History

MEA celebrates 115 years of powerful connections and practical solutions.

1905

We started out as the Midwest Gas Association (MGA) when a handful of local gas companies gathered in Des Moines, Iowa to share problems and ideas. Since then we’ve grown substantially and today proudly serve nearly 100 gas and electric energy delivery companies. First Chair: L.L. Kellogg

1921

The first year of the Gas Operations Conference. Location: Ames, Iowa

1938

The Natural Gas Act is passed giving the Federal government authority to set “just and reasonable” rates over interstate pipelines.

1953

First nuclear plant is ordered and the first year 345 kilovolt transmission lines went into commission.

1962

The first employee was hired to manage and run the association. Prior to this year MGA was entirely run by volunteers.

1985

Deregulation of the pipeline industry begins.

1987

MGA expands its territory from 13 to 14 states by adding members in Ohio.

1990

The Clean Air Act is passed, mandating more pollution controls.

1992

The Pipeline Safety Act is passed, resulting in the Operator Qualification (OQ) Rule.

MGA was at the vanguard of the pending OQ Rule and was instrumental in developing the industry’s first and most comprehensive online and in-person learning, testing, and recordkeeping resources to aid our members in responding to the OQ rule.

1993

MGA becomes the first association to create consensus based tests and learning materials for the entire gas industry.

1995

MGA takes over management of the National Gas Rodeo (which began in 1991).

1996

Electric only distribution companies begin to join MGA as members.

1998

We became the Midwest ENERGY Association (MEA) to reflect our expansion to both electric and natural gas members and the addition of conferences and courses for the electric industry.

1999

MEA begins offering in-person electric education with a fall roundtable.

The Final OQ Rule is published and goes into effect October 26, 1999.

2000

MEA introduces the first Electric Operations Conference. Location: Ames, Iowa

2001

MEA introduces Energy Training Network (now called EnergyU), the first energy association sponsored website with gas, electric, safety, and liquids learning modules.

Pipeline Safety Improvement Act is passed.

2004

We added a new, even more cost-effective option for our members with the introduction of a new membership type. This membership type (Level II) included all the traditional benefits of MEA membership – access to our nationally-recognized operations conferences and roundtables, participation on our subject matter expert committees, access to our members’ successful practices – along with unlimited access to our entire library of gas or electric eLearning courses.

2007

In April, Jim Kuchler, field operations supervisor with Nicor Gas and Chair of the MEA Gas Distribution Committee, suggest that MEA start a woman’s group called “Energetic Women“. By July of that year, the Leadership Team is formed.

2008

MEA holds the first Energetic Women Conference in June. Location: Chicago, IL

2010

MEA launches electric specific courses on ElectricU.org (now EnergyU).

2015

MEA made membership all-inclusive – combining the programs and services of Level I membership and Level II membership. In addition, as a result of the continuing strong financial position of the association, MEA began a significant multi-year dues reduction program while at the same time expanding the program offerings available to members.

2017

MEA launched a refreshed brand identity under MEAenergy.org and is doing business as “MEA Energy Association” with the tagline “MEA Learning Empowers” to state our vision of remaining a viable learning association well into the future and to reflect that our online training and national events serve a larger territory than 14 states.