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09/30/2022 - 11:41 AM
Title FERC ALJ Affirms Buyout Methodology Supported by United Power /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa Friday | September 30, 2022 Card Teaser After years of legal battles, United Power is one step closer on its path forward to buy out of its existing wholesale power contract with Tri-State. Brighton, CO - After years of legal battles, United Power is one step closer on its path forward to buy out of its existing wholesale power contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission (Tri-State). The methodology, defined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Renee Terry, provides a way for all generation and transmission members to determine their cost to exit and will give United Power flexibility to move forward with its plan to leave the power supplier. The ALJ’s initial decision orders an exit fee based upon United Power’s proposed framework, and wholesale rejects Tri-State’s proposed $1.6 billion fee for United Power as excessive and unsupported. While the ALJ directed limited modifications to United Power’s proposal, the decision reaffirms United Power’s longstanding position that it should be able to leave by paying a reasonable exit fee. United Power is currently evaluating the exit options presented in the Judge’s initial decision, which is subject to further briefing and Commission review before it becomes effective. “I must first acknowledge the FERC Administrative Law Judge for her thorough and thoughtful assessment of the voluminous amount of material as well as the various statements and arguments she reviewed to reach her decision,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “We are pleased to finally have a course for the future in our quest to lower our power costs for our members and have more control over how the power we purchase is generated.” United Power has been battling its power generation supplier since 2019 when the cooperative asked the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to intervene in the dispute and help determine a fair and equitable buyout cost. As the case wound through the PUC process, Tri-State admitted additional non-utility members, triggering the generation cooperative to fall under FERC jurisdiction. While the PUC affirmed United Power’s buyout methodology, they deferred to FERC to determine the final opinion. “When we first began negotiating with our power supplier for an exit cost, they had already released two other members from their contracts, using methodologies that were far different than what they had proposed for United Power,” said Gabriel. “We have been willing to pay a reasonable exit fee, but our power producer never offered a methodology that we considered to be fair or equitable.” The power market is in a unique period of growth and change, and United Power wants to take advantage of the opportunity to diversify its generation mix where possible. A leader in renewable energy, the cooperative added Colorado’s first community solar farm in 2009 and has since added solar and methane gas generation as well as batteries to provide more than 84 megawatts of electricity to the local electric grid. The current wholesale power contract limits the cooperative to purchasing only 5% of their power through sources of this type. “Exercising control over the cost and make up of our power generation is the future of the electric industry,” said Gabriel. “We know we can lower costs for our members and take advantage of many of the new opportunities that exist to purchase locally produced renewable resources. The electric cooperative of the future can no longer be restrained by old paradigms that only produce power from centrally located sources far from where it is consumed.” Earlier this month, the DC Circuit ruled that FERC had final jurisdiction over setting the methodology that would be used to arrive at the final exit cost for the Brighton, Colorado based electric cooperative. United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. ###08/18/2023 - 03:53 PM
Title FERC Issues Order in Stated Rate Proceeding /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/0_DirectorElection.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gRwpyf9E Friday | August 18, 2023 Card Teaser United Power is pleased to see FERC'S thoughtful and comprehensive order in the Stated Rate proceeding. United Power is pleased to see the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) thoughtful and comprehensive order in the Stated Rate proceeding. The cooperative looks forward to Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s (Tri-State) revised formula rate filing, also referred to as the Come-Back Filing, incorporating FERC’s clear guidance. FERC’s order directs Tri-State to unbundle the costs of services in its wholesale power service rate to its utility members, such as United Power, and to ensure that any transmission cost allocation is consistent with cost causation principles outlined in Order No. 888. FERC confirmed that Tri-State, having voluntarily become FERC jurisdictional, is bound by FERC policies and precedents and cannot claim that its membership structure allows it to impose rates or terms that are not just and reasonable. Of note, FERC also determined that Tri-State's Board Policy 119 was unjust and unreasonable because utility members that do not participate in community solar projects should not bear more costs than those members that do participate in the community solar program. Further, FERC required Tri-State to make a compliance filing, outlining how it will reimburse United Power for overcharges related