youth Tour students at Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar’s office in Washington, D.C.

“The Washington Youth Tour is a unique opportunity to inspire students for success, and here at Mohave Electric Cooperative, we believe in providing the tools and resources, when we can,” stated MEC’s CEO, Tyler Carlson.

Education, Training, and Information is one of the 7 Cooperative Principles upheld by MEC. One way MEC shows commitment to this principle, and our community, is by supporting the future of even the youngest of members. Washington D.C. Youth Tour is an exceptional chance for students to learn about what it means to be a part of something larger, whether that be a

cooperative or our country.

MEC’s COO, Jon Martell was able to chaperone students again during this year’s tour. “These bright young individuals will take the experience from this tour and can apply these useful tools to any project in their life.”

MEC selects participants from applicants through a competitive process that includes an essay and presentation before a panel of judges. All applicants must be high school juniors and receive parental or guardian permission to apply. n

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MUCHMANIA

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STOCK BY MANIA

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Harvest Time in Valle V We love talking with our business members about what makes their business special, and we certainly have some unique businesses in MEC’s service territory. With fall approaching, the Harvest season is the time of year we reflect on the efforts of planting over the spring and summer months and celebrate with gratitude for crops and food.

We visited Cella Winery and vineyards, in the community of Valle Vista, near Kingman, and learned a bit about the business of growing grapes and turning them into wine from Micah and Ginger Spencer, Cella (pronounced Italian Chell-uh) owners.

Previously, Micah was employed as a petroleum engineer for 13 years. Micah, Ginger and their daughters moved a few times—California and Houston, Texas—and Micah’s job also took him to other countries including Ukraine and China. But they wanted more time together as a family, and purchased Cella Winery including the fouracre vineyard in 2020 to fulfill that dream.

Micah received his degree in enology—the study and science of wine making—from

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Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus in Clarkdale, the only school in Arizona offering the degree. Today there are five acres planted with grapes.

“Most people are surprised when I say that there are more similarities in petroleum engineering and grape growing than you might think, like chemistry for example,” said Micah.

“We’re a little different than most vineyards because most just grow grapes, but we grow and make the wine too. Our goal is to use all locally grown grapes in our red and white wines, and we’re the largest winery in Mohave County.”

All of the grapes grown at Cella are bottled and more grapes are bought from local vineyards, to supply 400 cases/4,800 bottles of wine annually.

Red wine grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, zinfandel, and sangiovese, are smaller and sweeter than table grapes, and wine grapes have seeds.

Micah explained that wine grape vineyards

are generally more drought tolerant than some fruit crops and use less water. By comparison pistachio trees use five to eight times more water. The best growing elevation in Arizona is 3000 to 5000 feet— lower it’s too warm, and higher elevations are frost prone, making Valle Vista an ideal area to bring in the Harvest.

Harvesting is a big job and even volunteers can help pick Cella grapes.

While harvest at Cella takes place in August, this is one month earlier than the California grape harvest, because of climate and location differences that affect ripening of the grapes.

Some of the grapes from this year’s harvest will be frozen and then “stomped” at the second annual grape stomp event on September 21. Grape stomping gained some attention in one of the favorite episodes from the I Love Lucy tv show -“Lucy’s Italian Movie.”

Local residents are invited to join Micah and Ginger at the grape stomping event and celebrate the Harvest

Visit cellawinery.com or search social media.

If you’re wondering what is done with the stomped grapes, Micah smiled and said, “No, the stomped grapes are not used to make wine, but it’s a fun event.”

After harvest, the vineyards are dormant during the cool season, and it’s a time for pruning the vines while the harvested grapes are made into wine.

Micah and Ginger are proud to say Cella Winery has won four Governor’s Cup awards, a competition for the best wines in Arizona, and is the only winery in Mohave County to win medals for their wines.

Driving Directions TIP: Do not follow map apps or gps directions.

Use directions below instead. We found out that apps take you over dirt roads, but if you follow these directions, you’ll stay on pavement. Follow the blue grape signs.

Take RTE 66 to Concho Drive in Valle Vista.

Follow Concho Drive to N. Painted Rock Drive. Turn right. Turn left on E. Brooks Blvd. Cella Winery is at 6927 E. Brooks Blvd., Kingman AZ. Trivia Question How many bottles of wine can be filled from one 65-gallon barrel?

Hint: it’s more than most people think. n

HERE’S A BRIEF LOOK AT THE TIMING OF CELLA’S GRAPE GROWING AND WINE MAKING PROCESS: 1. Vines bud in early April 2. While on the vine, grapes are tested for pH (acidity or basicity) and sugar content to determine ripeness 3. Grape harvest in August 4. Crush and destem 5. Remove skin and seeds using high pressure 6. Fermentation (1-2 weeks) 7. Aging in oak barrels and tanks (9-12 months) 8. Bottling

Trivia Answer: 325 bottles

e Vista

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MR. STOCKER

Christmas Gala

Go Tell It...

