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04/29/2019 - 01:35 PM
Title National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, 2019 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MarApr2019_NL_LinemanAppreciation.png?itok=_0a5T26q Friday | March 1, 2019 Card Teaser United Power is dedicated to keeping our members’ lights on. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of our skilled linemen, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen. United Power is dedicated to keeping our members’ lights on. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of our skilled linemen, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen. On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers. Linemen must be prepared to face daily situations that may be less than ideal, regularly tasked with resolving intricate and hazardous problems in unknown or perilous conditions. During the past year, our linemen have had to help restore power to members following severe hail storms and high winds, which caught many offguard. When severe weather hits our service territory, our linemen are ready to assess the situation and begin the process of restoring power. When the skies are clear and the wind is calm, our linemen are monitoring our system and making improvements to prevent outages where possible. Our linemen are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any situation in any type of weather. So next time you lose power, rest assured a highly trained United Power crew is on the way, dedicated to getting the lights back on quickly and safely. Without our linemen, the power that makes our member’s homes comfortable wouldn’t be possible. We invite our members to take a moment to thank our United Power linemen for the work they do. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support, or take a moment to drop a kind note in the mail. United Power Thank a Lineman 500 Cooperative Way Brighton, CO 8060309/13/2023 - 10:32 AM
National Preparedness Month 2023 Wednesday | September 13, 2023 This year’s theme, “Preparing for Older Adults,” touches how to plan ahead. Read more >03/08/2021 - 02:38 PM
Title National Work Zone Awareness Week /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MarApr2021_WorkZone.jpg?itok=S4-K7aoX Monday | March 8, 2021 Card Teaser National Work Zone Awareness will be Recognized April 26-30, 2021. National Work Zone Awareness will be Recognized April 26-30, 2021 United Power would like to remind our members of the importance of staying aware when entering and exiting roadside work zone areas for both your safety and our crews’ safety. Transportation accidents are one of the leading causes of on-the-job deaths nationwide. As an electric utility, our work is fundamentally different from most highway construction work zones. When United Power conducts roadside construction work, it usually involves small crews working for short periods of time when compared to major highway and road construction. This poses challenges to keeping our lineworkers safe. Major traffic construction will warn drivers in advance with signs posted hundreds of feet or even miles prior to the beginning of work. However, because the nature of our work is different, our crews use different warning techniques when preparing for roadside work. Traffic cones are typically used to delineate our work, which are quicker and easier for our crews to haul and set up when work near roadways is required. Much of our electrical infrastructure is located in high traffic areas, such as shoulders and right-of-ways, intersections and road medians. To maintain high-powered electrical lines and equipment, our crews work in large vehicles, such as a bucket truck. When you see a United Power bucket truck located on a roadside, remember to look for signs and cones that it may be a work zone. Slow down and move over when possible to give our crews a wide enough path to continue working safely. Please try to avoid distractions like cell phones or changing radio stations when entering a roadside work zone and be prepared for the unexpected. We thank you for helping keep our crews safe!02/05/2021 - 01:23 PM
Title New Fort Lupton Payment Kiosk /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2021_NL_FTLKiosk.jpg?itok=4p_stnn9 Friday | February 5, 2021 Card Teaser United Power members living in and around Fort Lupton now have access to a new payment kiosk. The new kiosk is located inside the Bank of Colorado’s Operations Center, 605 4th St. United Power members living in and around Fort Lupton now have access to a new payment kiosk. The new kiosk is located inside the Bank of Colorado’s Operations Center, 605 4th St. Payment kiosks are hassle-free and easy to use. To make a payment, bring your United Power account number and a form of payment. Kiosks accept cash, credit card or check payments. Cash and credit card payments made using the kiosk are applied to your account immediately, and accounts subject to disconnection are restored immediately upon payment. Over the past few years, the cooperative has seen a steady increase in demand from members who prefer to use self-serve and digital account and payment options, and a corresponding reduction in visits to our offices. “The installation of payment kiosks demonstrates our commitment to providing the types of services our members want,” said Francis Ashu, Member Services Director. “Through our many convenient account management and payment options, we are able to provide the same level of quality service without costs associated with operating a storefront location.” United Power now operates four payment kiosks, conveniently located throughout the service territory, with the addition of the Fort Lupton kiosk. The other kiosks are located at the cooperative’s office locations in Brighton, Carbon Valley and Coal Creek. Find more information on payment kiosks and other payment options on our payments page.05/30/2018 - 02:48 PM