to transmission/delivery demand charges assessed on battery storage resources. United Power looks forward to receiving the Commission’s guidance on our other related filings. Final decisions from FERC will ensure that United Power exits Tri-State by May 1, 2024, with the ability not only to purchase power from multiple new suppliers, but to develop cleaner generation that is sourced locally while keeping rates affordable and maintaining the high reliability our members expect. Separately, United Power is pleased with the Adams County decision denying Tri-State’s request for reconsideration of the Court’s July 28th order concerning Tri-State’s motion for summary judgment (MSJ). The Court has not yet responded to Tri-State’s appeal of the Court’s MSJ. In its appeal, Tri-State argues “[t]he duty of good faith and fair dealing is not implied in a cooperative’s bylaws.” United Power continues to believe that Tri-State has a duty to treat all its members fairly and to deal with them in good faith.12/20/2023 - 01:02 PM
Title FERC Issues Order on Initial Decision /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/FERC_Buildling.jpg?h=c52d5dab&itok=Vd27Syj3 Wednesday | December 20, 2023 Card Teaser Order clarifies contract termination methodology and procedures for United Power and all members exiting from Tri-State Brighton, CO – On Dec. 19, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Final Decision that affirms in part, reverses in part, modifies in part, and clarifies in part an Initial Decision issued by a FERC administrative law judge in September 2022 addressing contract termination methodology and procedures for members exiting from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State). This is an important next step in United Power’s path to exit Tri-State by May 1, 2024. “While we are still reviewing FERC’s order, we are pleased to see that it supports a variation of the balance sheet approach methodology we proposed versus a contract damages or lost revenues approach,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. In a Dec. 8 settlement with Tri-State, both utilities agreed to cooperate in good faith to provide the information necessary to calculate the amount of the contract termination payment. “To that end, we intend to work together to determine the appropriate adjustments and offsets so that Tri-State can timely file its compliance filing, and we can file an executed withdrawal agreement. United Power is focused on efforts to ensure a positive future for our members,” Gabriel added. United Power has taken steps to resolve disputes with Tri-State and to reach areas of alignment and agreement to timely facilitate its departure. Most recently, United Power dismissed state court litigation against Tri-State, and filed motions to withdraw its appeal and intervention in two separate matters before the DC Circuit Court. In September, United Power made an immediate payment to Tri-State for Reserved Issue 3 in the Stated Rate proceeding consistent with the guidance in FERC’s final order.05/27/2022 - 05:20 PM
FERC Rules in Favor of United Power Friday | May 27, 2022 FERC this week issued four initial decisions as part of the rate settlement proceedings between United Power and its wholesale power supplier Tri-State. Read more >11/05/2020 - 02:22 PM
Title Final Member Choice Grant Announcements /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MemberChoice.jpg?itok=xQRicKHr Thursday | November 5, 2020 Card Teaser United Power is proud to announce the two nonprofits receiving $1,000 Member Choice Grants for the third and final round of presentations. Member Choice Grants, introduced earlier this year, allowed United Power to provide support for causes and organizations members care about. We asked our members to nominate nonprofits in the co-op service territory they would like to see us support through three rounds of grant presentations in 2020. During this difficult year, our members recognized the needs of others and focused on organizations that met essential needs, such as food insecurity, mental health and positive recreation. United Power is proud to announce the two nonprofits receiving $1,000 Member Choice Grants for the third and final round of presentations. Pastor’s Pantry Pastor’s Pantry, operating out of Whispering Pines Church, was founded in 2001 as a resource for anyone in need in Coal Creek Canyon. It provides both food and essential items, and is open every Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. or by appointment. Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center CTRC offers more than a dozen equine-assisted classes for individuals with a broad range of behavioral, emotional and physical disabilities, and helps more than 500 riders each year. CTRC is currently celebrating its annual fundraiser, Paint the Pony.07/29/2021 - 01:52 PM
Title For Safety, Leave Space Around Transformers /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Transformer_Padmount.jpg?h=45932144&itok=7hJUbPSJ Thursday | July 29, 2021 Card Teaser United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment. Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes commonly seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are. Though they may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with them. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance. United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment. While it may be tempting to “camouflage” transformers with landscaping, please remember cooperative crews need at least 10-feet of clearance at the opening of a pad-mounted transformer and four-feet at the rear and sides of the housing. The distance allows crews to safely use tools required for working with energized equipment. It also ensures crews have the ability to move about safely should problems arise. In many newer subdivisions and residential developments pad-mounted transformers are more common – and in many cases are located on consumer property. These transformers are connected to primary high voltage lines, and secondary lines can extend from the transform in several directions underground. Remember this before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing sprinkler systems or digging anywhere near a transformer. And remember, you should always dial 811 before you dig to ensure lines are located so your project doesn’t disrupt utility service, cause serious injury or worse.05/05/2021 - 01:12 PM
