Energy

Photos: Eklutna Generation Station

EKLUTNA -- For the first time in its 74-year history, Matanuska Electric Association is on its own.

The Palmer-based electric cooperative became "self-generating" at midnight May 1, when the new $324 million Eklutna Generation Station started cranking out power.

The 171-megawatt power plant sits on industrial property purchased from Eklutna Inc. between the Glenn Highway and the Chugach Mountains near the Alaska Railroad tracks. Just on the other side of a fenced switchyard sits Anchorage's original 1907 power plant, still bearing the faded letters "Anchorage Light & Power Co."

Read more: MEA flips switch on co-op's first power plant

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