Saturday, December 7, 2024 Doors Open at 6:00 PM Curtain Opens at 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 8, 2024 Doors Open at 2:00 PM Curtain Opens at 3:00 PM Both shows will be at Mohave High School Auditorium

Tickets $20.00 Children under 11 free (must be accompanied by an adult)

For tickets contact Kim at (928) 234-9946

Employee Spotlight ANNESSA DELMONT

Annessa Delmont is a Maintenance Worker at Mohave Electric.

Although born in Riverside, California, Annessa grew up in Fontana, California and moved to Bullhead City in 2007. An avid sports fan, in her early years, Annessa played point guard in basketball for school. She also loves being outdoors at the pool, beach, or wherever there is any body of water. Her adult hobbies have expanded to off roading, hiking, and making memories with her family. Annessa previously worked for Avi Resort & Casino as an environmental services manager, where she led her team in all aspects of cleanliness and condition of the property.

Annessa has been with MEC for six years since leaving the casino industry in Laughlin. During her tenure here, Annessa completed her HVAC and EMT certification. Annessa definitely keeps calm under pressure and having her EMT certification is an incredible asset.

On a typical day at MEC Annessa expresses no two are the same. Annessa is great at navigating constant change, which happens to be her favorite part of her position. If she isn’t repairing a water leak, she is assisting with the air conditioning, or helping her coworkers with moving promotional product, office supplies, and moving “musical offices.” You just never know what the day will bring and she always does it with a smile. Annessa travels between the Member Service office, administration building, and the lineman Kingman office to ensure everyone is cared for.

TOP: Maintenance Worker Annessa Delmont has been with MEC for six years. ABOVE: In her free time, Annessa enjoys the outdoors with her family.

At the end of the day, family is Annessa’s top priority, and she makes sure her family is taken care of so that during the year they can enjoy trips such as camping or going to sporting events. Annessa can always be seen donning her favorite NFL team, the Raiders.

Annessa’s background, work ethic, and positive attitude has been a great contribution to Mohave Electric and we are thankful to have her on the team. n LEFT: Annessa at the Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNESSA DELMONT

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IN THE KITCHEN

Rick Hernandez, Human Resources and Benefits Manager for MEC, making his New Mexico Green Chile Pozole. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE OWENS/MEC

New Mexico Green Chile Pozole Slow cookers are not just for fall; Rick cooks his Pozole all year long.

Ingredients 4 lbs. pork shoulder ½ large yellow onion – diced 1 tsp. salt ¾ tsp. pepper 1 ½ tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt 1 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. dried cilantro 16 oz. chicken broth (2 cups) 1 – 1 ¼ cup green chile – chopped (mild to hot, your preference) 108 oz. canned white hominy (#10 can) – drained

Instructions Place pork in a slow cooker. (Divide if necessary to make fit.) Add onion, salt, pepper, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, garlic powder, dried cilantro, and chicken broth.

Chicken broth should cover pork. (If not enough broth, additional chicken broth or water can be added.) Cook on high for 4 hours, then reduce to low for 4 more hours (or overnight.)

Once pork is cooked – remove and shred with two forks. Keep all liquid in slow cooker.

Once shredded return to slow cooker. Add drained white hominy and green chile.

Let cook on low 2 to 4 hours or until white hominy is tender. Set slow cooker to warm until ready to serve.

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KIDS KORNER

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2024 Community Calendar 16

1

Sept

Voices of the River Christmas Gala Ticket Sales Begin

Sept

17

MEC Member District 2 Meeting

2

Patriot Day

Operation Cool Shade Tree Sales Continue

Sept

Sept

18

2 National

Oct

Night Out

5 BHC Farmers

Oct

3

Oct

Operation Cool Shade Tree Sales End

Sept

19

Sept

27

Oct

12

Oct

25-26

Oct

White Night in the Park

Oct

14

Columbus Day

Cornfest

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MEC Member Annual Meeting

Sept

BHC/MV Association of Realtors Bingo Night benefits Shop with First Responders

Market

Oct

12

Oct

Community Risk Reduction Safety Fair

18

Wicked Bingo Los Lagos Golf Club benefits Holly Jolly Holiday Bazaar

MEC Budget Billing Applications Due Oct

31

22

First Day of Fall

MEC Member District 3 Meeting

Sept MEC Member District 1 Meeting MEC Member Appreciation Every Thursday in October

11

Sept

Labor Day – MEC Office Closed

28

Oktoberfest

Oct

12

First Responders Appreciation Day Community Chili Cook-off

Nov

2

BHC Farmers Market

Nov

Halloween

Cool 2 Operation Shade Tree

Pick-up – Bullhead

Nov

4

Operation Cool Shade Tree Pick-up - Kingman

Nov

5

Election Day

Nov

9

Veteran’s Day Parade

Nov

11

Veteran’s Day – MEC Office Closed

Nov

28

Thanksgiving Day – MEC Office Closed

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ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY NAYA NA

September - November

Sept

Sierra Southwest Cooperative S $55.2 Million USDA Funding for Cl Federal Rural Utility Service officials, state and local government representatives, community leaders, and Arizona cooperative members and employees celebrate a second battery project, which was financed by federal funding awarded to support clean energy projects serving rural Arizona.