Title Former United Power Director Passes Away /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_07_27_UPNewCEO.jpg?itok=7VLEXsKm Wednesday | May 5, 2021 Card Teaser Jim Jaeger is remembered for his commitment and support of the local community. Jim Jaeger is Remembered for His Commitment, Support of Local Community Brighton, Colo. – Former United Power director Jim Jaeger, who passed away on April 13, is remembered as a valuable member of the Brighton community. Jaeger was a longtime business owner and lifelong community servant, known for his activity as a volunteer and a strong supporter of local sports. He was dedicated to representing members of his community and making the world a better place for those less fortunate. Jaeger joined United Power’s Board of Directors in March of 2002 as a representative in the cooperative’s South District and served until his retirement in 2014. When elected to the board, Jaeger said he knew little about cooperatives or distributive electricity, but he learned quickly and was passionate about directing United Power toward member-first initiatives and programs and guiding it through challenges. While sitting on the board, Jaeger served as both vice president and secretary/treasurer, each for two years, and represented the cooperative on the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s board for five years. In addition to serving on the United Power board, Jaeger also represented his community on the local school board for eight years. “We are saddened by his passing,” said Troy Whitmore, the cooperative’s Government & Regulatory Relations Officer. “He truly was a pillar of his community, an honorable man and a good friend. He will be greatly missed.” United Power a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to more than 99,000 meters at homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The 900 square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. At the end of 2020, the cooperative reached more than 97,000 meters representing more than 300,000 members. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. ###07/06/2025 - 02:49 AM
Fort Lupton Outage due to Vehicle Crash Sunday | July 6, 2025 Early Sunday morning outage caused by vehicle crash Read more >09/24/2024 - 08:12 AM
Title Francis Ashu Receives Alltricity Network's 2024 Industry Leadership Award /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/FrancisAshu_AlltricityNetwork_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=LQjiNYPl Tuesday | September 24, 2024 Card Teaser The award recognizes individuals whose leadership has made impactful contributions within their organization. Francis Ashu, Vice President of Member Services, United Power, received a 2024 Alltricity Network Industry Leadership Award during the annual 2024 Alltricity Network Fall Convention on Wednesday, September 18th. The Industry Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose leadership has made contributions that have made an impact within their organization. These individuals are often active in various industry affiliations, associations and/or organizations that serve the electric energy industry. Francis joined United Power in 2018 as the Director of Member Services and has served as the Vice President of Member Services since 2022. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his years of service with the company. Just prior to Francis coming on board, the member services team voted to unionize and ratified a contract. Francis took the helm at a critical time providing guidance to his leadership team on how to manage employees under a collective bargaining unit and working to repair the relationship between management and employees to forge a brighter path for the future. In addition, Francis has implemented several software solutions including a call center platform, a chat feature on the United Power website with direct access to live representatives, and a customer relationship management software that have significantly improved efficiency and effectiveness with serving the electric distribution members. Francis’ efforts to improve the member service experience contribute directly to supporting United Power’s Cooperative Roadmap - specifically “engage with our members in meaningful ways.” About Alltricity Network (formerly known as RMEL): At Alltricity Network, we are redefining what’s possible in electrical energy. We are a diverse community of people who support the US electric energy industry, and together – united through education, networking, and training – our impact is stronger. Alltricity Network is a not-for-profit energy trade association that has served the electric utility industry with a variety of education and networking services since 1903. Alltricity Network’s mission is: Preparing the electric energy industry for the future through education and networking. Formerly known as the Rocky Mountain Electrical League and RMEL, the association officially became Alltricity Network in the 2024 to better reflect a membership base that spans the entire country. For more information about Alltricity Network, visit our website: AlltricityNetwork.org.02/16/2021 - 07:00 AM
