Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA)

Key discussions included the approval of two Member Advisory Committee (MAC) volunteers for the Scholarship Committee to review over 95 applicants for various scholarships. A major presentation covered three awarded Grid Modernization Grants totaling $20.9 million from the US Department of Energy, aimed at improving safety, reliability, and cost savings over five years. Specific projects detailed include the Intertie Snow Load Resiliency Project, the Synchrophasor and Disturbance Reporting System Project, and the Interior Alaska Powerline Resiliency Project. Board activities reported involved attending the NRECA Directors Conference, discussing permitting setbacks for the Delta 34MW wind project, and revising the contract with Aurora Energy to enhance reliability. A texting campaign was also announced to encourage member opt-ins for emergency contacts, with a deadline of June 1st.

The agenda for the Board Meeting included an Executive Session to discuss gas, Delta Wind update, rate case update, RUS Form 300 Corrective Action Plan, Strategic Generation Plan update, January 2026 Power Supply Report, and Legal Reports. Open session topics included a Safety Moment, Member Education/Comments covering a Legislative Update, 2025 Right-Of-Way Maintenance Presentation, and MAC Report. New Business items focused on reviewing the 2025 Right-Of-Way Maintenance Report, 2025 Bad Debt Write-Off, RUS Form 300 CAP, REAP, Line of Credit Increase, Power Pool, and recommendations from the Bylaw Review Committee, including presenting proposed revisions to the General Membership for a vote. Management Reports included updates on RFPs for outside general counsel and community solar, EV charging rates, the Delta Wind project, and the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. The meeting also addressed ongoing required reports and director comments.

The agenda for the board meeting includes an Executive Session covering discussions on Gas, Delta Wind Update, Rate Case Update, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Form 300 Corrective Action Plan (CAP), and Strategic Generation Plan Update. The regular session includes a Safety Moment, Member Education/Comments on Legislative Update, 2025 Right-Of-Way Maintenance Presentation, and MAC Report. Key new business items involve reviewing the 2025 Right-Of-Way Maintenance Report, 2025 Bad Debt Write-Off, RUS Form 300 CAP, REAP, Line of Credit Increase, Power Pool, and recommendations from the Bylaw Review Committee, which includes approving proposed revisions to GVEA's Bylaws for a general membership vote. Management reports cover updates from the President & CEO on various RFPs, rate information, strategic plans, and financial reports.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and corrections to the previous meeting's minutes. A safety moment emphasized caution regarding driving in icy and snowy conditions and carrying cold weather gear. A visiting member proposed considering small nuclear units for future electricity generation. Key new business included voting for vacant seats on the Goodcents board, resulting in the motion to appoint Jason Mayrand to Seat C and Gary Pedretty to the at-large seat. A presentation was given regarding the ICUA Youth Rally, which GVEA will sponsor two students to attend, and details about GVEA's annual scholarship deadlines were provided. The Board Report highlighted a legislative Q&A session and the unanimous decision to pursue a term sheet with Ameresco for the Delta Wind Project, with no further decisions pending until the term sheet is reviewed by January 31st. Discussion among the MAC members covered the impact of new AMI meters on usage data, appreciation for keeping power on during the cold snap, the role of the MAC as a communication link, and comments on the Goodcents board election process.

The 73rd Annual Member's Meeting Part 2 focused on director elections for Districts 1, 2, and 3, with candidate introductions from each district. Key discussion points included renewable energy strides, conservation, efficiency systems, demand-side management, distributed generation, and the role of the utility (GVA) during the global health pandemic. The meeting also highlighted the success of the 'Good Sense Program,' which surpassed $1 million in donations to community needs in the interior, specifically showcasing how funding supported the Nenana Volunteer Fire Department in purchasing a life-saving 'Snow Balance' rescue sled.