Title New Hours for Brighton & Ft. Lupton Walk-In Services /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_04_27_NewHours.jpg?itok=CL-3HWpN Thursday | April 27, 2017 Card Teaser More Hours to Serve You! More Hours to Serve You! United Power’s Brighton and Ft. Lupton offices will offer expanded hours beginning on May 1st. Both offices will now be open from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday–Friday to serve walk-in members with account changes and in-person payments. United Power’s Brighton office is located at 500 Cooperative Way along the I-76 frontage road in Brighton, and the Ft. Lupton office is located at 1200 Dexter Street in the Safeway shopping center in Ft. Lupton. United Power’s Coal Creek office hours will stay the same, offering walk-in services and payments from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday–Friday and we will continue to offer 24 hour dispatch for outages and emergencies. Walk-in payment locations are one of many convenient options for United Power members to make a payment and access account information. Members can pay 24 hours per day over the phone and online through SmartHub. In addition, United Power members can also make cash payments at any MoneyGram location. Check out all of our payment and billing options here.12/31/2019 - 03:38 PM
Title New Rates Effective Jan 1, 2020 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa Tuesday | December 31, 2019 Card Teaser While the increase became effective beginning with usage on January 1, 2020, members won’t see the increase on their bills until February statements are mailed out. More Residential Rate Options Available to Members Residential Rates Understanding Demand A modest increase in residential rates proposed by the United Power board of directors in November became effective in January. Members on the Standard Residential rate will see a 1.5% rate increase, which amounts to an average increase of $1.58 per month. Members on the residential Time of Day and Irrigation rates will see a 2% increase, or an average monthly increase of $3.23. While the increase became effective beginning with usage on January 1, 2020, members won’t see the increase on their bills until February statements are mailed out. Changes to residential rates include a small increase to the demand component, which was introduced to members beginning in 2019, and a corresponding reduction in the energy charge. For example, in the Standard Residential rate, the demand charge increased by 50¢ per kW while the energy charge dropped from 10.15¢ per kWh to 9.95¢ per kWh. The separation of the demand and energy elements allows the cooperative to more accurately, and fairly, charge members for their usage and impact on the system. In addition to the rate change, residential members now have more options with the addition of the new Peak Time of Day Rate. Members who opt into the new rate will pay a slightly higher demand charge than on the standard residential or time of day rates, but are only charged for demand during on-peak hours (2 p.m. – 10 p.m., Monday – Saturday), providing more incentive and savings when members switch usage to off-peak hours. “United Power is constantly looking into its rates and trying to find the best way to serve its members both individually and collectively,” said Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “The addition of the Smart Choice and Peak Time of Day rates over the past two years has given members more options to find something that’s flexible and works for them.” The new Peak Time of Day rate offers relief to members who utilize energy-intensive appliances that can cause spikes in demand overnight, such as electric thermal storage. With the new rate, members can charge their storage off-peak without worrying about demand. Electric vehicle owners who charge at night will also benefit from the new rate. United Power will also be adding a new component to its billing statements that shows members exactly when they hit their peak demand. While this information is available through the Power Portal, it is not currently printed on bills. To find detailed information on United Power’s available residential rates for 2020, go to Residential Rates. There you can compare the demand and energy charges of each rate and choose one that works best for you. The cooperative has also compiled a helpful list of resources to better understand the demand rate, including videos, printable materials and frequently asked questions. To view these resources and more, go to Understanding Demand.01/24/2019 - 09:52 AM
Title New Rates Effective this Month /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa Thursday | January 3, 2019 Card Teaser It’s important to understand that while the rate change is effective for energy usage beginning on January 1, 2019, members won’t see the changes reflected on their bills until their February statements. In several newsletters in 2018, we’ve discussed the new rate structure and a rate increase of 1.5-2% that goes into effect on January 1, 2019. It’s important to understand that while the rate change is effective for energy usage beginning on January 1, 2019, members won’t see the changes reflected on their bills until their February statements. The new rate structure, which breaks apart the energy and demand components into separate charges, allows us to more fairly charge members for both their energy consumption and their impact on the delivery grid. In the past these two costs were recovered through a blended rate, but with more accurate metering we can now utilize each members’ demand to correctly allocate those costs. “From a rate standpoint, we have the right information to correctly charge our members for their impact on