Chugach Electric Association

Joni B.

Extra star for providing our power...even though it all too often goes out. Work had to be done on a transformer pad just out back within view of our condo. First in 2019, and while in the process, 3 tall trees were killed. The trees still stand today dead on the bottom, with 2 still struggling to survive on top. Chugach Electric's recent blunder happened just yesterday when they had to come out yet once again to work on the same transformer pad. Apparently, instead of taking the marked, paved entrance to the park, their mini excavator was taken across the grass thereby severely damaging it. As members of the board, we now have to pursue a case in order to get Chugach to cover the cost of having the lawn repaired. Way to go Chugach. Hey, at least they posted a warning on all of our doors regarding the power outage that would have to take place in order to work on the transformer pad. Unfortunately, the power went out one hour before the time listed. Pitiful customer service.

Lisa H.

I can see why they have 2 stars! There website is not clear and the service was poor.

Mike B.

Have not had any issues with CEA, I setup auto pay from my checking account so I don't have to worry about mailing a check. It's been hassle free for me. They have always been quick to help with my rental unit as well, employees there are always polite and helpful.

Madison W.

Let me start by saying that I've personally (account in my name) used Chugach since 2015. Until today, I've had zero complaints. Whenever I've had a question, I would call and speak with a very pleasant rep who would go above and beyond to answer my question.. well today that all changed.. I recently moved, I got a bill last month that I thought was a bit on the higher side, I spoke with my landlord and was informed that, that was the norm. Over the weekend, I got a bill for double that and was shocked, something had to be amiss, so I thought why not call & see what was going on. I got connected with Kelly in customer service, she was extremely unhelpful. I asked if she could give me an average usage of the other units around me or of my unit in previous years.. she very nastily told me no- that would be giving out other people's account info... she put me on a long hold & pulled up some statistics of usage of my unit in the previous two January's.. that was helpful.. when I asked what the usage was around Feb/ March I was told that she wouldn't tell me because ""it would be too much work for her""... excuse me, isn't that what you're getting paid to do??? She then told me to turn my stove on and heat my home that way.. or to turn my heat down to 64° & bundle up.. her delivery was just nasty and uncalled for. All I was simply trying to do was to see what kind of bills I could be expecting... I was given that common decency before I moved into my last place.. customer service just isn't what it used to be..

Emma M.

The sad news is they are buying out ML&P and so they will be monopolizing the market for Anchorage.

Every time I call or email with a question about my bill and usage I am met with a ""it's normal for your unit"" and a bad attitude and unprofessional tones.

It's normal for a 900sqft condo which is single occupied to have an electric bill that is more than a 2,500sqft house my mother owns and 5 people live in it? OK...? She also uses Chugach.

I suggested they have someone come check for faulty meters or tampering. Of course they would do it, but only at my cost. Why would they want to fix a possible issue when they're banking $200 from me?

My neighbors pay $60-80 for electric and they're also single or double occupied.

I am beyond annoyed not only with the customer service, but also with the lack of options for the Anchorage bowl. I used ML&P in the past and it was $30-50/month.

""Affordable electric"" is a joke.

Yes, I could pay to have them come out, but they of course don't disclose the cost of said visit. I work paycheck to paycheck and barely survive as it is.

I will also note that I updated my windows, don't leave lights on in rooms unoccupied and I have been forced to start turning breakers off just to scrape by. I'm doing everything I can to be more energy efficient, but the email replies are always quick to point the finger at me and it's my fault. My house is literally dark as I type this except for the glow from my phone, TV and sewing machine

Teresa B.

I am currently going through a bad break up. I went into the Chugach business office to pay my bill and ask a few questions. And was told I would be billed for my Ex's past bill but the kicker being I did not receive the exact amount, where or when the bill had accumulated. Again this was all from my Ex's past account. The only information I was given was I'm responsible for the balance and that the card I have on file would be charged whatever amount that he owed.
The better business bureau will also be informed

Alexa S.

When I moved into my new apartment I called Chugach Electric and got the service put in my name. After a while I realized I wasn't getting a bill. When I called they said it was being mailed to another unit in my building. Some more time passes and I still do not get a bill. I called again. They left off my apartment number this time. They said they corrected it and I would be getting a bill soon. And then more time passes... The third time I called they said my service had been cut off and put in my landlord's name so that's why I wasn't getting a bill. I have paid the balance but they still cannot seem to mail me a bill. I have never had this many problems with this company before!!

S G.

Chugach finally allowed customers to automatically pay their bills using a credit card, but what a mess! It was going ok until I needed to change payments to a different credit card. Even though I did everything required to delete one card and set up the new one, Chugach started to charge BOTH cards each month, so I was making double payments. I now only have the one credit card on their system, but each month a charge against both cards is generated. I then have to log in and manually delete the incorrect charge, but guess what! Chugach still charges the old deleted card, rather than the new card.

I emailed Chugach customer service who responded that it wasn't their problem. They use a third party company for customer credit card payments, and I need to speak to them. When I asked who I should contact, they were unable to help me. Unbelievable.

This is the type of customer service that just wouldn't be tolerated anywhere else, but in Alaska we have little choice. So I guess this type of incompetence will just continue unchecked.

Nicole R.

I'm only giving two stars instead of one because they're basically the only electricity option in the area and it's a necessity in today's world. Otherwise, they're horribly annoying and outdated. And will find any reason to charge extra fees.

A $2.95 ""convenience"" fee to pay a bill online with a credit card or checking account is absurd. There are other options to pay that don't have a fee, but they're much less convenient (i.e. involve you actually having to take the time to go places).

Oh, and if you want to set up automatic payments to be withdrawn from your bank account, you need to mail or fax them a form along with a voided check. Why is that necessary? Every other place I regularly pay lets you set up autopay online instantly. It's ridiculously ironic to me that an electric company is so archaic with their billing department.

Also they will send you useless mail at least once a month. I really don't give a damn about your ""elections"", Chugach, or your monthly newsletter. Maybe if you stopped wasting postage on this junk you wouldn't have to charge fees for everything (or you would have one less reason to do so).

J S.

In a nutshell, this company is shady and outdated - a typical issue when there's no competition.
I've been using Chugach electric for 3 years now since moving to Anchorage. During my time here I've grown more frustrated due to the following issues:
1.) They collect fees at every opportunity (e.g., auto-pay, credit card pay, late fees).
2.) They make it terribly inconvenient to pay - making it easier for them to collect fees.
3.) Their customer service people are OK. They are generally knowledgeable about your bill and your issues but can't (or won't?) really do much about them. They sometimes are a bit testy when I first call but they do warm up if you remain polite (which I always do).
4.) Any changes to the account have to be done over mail (e.g., add persons, change email address, change physical address) despite the fact they have a website and customer service people.
5.) Their web and email services are not helpful and present a security risk for members. For example, to log on to your account you ONLY need your account number and a 4-digit pin. This could be hacked in about 2 seconds. Also, Your account number, name, and other information is in the email that they send monthly. I does not, however, provide any information about how much you owe (you get to log on to their website for that...yeah).

I wish that I could change companies but, sadly...

UPDATE: I logged on to the Chugach website this morning and you can now update information including passwords. I've updated from 1-star to 2-stars.