Title Free Online EV Resource /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2021_NL_ChooseEV.jpg?itok=2kSVhFpW Friday | February 5, 2021 Card Teaser ChooseEV is the hub of information on electric vehicles for United Power members. Electric vehicles have continued to improve and advance over the past few years, and as they have improved, so too has interest and intrique. More people now rely on EVs for their daily lives than ever before, thanks in part to continued development of vehicles, rapid adoption by consumers and growth in the local and national charging infrastructure. If you’ve been interested in learning more about purchasing an EV for yourself, there has never been a better opportunity to do so, and your cooperative is here to take that journey with you. United Power recently launched ChooseEV, a free member resource to help you learn more about EVs and how they may impact your energy usage. ChooseEV is the hub of information on electric vehicles for United Power members. Here you can find facts about electric vehicles, benefits of ownership and tips for how to purchase your own EV. If you’re already determined to buy an EV for you or your household and are curious what models are available to meet your needs, ChooseEV provides a comprehensive list of models. It even includes a list of plug-in hybrids, in case you’re on the fence or undecided about purchasing a fully electric model. For peace of mind, you’ll also find a map of charging stations and a helpful calculator to help determine your savings potential for driving an EV. (Savings difference calculates the monthly cost to drive a gas-powered vehicle compared to electric or hybrid, but also provides members with an expected amount to anticipate seeing on their electric bills.) As this year goes on, United Power is excited to take this journey with you as we look at new ways to serve our EV members. Stay tuned in the upcoming months for updates about the cooperative’s investment in electric vehicles. To check out our ChooseEV resource for yourself or to research more information about your upcoming EV purchase, go to Choose EV.09/21/2020 - 09:59 AM
Title Giving A Helping Hand /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/SeptOct2020_NL_RoundUp.jpg?itok=zxoGsXov Monday | September 21, 2020 Card Teaser Because of COVID-19, this year has been anything but normal, and the foundation needs your help to continue providing for members in need. Members Show Support for One Another through Operation Round-Up Foundation. Every month thousands of United Power members voluntarily have their bills rounded up to the next whole dollar through an organization known as Operation Round-Up. In a normal year, a board made up of fellow members of the cooperative would redistribute donated funds to nonprofits throughout the area to help provide meals, living assistance and other services to those in need. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year has been anything but normal. The resulting fallout from proactive plans to prevent the spread of the virus impacted many of the cooperative’s members. In an effort to ensure impacted members were able to receive the same level of services from area nonprofits experiencing a surge in number of clients, Operation Round-Up responded by going above and beyond, while also maintaining its commitment to several partner organizations. Recognizing an immediate need in the service territory, the foundation’s board in May issued grants to the Weld County Food Bank and Food Bank of the Rockies, which both have sizeable reach to the cooperative’s members. In the following months, another grant was issued to Pastor’s Pantry, a food bank located in Coal Creek Canyon. The combined distribution of meals from the food banks was greater than 100,000 in May and June alone. These grants were made in addition to on-going support to several groups providing essential services to community members over the past few years, including Almost Home in Brighton, Catholic Charities in Ft. Lupton, Carbon Valley Help Center in Firestone and Canyon Cares in Coal Creek Canyon. The quarterly contributions to these organizations allow them to continue providing assistance to members who may need help paying utilities, rent or other expenses, which has been especially meaningful during this pandemic. It’s members like you who make these contributions possible. Operation Round-Up is entirely funded through voluntary member donations. Your donations allow the foundation to distribute thousands of dollars to organizations that provide these services. However, this unusual year has stretched it to its limits, and the foundation needs your help to continue meeting these needs. “As a longtime board member, I can say our board truly believes in the purpose of Operation Round-Up,” said Dale McCall, president of the foundation’s board. “But we couldn’t do what we do without the support from our members or the staff at United Power who are responsible for getting others to believe in our purpose, as well.” A crippling nationwide pandemic was an interesting way for Operation Round-Up to celebrate its 25th anniversary, but provided a grand stage to show how generous member support has been for the foundation. Since its inception in 1995, it has distributed more than $2 million in assistance to members in need. Donations average just $.50 per billing statement, or just $6/year. To show your support and sign up for Operation Round-Up, go to www.unitedpower.com. To increase your contribution or make a one-time donation, please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300.07/13/2020 - 10:32 AM