the grid and the energy they use,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “We have put together a rate that should put the power to control electric costs into the hands of our members.” What is Demand? Demand is how much capacity you need at any one time to serve the needs of your home or business during the billing period. United Power measures demand in 15-minute intervals, and members will be billed for their single highest 15-minute interval of consumption over the billing period. It is measured in kilowatts (kW) and your highest interval can occur at any time of the day or night. How Much Will the Demand Charge Cost Me? Demand has been reported on billing statements since August of 2018, but without a corresponding dollar amount attached to the line item. In 2019 members will be charged $1 per kW for the highest 15-minute interval of consumption over the billing period. So, if your demand is 6.97 kW, you would see a charge of $6.97 for this line item. To offset the demand charge, the 2019 rates also include a corresponding reduction the cost of energy. Now members can affect their electric bill in two different ways – by staggering use of appliances to reduce demand or by simply using less energy. So, while the rate change increases rates from 1.5-2% overall, members will have more power to control their bill than in the past. What Affects my Demand? Major appliances used for heating and cooling, cooking and laundry have the greatest impact on your energy use and your demand. The more appliances you operate at once, the higher your capacity needs are, which will result in a higher demand charge on your bill. Depending on your home, family size and appliances, your demand will vary, and your highest demand season may be different from other members. How Can I Manage my Demand? Staggering the use of major appliances will be the easiest way to manage your electric bill under the new rate structure. When you consistently stagger the use of major appliances so they don’t run at the same time, you can keep your demand low. Make it easier by utilizing technology that helps you offset energy use like timers, delay start settings, mobile apps, and programmable thermostats. In the graph below, the red line represents demand. Here are some helpful tips to manage your demand:- Run the dishwasher after you’re done cooking dinner. Even better, use the delay start feature so your dishwasher runs later at night while everyone is in bed.
- Start your clothes washer before you go to bed in the evening, and then run the dryer after everyone has finished cooking breakfast the following morning.
- Grill outside or use small cooking appliances if the air conditioning is running. (Bonus: you won’t overheat your kitchen on a hot day!)
- Set your electric vehicle charger to run after you’ve you turned off other appliances for the day.
- Click “My Consumption Data” and then select “Current Month” and “Billing Month.”
- Turn on the orange Demand line using the controls below the weather data.
- The orange line is your Demand, and the orange diamond is your highest Demand to date, which occurred on December 3rd in this example.
- Click on that day to view each 15-minute interval to zero in on the exact time your demand was reached.
- From the Daily View, you can hover over the peak demand (orange diamond) and it will give you the interval (14:15 or 2:15 p.m.) and the kW reached (7.064 kW).
06/24/2022 - 11:59 AM
Title New Red Flag Fire Prevention Procedures /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/SeptOct2020_NL_FireMitigation.jpg?itok=vJP6gkTg Friday | June 24, 2022 Card Teaser United Power will adjust system settings during red flag events to stop power if interference is detected. Red Flag Warning Procedure in Effect This Summer To address the growing fire risk in Colorado, United Power has put in place new operating procedures. One of the latest precautions the cooperative has implemented is a Red Flag fire prevention procedure. The National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning when warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected. When combined, these conditions produce an increased risk of fire danger. This alert is issued as a weather advisory and is often mentioned during the weather segment on local news. When a Red Flag Warning impacts United Power’s service area, the cooperative will adjust system settings and operating procedures to immediately stop the flow of power if any interference is detected. What this means is if a tree or foreign object contacts a power line, a substation device will open automatically and remain de-energized until a United Power crew has patrolled the power line. If no cause is found and no hazard has been reported, system operators will close the device and restore power. Crews will then patrol the line a second time. Inspecting energized lines may identify an issue and prevent another outage. These extra safety measures rely on our crews to complete labor-intensive inspections rather than remotely connecting to automated field devices, which may increase the duration of outages. United Power is committed to providing safe, reliable electric service to members, and recognizes extended outages are inconvenient. If an outage occurs during a Red Flag Warning, crews will work quickly and safely to restore power. United Power reminds members to report any power issues and outages. In many cases, member information can help our crews narrow their focus and identify the cause of an outage. Members who experience an outage or observe anything that seems out of the ordinary concerning power lines or electrical equipment should do the following:- Stay clear of downed trees, downed power lines, or damaged equipment.
- Report outages by calling 303-637-1350 or online.
- Monitor our live outage map on our Outage Center.