On July 2, Arizona Electric Cooperatives, Federal Rural Utility Service (RUS) officials, and Arizona state and local community leaders gathered in Sahuarita, Arizona, to celebrate a significant milestone. Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services (Sierra) secured $55.2 million in federal funding.

This funding—a testament to the importance of rural renewable projects—will be used for the development of three battery storage systems across Arizona to benefit three not-for-profit member electric cooperatives serving rural Arizonans.

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture RUS Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. The PACE program is part of the Inflation Reduction Act and represents the most significant federal investment in rural electrification since 1936.

RUS Administrator Andy Burke attended the event and 20

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discussed the critical importance of investing in expanding rural infrastructure, stating that rural areas—where most renewable resources will be located—represent our country’s energy future.

The battery projects will allow Arizona cooperatives to use existing renewable energy resources in a new and innovative way. Each participating co-op has a preexisting utility-scale solar facility that will work in tandem with the battery energy storage systems. The excess solar power collected throughout sunny afternoons will charge the battery systems, allowing the energy to be dispatched to support peak demand during the evening.

The first of three projects, completed on June 4, was developed in Cochise, Arizona, to benefit Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. The second project, also completed on June 4, was developed in Sahuarita, Arizona, to benefit Trico Electric Cooperative. Both projects are 10 megawatt/40 Megawatt-hour

e Service Secures r Clean Energy Projects storage systems that work alongside existing solar facilities.

The third project is being developed in Fort Mohave, Arizona, to benefit Mohave Electric Cooperative. This 15MW/60MWh utility-scale battery system is currently being tested and is expected to be commissioned soon.

The battery projects will do more than lower energy costs for rural Arizonans; they will foster economic development and create new job opportunities in rural Arizona. Josh DeSpain, a representative from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 570, discussed the collaborative nature of developing all three battery energy storage systems, which includes devising a new renewable energy service apprenticeship program with Cochise College. The program will introduce a curriculum to support the unique skills required to service the new solar and energy storage sites.

The projects are not just a one-time initiative, they are part of a larger plan to advance toward a brighter future for rural electric cooperatives and the communities they serve.

“This is a project that helps us propel toward a cleaner future, and this is really, from our perspective, the first step in a longerterm plan to implement smart, affordable and reliable clean energy initiatives for our rural cooperatives and the public power folks in Arizona,” says Patrick Ledger, CEO of Sierra and Arizona Electric Power Cooperative—together, the Arizona G&T Cooperatives. n

BELOW LEFT: All three battery sites work in tandem with nearby solar facilities to store renewable energy generated by the sun.

TOP RIGHT: The battery energy storage systems use state-of-the-art AI technology to continuously monitor and operate the batteries.

BELOW RIGHT: The battery system sites are located in Cochise, Sahuarita and Fort Mohave to benefit local not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

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AZ-146 Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124

A Message from the CEO

Multiple Updates for MEC! TWN Fiber Broadband – Lowest Prices Fastest Speeds!

TWN first partnered with MEC to bring an internet solution to MEC members who have historically received poor quality service from long-term providers. MEC and TWN started building the 100% fiber-optic broadband network in 2020 and announced TWN’s competitive pricing and first members connections in July 2021. In 2022, the team introduced MEC member discounts among other discounts and have continued to offer the best pricing just for being MEC members. This month is another milestone in expanding the MEC / TWN network. TWN is DOUBLING their speeds for the same cost!

That’s right – any member who has TWN service now will automatically receive an upgrade in speeds at no extra cost. Enjoy the FREE benefits of being an MEC member, or call TWN for service today.

Annual Meeting on September 19, 2024 It’s officially that time of year again. Details about this year’s District and Annual Meetings were sent in the official Meeting Notice mailed last month or can be found on our website. I look forward to seeing you at your District Meeting and at the Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, to share more updates with you.

Tyler Carlson

Expect Lower MEC Bills Over the past few years, I’ve kept you informed about the volatile prices in the power market and how these prices have continued to increase over the years –the worst being the forecasted average power price per MWh increasing 159% between 2021 – 2023. Since December 2023, MEC members have paid for this increase in energy costs in the form of the PPA – Purchased Power Adjustor – at 2¢ per kWh on member bills. Good news for members, the PPA has been adjusted this month to 1¢ per kWh on member bills.

Having this lower PPA will lower the overall cost of member bills. We are continuing to monitor the cost of power, and with our new battery resources, envision more stability in energy costs moving forward to reduce the PPA further. More info on the PPA is available on our website.

Mohave Energy Park After years of planning and multiple assessments on different site locations, THANK YOU MEC members who took the time to voice your support at the public hearings, wrote letters, wrote emails, made phone calls, and signed supporter cards! MEC and our not-for-profit generation and transmission provider, Arizona Electric Power Cooperative continue with our due diligence on the technical aspects of the project. We are looking at next steps in coordination with our long-term Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that focuses on cost-effective and reliable power for our members.

Please continue to show your support for local natural gas generation by mailing letters of support and emailing Mohave County Board of Supervisors. Stay tuned for more information.

Solar + Batteries + Natural Gas = Reliability & Affordability

MEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER

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