Title Hard at Work For Our Members /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/LinemanSilhouette.jpg?itok=iQZCjmZD Monday | July 13, 2020 Card Teaser Looking Out For Member Needs, Even In Uncertain Times. Operations at United Power have Continued Despite COVID-19 Pandemic It’s been more than three months since United Power closed its office locations to walk-in visitors and moved over half of the co-op’s employees to remote work locations in an effort to mitigate the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 to both members and employees. The preemptive nature of the cooperative’s office closure allowed it to continue operations at a safe distance while many other businesses were temporarily closing or stopping nonessential services. Over the past few weeks, many businesses have been able to gradually reopen in phases as virus numbers started to drop in Colorado, but United Power has continued to work hard on behalf of its members throughout this time. As the summer inches to a close and the beginning of a new school year approaches, uncertainty remains, especially as coronavirus cases are again on the rise across the country. United Power continues to closely monitor the situation and plan carefully for the future, remembering to put members’ needs at the forefront of decision-making processes. Here are just a few of the many essential functions the co-op has continued to provide members. Get Cooperative Updates on the Website The United Power website exists as a free resource to learn more about the cooperative, its activities and opportunities available to you and your family as a member. It’s also been a tremendous resource for members to get updates about the cooperative’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Regular updates containing pertinent information detail how United Power is taking actionable approaches to the situation. Members can learn more about the United Power coronavirus response here. In addition to timely updates about pandemic response, the website connected members to the cooperative’s first-ever virtual annual meeting and to assistance and resources for members who have been economically impacted. For members seeking the most up-to-date and relevant information from United Power, the cooperative’s website has answers to many of your questions and is also updated with new information as it becomes available. Shopping For A New Appliance? Lots of time at home may have given you ample opportunity to consider whether to replace an old appliance, such as a dishwasher or refrigerator. Certain ENERGY STAR appliances qualify for exclusive member rebates through United Power. (Confused about shopping for the most energy efficient appliances? Learn more about navigating the process on Page 7.) Rebate applications must be returned within 120 days of purchase, but United Power has you covered. Our online rebate application is quick, simple and delivered directly to the cooperative’s energy management team. All you need is a little information about your new appliance and a few photos to confirm it meets ENERGY STAR requirements. More information about appliance rebates and qualifying products can be found on our appliance rebate page. For a full list of available rebates, go to our programs and rebates page. Don’t forget other energy management services are also still available, which can be found on the website. Growing Rapidly United Power has experienced unprecedented growth in the past few years. The cooperative has continued to outpace nationwide growth averages and is one of the fastest growing co-ops in the country, due in large part to its location in relation to Denver. It provides power to some of the nation’s fastest growing suburban communities, as well as several fast-growing industrial corridors. In 2019, the cooperative added 5,999 new meters and is on pace for another strong year in 2020. While many business have been impacted by the current pandemic it has not slowed the growth of construction projects in the cooperative’s service territory. The new construction team at United Power continued to process and design applications for new service throughout the pandemic. Convenient Ways to Pay Although United Power office locations remain closed at this time, members who prefer cash payments may still do so using payment kiosks in Brighton, Carbon Valley and Coal Creek. Any member, however, may also take advantage of a half dozen alternative payment methods United Power offers. Payment options include Auto Pay, ensuring your payment is made on-time every month, and Pay Now, a quick way to make a one-time payment using just your account number and a form of payment, among others. A full list of available payment and billing options is available here. For Account Assistance, Call Member Services United Power’s Member Service Representatives have continued to work regularly scheduled hours for member convenience throughout the pandemic. Spending more time at home during quarantine means you’ve likely become even more aware of energy needs in your home. If you have questions about your account, are interested in available member programs and rebates or need to report an outage, representatives are available to take your call during business hours Monday – Friday at 303-637-1300. Outages can be reported via the phone line even after hours. For further COVID-19 updates, check the United Power website regularly.