12/21/2020 - 08:00 AM
Title New Solar Project to be Energized in 2020 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2020_NL_Solar.jpg?itok=riumQVwI Friday | December 18, 2020 Card Teaser The new solar farm will provide an additional six megawatts of energy to United Power's renewable portfolio. United Power has completed construction on its newest solar project, which is expected to be powered before the end of the year. The Rattlesnake Solar Farm, located adjacent to the cooperative’s largest utility-scale solar farm near Platteville, will provide an additional 6 megawatts of energy to United Power’s renewable portfolio. “United Power set the stage for cooperative solar when it powered the community solar garden more than ten years ago,” said New Business Director Joel Danforth. “This new expansion reinforces our commitment to bringing members alternative energy options that are both affordable and renewable.” The Rattlesnake Solar Farm was built in cooperation with Silicon Ranch, which has worked with United Power on several other solar projects in previous years, including the nearby Platte Solar Farm. The Platte Solar Farm, built and energized in 2017, has a capacity of 16 megawatts, enough to power approximately 3,000 homes. The cooperative has also partnered with Silicon Ranch on the Fort Lupton and Mavericks Solar Farms, both powered in 2016. With the addition of the Rattlesnake Solar Farm project, United Power now has more than 43 megawatts of utility-scale solar connected to its system, in addition to more than 5,500 residential rooftop systems. United Power launched its first solar project in 2010 with the innovative community solar garden. A first of its kind in Colorado, the project allowed members who were unable to install rooftop solar to rent panels from the cooperative and receive a credit for the energy it produced. Two years later in 2012, the cooperative’s first utility-scale solar farm — Hangar 160 — was powered. “Time and again our members have shown us they would like to see us invest more in renewable resources like our solar farms,” Danforth said. “We are constantly looking for ways to add affordable and reliable renewable projects to our portfolio. But these projects aren’t just for looks; they’re also a means for us to be able to offer competitive rates to our members.” United Power has been a part of several innovative energy projects over the past few years. To learn more about the cooperative’s energy projects, go to Innovative Energy.01/22/2019 - 03:57 PM
Title New Training Tool for United Power Linemen /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/July2018_NL_LinemenTraining.png?itok=SSlpfQoC Monday | July 2, 2018 Card Teaser Earlier this year, the cooperative began construction on its new, state-of-the-art outdoor linemen training facility. Training Yard Offers New Possibilities for Linemen Training If you’ve driven by United Power’s headquarters off I-76 in Brighton, you may have noticed the series of poles and wires going up along the eastern edge of its property. Earlier this year, the cooperative began construction on its new, state-of-the-art outdoor linemen training facility. Once completed, the new training yard will feature multiple phases for linemen to practice and prepare for real scenarios they may encounter in the field. The two most prominent phases visible at the moment are the high poles, situated throughout the training yard, and the short poles, along the southern side of the yard. While high poles are standard place on utility training yards and in linemen schools, short poles are an innovative idea brought to the cooperative all the way from Las Vegas through journeyman lineman Jeff Soole. These allow linemen to practice regular maintenance and upgrades while instructors are able to watch from below. “It’s a training tool with endless possibilities,” said Operations Superintendent Mike Lanckriet. “It can be what we need it to be whenever we need it. It has the ability to constantly evolve depending on what we need to train for.” Before construction of the training yard, linemen often had to learn by watching more experienced linemen in the field. However, even experienced linemen may encounter rare or unknown situations. The training yard allows them to train for both rare and routine tasks. In addition to training current linemen on various tasks and responsibilities, it has already proven useful in helping attract more qualified and capable linemen to join the Operations team. “It’s not going to be as large as a training yard at a line school, but once it’s completed it will be comparable,” Lanckriet said. United Power is one of the state’s first cooperatives to begin construction on a training yard and phase in an innovative training regimen for its linemen.01/09/2020 - 03:28 PM
Title NEWS: Tri-State Announces Plans to Close Coal-Fired Plants /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/DSC02346.JPG?itok=0n_NTp8E Thursday | January 9, 2020 Under fire for use of coal, Tri-State to accelerate closure of plants, mine in Colorado and New Mexico Tri-State says closures of 2 plants, 1 mine are part of its new energy plan; critics want to see more The Denver Post | January 9, 2020 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, increasingly under pressure from its members and renewable energy advocates for its reliance on coal, plans to close two of its coal-fired power plants and a coal mine in Colorado and New Mexico. Tri-State said in a statement Thursday that it will close the Escalante Station in northwest New Mexico by the end of this year. It intends to close its operations at the Craig Station plant in Craig and at the Colowyo Mine in northwest Colorado by 2030. The earlier-than-planned closures are part of the utility’s larger Responsible Energy Plan, Tri-State CEO Duane Highley said in a call with reporters. He