Renewable Energy Education Grant available to one school in MEC service territory Application deadline August 14 Mohave Electric Cooperative’s long-standing commitment to community supports several education initiatives. And MEC’s renewable energy program includes an education component that offers a $5,000 grant awarded to one school in MEC’s service territory. The grant application is simple—submit a short written description of the lesson plan that teaches about renewable energy, and include items to be purchased. Grant applications are due August 14 and should be sent to Mohave Electric Cooperative, c/o Steve Bouman, PO Box 22530, Bullhead City, AZ 86439. Renewable Energy Education Grants were previously awarded to the Academy of Building Industries, Fort Mohave, in 2018, and Desert Valley School, Bullhead City, in 2019. Desert Valley’s program introduced the students to an inquiry-based, engaging, and interactive renewable energy curriculum designed by the National Energy Education Department. At AOBI, grant funds were used to support the conversion of a retired school bus into a solar-powered greenhouse (pictured). “This grant provides an opportunity for teachers and students to be creative in the learning process while encouraging education about renewable energy and
effective use of energy resources,” said Rick Campos, chief operations officer at MEC. “Our schools and teachers are facing challenging times, and we welcome this way to help out with the Renewable Energy Education Grant of $5,000,” said Campos. The grant is one of several programs funded by MEC’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff surcharge mandated by the Arizona Corporation Commission. For information about other MEC programs, visit mohaveelectric.com or MEC’s Facebook page.
Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
High-speed fiber broadband venture movin Mohave Electric Cooperative is another step closer to making fiber-optic broadband service a reality for its members with approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission of a financing application in a unanimous 5-0 vote of the Commissioners. In a first-of-its-kind endeavor for an electric cooperative in Arizona, MEC, in partnership with service provider TWN Communications, announced in October a goal to bring fiber-optic based internet access to members in all of its service territory. In January, MEC was awarded an $805,500 grant from the Arizona Commerce Authority for Phase One of the Fiber Project. MEC CEO Tyler Carlson described the project as an ambitious project with many layers. TWN will begin construction of the network infrastructure soon and anticipates service will be available in phases with the entire network scheduled
to be completed within five years of the start of construction. Carlson said several hurdles have been cleared, and many hurdles remain. In addition to clearing these other hurdles, there is still a lot of work to be done in the development of the infrastructure. Several pre-construction steps are now underway including system design, environmental review, and permit requirements. Construction will also be dependent on material supply and delivery that is being impacted by recent manufacturing and business closures. Carlson said he and the Board of Directors have been listening to members who are asking for access to reliable, cost-effective, high-speed fiber service throughout our service territory. The COVID-19 situation has strengthened MEC’s resolve to make this happen and brought to light the great need for our members to be able to connect to online services for education, medical services, business, and economic development.
June 2020 Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
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oving forward In early 2019 MEC conducted a survey to explore member expectations and needs regarding internet use. The survey resulted in 95 percent of members saying they would use the service. MEC followed the survey with a feasibility study and, in September 2019, the MEC board of directors voted to proceed. TWN will be providing the actual service. Carlson said this is a stand-alone service and electric rates will not be affected. Colin Wood, CEO of TWN Communications said working alongside Mohave Electric on this broadband project will go a long way to help bridge the rural digital divide. TWN said they are committed and ready to start construction and bring fiber-based high-speed internet service to MEC members.
Members are encouraged to pre-register by visiting mohaveelectric.com. Pre-registration is not a commitment or contract but is important to the project construction by helping TWN and MEC identify the areas of member interest for broadband.
In partnership with
We’re working on bringing it to you!
mohaveelectric.com For additional inquiries or assistance in pre-registering, please call 888.227.2095
Services provided by TransWorld Network, Corp. Certain restrictions apply. Please call for more details or visit mecbroadband.twncorp.com for more information.
June 2020 Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
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June 2020
Currents
District and annual meetings postponed
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Mohave Electric Cooperative has postponed the district and annual meetings previously scheduled for June, due to COVID-19 guidelines. New meeting dates will be announced later. “Our concern for the community and the well-being of our members and employees is our priority,” said Tyler Carlson, CEO of MEC. “During this difficult time, we put extra measures in place to promote stay-at-home and social distancing, and we are offering additional payment options to help members dealing with the current hardship. “MEC is also committed to maintaining the continuity of our business and reliable electric service,” Carlson said. Members are advised to monitor the MEC website www.mohaveelectric.com and check bill inserts and messages for updates on new meeting dates.
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