Cordova Electric Co-Op

Cordova Electric Cooperative is the sole provider of electricity to the coastal community of Cordova, Alaska. Cordova is flanked on three sides by the breathtakingly beautiful backdrops of the Chugach and Wrangell-Saint Elias Mountain Ranges to the north, the Prince William Sound to the west, and the Copper River Delta to the east. To the south lies the Gulf of Alaska, the source of high quality, fresh Alaskan Seafood, the cornerstone of Cordova’s Economy.

Cordova Electric produces up to 60% of Cordova’s electricity from the Power Creek Hydroelectric Project, a Green-E certified, low impact, run-of-the-river hydroelectric project. The Humpback Creek Hydroelectric Project converts up to 20% of our diesel generation to low impact, run-of-the-river hydroelectric power generation. This takes Cordova Electric to between 60% and 80% renewable energy production to meet our community’s needs.

Energy efficiency and conservation projects have further reduced Cordova’s use of costly diesel fuel and the associated environmental impacts. These projects include member education, purchase and distribution of energy saving devices, community wide conversion to LED street lighting, purchase of wind anemometers to evaluate wind resources, and internal energy conservation measures.

Current and future projects include evaluation of energy storage options, evaluation of electric vehicles, maximizing the production and efficiency of our hydroelectric plants, and striving to reduce our use of diesel to elimination.

As a member-owned cooperative, our objective is to deliver affordable, environmentally responsible energy to our members in a safe and reliable manner.

History 

Originally the municipality of Cordova provided electric energy to the community. In 1978 the citizens of Cordova organized and voted to form a rural electric cooperative. These visionary citizens named the utility Cordova Electric Cooperative, Inc. and assumed member ownership and stewardship of the Cooperative.

The Cordova Electric Cooperative headquarters building is located at 705 Second Street in Cordova, Alaska. Along with the headquarters building there is the Orca Power Plant facility, Eyak Service Center, Humpback Creek Hydroelectric facility and Power Creek Hydroelectric facility, all located in or near Cordova.

Cooperative Data

Cordova Electric Cooperative was energized on September 30, 1978. We currently serve 1,566 consumers, have 78 miles of distribution, all underground, one substation, and a generating capacity of 18 megawatts as follows, Orca Power Plant facility (diesel plant) 10.8 megawatts; Humpback Creek Hydroelectric facility 1.25 megawatts; Power Creek Hydroelectric facility 6 megawatts.

CEC Power Plants

Cordova Electric Cooperative has two hydroelectric plants and one diesel plant. The Humpback Creek hydroelectric plant is located 7 miles north of Cordova and has a total installed generating capacity of 1.5 megawatts. The Power Creek hydroelectric plant is located 7 miles east of Cordova and has a total installed generating capacity of 6.0 megawatts. The Orca plant is the only diesel facility, is located on the outskirts of Cordova, and has an installed generating capacity of 10.8 megawatts. For more information on our generating plants please click on the link of your choice.

• Orca Diesel Generation Plant
• Humpback Creek Hydroelectric Project
• Power Creek Hydroelectric Project

Safety Tips from Cordova Electric Cooperative

In the Home

• When your power goes out, call CEC at 424-5555. If it is after hours, call our emergency outage line at 424-5500.
• Before you dig on your property, call CEC. We’ll locate any underground power lines.
• DO NOT touch a fallen power line. Call Cordova Electric for assistance.
• Electrical lines and power meters can be lethal. Do not tamper with any line or meter.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes a flash light, batteries, candles, and a battery operated radio.
• Keep electrical cords away from sinks and bathtubs.
• Teach your children to stay away from electrical outlets.
• Never leave space heaters unattended.

Portable Electric Generators

Generators should be installed by a licensed electrician. Electricity produced by a portable generator can cause serious injury if connected directly into a breaker panel or fuse box. If you use a portable generator during an electrical outage, use extension cords to plug electrical devices into the generator.

Energy Efficiency Tips

• Wash clothes in cold water
• Use dishwashers for full loads only
• Install motion detectors that automatically turn off lights.
• Defrost your freezer when the ice is 1/4″ thick.
• Turn down the thermostat 6 degrees to reduce your bill by 20%.
• Take showers; they use half as much energy as baths.
• Close drapes during winter nights to conserve heat.
• Shorten cooking time by thawing frozen food.
• Vacuum coils on freezers and refrigerators monthly.
• Keep freezers full to maintain temperature.
• Do not overfill refrigerators.

Cordova Electric Cooperative is the sole provider of electricity to the coastal community of Cordova, Alaska. Cordova is flanked on three sides by the breathtakingly beautiful backdrops of the Chugach and Wrangell-Saint Elias Mountain Ranges to the north, the Prince William Sound to the west, and the Copper River Delta to the east. To the south lies the Gulf of Alaska, the source of high quality, fresh Alaskan Seafood, the cornerstone of Cordova’s Economy.

Cordova Electric produces up to 60% of Cordova’s electricity from the Power Creek Hydroelectric Project, a Green-E certified, low impact, run-of-the-river hydroelectric project. The Humpback Creek Hydroelectric Project converts up to 20% of our diesel generation to low impact, run-of-the-river hydroelectric power generation. This takes Cordova Electric to between 60% and 80% renewable energy production to meet our community’s needs.

Energy efficiency and conservation projects have further reduced Cordova’s use of costly diesel fuel and the associated environmental impacts. These projects include member education, purchase and distribution of energy saving devices, community wide conversion to LED street lighting, purchase of wind anemometers to evaluate wind resources, and internal energy conservation measures.

Current and future projects include evaluation of energy storage options, evaluation of electric vehicles, maximizing the production and efficiency of our hydroelectric plants, and striving to reduce our use of diesel to elimination.

As a member-owned cooperative, our objective is to deliver affordable, environmentally responsible energy to our members in a safe and reliable manner.