said Tri-State will release details Jan. 15 about adding more renewable energy to its system and meeting state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ... read full article Tri-State Generation to close all of its Colorado, New Mexico coal-fired power plants and coal mines — 3 locations — by 2030 Tri-State has been pressured by its rural electric co-op members -- including Brighton-based United Power and Durango-based La Plata Electric Association -- to use more renewable energy in recent years. The Colorado Sun | January 9, 2020 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association will close all of its coal-fired power plants and mines in New Mexico and Colorado by 2030, the power provider that serves nearly 20 rural electric cooperatives announced on Thursday. Tri-State says it will close its Escalante Power Plant in Prewitt, New Mexico, by the end of 2020. It plans to close Craig Station and the ColoWyo Mine in northwest Colorado by 2030. Tri-State has been pressured by its rural electric co-op members — including Brighton-based United Power and Durango-based La Plata Electric Association — to make a faster transition to renewable energy in recent years. The pair have sought to break up with Tri-State as a result of the power wholesaler’s reluctance to use more renewables and in seeking more say over their power sources. ...read full article Tri-State Generation to close all 3 of its Colorado, New Mexico coal-fired power plants and coal mines by 2030 Craig Daily Press | January 9, 2020 Tri-State Generation continues to make changes that are hitting the Yampa Valley hard. On Thursday, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced it will close all of its coal-fired power plants and mines in New Mexico and Colorado by 2030. The power provider serves nearly 20 rural electric cooperatives. Tri-State announced the closure of its Escalante Power Plant in Prewitt, New Mexico, by the end of 2020. It plans to close Craig Station Units 2 and 3, and the Colowyo Mine in Northwest Colorado by 2030. The announcement from the Westminster-based power provider comes on the heels of pressure by two of its rural electric co-op members, including Brighton-based United Power and Durango-based La Plata Electric Association, in hopes of making a faster transition to renewable energy in recent years. The pair have sought to break up with Tri-State as a result of the power wholesaler’s reluctance to use more renewables and in seeking more say over their power sources, according to previous Craig Press reporting. ... read full article09/13/2021 - 11:31 AM
Title NextGen Cooperative Alliance to Add United Power CEO to Board /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/NextGen.jpg?itok=b8yq_Qfw Monday | September 13, 2021 Card Teaser NextGen is a coalition of leaders from distribution cooperatives leading the charge to restore local control over power supply decisions. Gabriel will become one of the organization’s founding board members. Brighton, CO – The NextGen Cooperative Alliance is set to name United Power President and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel to its board of directors later this month. NextGen is a coalition of leaders from distribution cooperatives leading the charge to restore local control over power supply decisions. Gabriel will become one of the organization’s founding board members. “I am honored to represent United Power on the NextGen board of directors,” said Gabriel. “United Power has been leading the charge advancing policy to shift away from a decades-old model. NextGen was formed precisely for the purpose of advancing the future interests of cooperatives like United Power and its members, which requires re-envisioning and transforming current relationships with power providers.” The coalition of CEOs that make up NextGen represent cooperatives across the nation leading the way in expanding power supply options, reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model and developing better, more principled relationships with power providers. Their goal is to ensure distribution cooperatives are properly positioned for a secure and cost-effective future. The NextGen Cooperative Alliance brings together co-op leaders to accomplish goals that restore power to members without being committed to any singular solution. These goals include: • Restoring local control over power options and decisions regarding their own power supplies. • Positioning power supplies for the future, which includes increasing clean energy, facilitating stable rates and driving local economic development. • Removing barriers that prevent or discourage local innovation. • Restoring and strengthening cooperative principles of democratic governance, ensuring board directors prioritize the members who elected them. NextGen was formed so cooperative leaders can work together to establish more equitable and flexible agreements with power providers, according to the website. It is dedicated to providing a collective advocacy voice, educational tools and networking opportunities to all distribution cooperatives seeking more autonomy and control over power supply. “United Power has been working toward a mutually beneficial relationship with Tri-State Generation & Transmission that allows us to be responsive to our members and take advantage of a competitive energy marketplace,” Gabriel said. “What we need is a new G&T structure to address the energy needs of the future and help cooperatives better serve their members. NextGen brings together leaders from distribution co-ops facing similar push back from G&Ts determined to maintain current contracts that no longer make sense in the current energy marketplace.” 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 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. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. ###