-
My Account
-
-
Start, Stop or Transfer
-
-
My Energy
-
-
Energy Options
-
-
Outage & Safety
-
-
New Construction
-
-
Construction Projects
-
Construction Guides
-
-
-
News & Community
-
-
About Us
-
01/22/2019 - 02:18 PM
Title Safe Zones Around Pad-Mounted Transformers /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/June2018_NL_PadTransformer.png?h=45932144&itok=8nsv7dib Friday | June 1, 2018 Card Teaser Though pad-mounted transformers 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 it. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance. 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 it. 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. 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.09/13/2019 - 03:20 PM
Title September is National Preparedness Month /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/SeptOct_NL_SafetyMonth.jpg?itok=SBKCbInX Wednesday | September 4, 2019 Card Teaser Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognizes National Preparedness Month. Are You Ready? Severe weather is a fact of life, and it’s important to make sure you and your family are prepared for when it occurs. Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognizes National Preparedness Month to educate and empower Americans to take simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies that could affect us where we live, work and visit. This year’s theme (Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters.) touches on four distinct aspects of emergency preparation: Save Early for Disaster Costs Emergencies hit us when we least expect and could be costly if we aren’t prepared beforehand. Do you have an emergency fund? Does your insurance adequately cover the costs of a natural disaster? Does your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance cover flood damages? It’s important to have funds available when emergencies disrupt daily life or if an ATM isn’t immediately available. Make a Plan Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as a conversation over dinner, and it’s important to include kids in the disaster planning process. Practice your plan, including evacuations, fire escapes and turning off utilities like natural gas. Youth Preparedness Teach children what to do in an emergency if they are at home or away. They should know how to communicate during an emergency, with you, friends or emergency responders. Review family emergency plans regularly, or even have them practice building their own emergency kits. Get Involved in Community Preparedness Take some time to learn about the hazards most likely to affect your community and their responses. Look for opportunities to get involved by volunteering with organizations before, during and after potential disasters. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) train volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters their community may face. For more information on National Preparedness Month, including sample emergency communications plans, organizations you can volunteer with during disasters and more, visit www.ready.gov.09/02/2025 - 10:37 AM
September Message from Mark A. Gabriel Tuesday | September 2, 2025 A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer. Read more >09/05/2023 - 09:20 AM
September Message from Mark. A. Gabriel Tuesday | September 5, 2023 A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer. Read more >09/20/2021 - 11:25 AM
Title September/October Message from Mark A. Gabriel /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CEO_Message.jpg?h=45932144&itok=pNegmSzP Monday | September 20, 2021 Card Teaser A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer. Recently, two solar salesmen came to my home in Brighton offering to convince me of the value of adding solar. Their main sales pitch was a false narrative that United Power rates were slated to increase “dramatically” over the next several years due to our ongoing conversations with our power supplier, Tri-State G&T, about a contract modification. Ironically, just that day at our board of directors meeting, we presented a first look at our budget for 2022 which showed no immediate increase and a potential decrease in rates at some point in the foreseeable future. Their sales pitch was an out-and-out lie. There are many factors driving the decision to add solar or storage, including economics, environmental responsibility or the desire for energy independence. We wholeheartedly support your decisions, whatever the rationale, but want to make sure the decision is being made with a full knowledge of the costs. Sadly, there are many unscrupulous salespeople who do not have your best financial interests at heart as we do at United Power. Please contact us for the facts as you make these significant investment decisions. You can also visit our website for more information about installing a solar system on your home, including questions to ask potential solar contractors, at Going Solar. As a member-owner, it is important to realize the professionals at United Power are here to serve your needs with unbiased, fact-based information to make sure every electron is used in the most cost-effective way possible. This covers critical opportunities, such as our Rush Hour Rewards program, energy efficiency measures and rebates on everything from appliances to battery-powered lawn equipment. We are honored to serve as a resource for our members to help calculate the benefit of any decision when it comes to alternative energy options. We support decisions to add rooftop solar or storage to your home or business and are proud that nearly 7,000 of our members have made the decision to add solar to their homes. Another 3,000 of us are now driving electric vehicles, and soon members will be able to lease an electric vehicle charger for your home or business at a low monthly cost. These are exciting times in the electricity business as technology expands its reach into everything from automobiles and vertical/indoor farming to advanced manufacturing and lawn tools. In this era of beneficial electrification, United Power is at the forefront of these amazing opportunities. The growth at United Power – we are now more than 100,000 meters strong – has meant an influx of new members to our communities and a new relationship with your electricity provider. If you are new to the concept of an electric cooperative, as part of the “family” you are a part owner and reap the benefits in several ways:- As a member-owner, you will share in any excess margin in the form of capital credits, determined annually by the board of directors. Capital credits are returned to our members as either a check or a credit on your billing statement.
- Participating in a uniquely cooperative process of democratic engagement in our governance. Members vote for who sits on our board or may even run as a candidate themselves.
- Having a utility partner that directly supports community activities like the Adams County Fair. United Power also sponsors events like Summerfest in Brighton, Trappers Days in Fort Lupton and Miners Day in Frederick.
- Being treated as a member – not just a customer – if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
07/22/2019 - 04:36 PM
Title Sol Partners Celebrates 10 Years /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2019_NL_SolPartners.jpg?itok=AoOlXVoM Monday | July 8, 2019 Card Teaser United Power powered the state's first community solar farm in May 2009 at its Brighton headquarters. Over the past several years, solar panels have become a mainstay of the push for more renewable energy. Utilities, large and small, across the country have unveiled plans to add thousands of megawatts of solar-generated energy to portfolios as they aim for a net zero carbon-emission future. In May 2009, United Power jumpstarted its renewable energy program when it powered a new, innovative concept for its members – the state’s first community solar farm, Sol Partners – at its Brighton headquarters facility. The solar farm offered the cooperative’s members leasable solar panels and allowed members to dip their toes in the pool of renewable energy without making a costly commitment on a home installation. Panels were leased to members on a 25-year period for a small initial investment, and those members would receive a credit for power generated on the panels. In addition, the cooperative agreed to maintain the solar farm. The innovative model received immediate adoption and quickly sold out. In August 2010, the cooperative launched its second community solar module. Its instant success incentivized other co-ops to invest in community solar projects of their own. “The community solar model was initially meant as a tool for the local co-op and their members to bring more solar onto the system,” said New Business Director Jerry Marizza. “What was a unique concept 10 years ago has now blossomed throughout Colorado and the nation.06/05/2019 - 11:16 AM
Title Special Member Rebate a NEW Nissan Leaf /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MayJune_NL_NissanLeafRebate-resized.jpg?itok=T0NWc2Nr Saturday | June 1, 2019 Card Teaser Take Advantage of a Member-Exclusive Rebate on the All-New NISSAN LEAF through JULY 1, 2019. Take Advantage of a Member-Exclusive Rebate on the All-New NISSAN LEAF through JULY 1, 2019. Our friends at Touchstone Energy have been working behind the scenes to bring United Power members and employees a special opportunity to get behind the wheel of the world's best-selling 100 percent electric car, the all-new NISSAN LEAF, thanks to a rebate program that's been extended through July 1. Offer is eligible for fleet or individual purchases. A $3,500 special rebate is available on the 40 kWh model NISSAN LEAF and a new $2,500 rebate is available on the 226 mile range, 62 kWh, ePlus model. This offer can be combined with the $7,500 Federal ED Tax Credit to provide you with savings up to $11,000 on your purchase of a new Nissan Leaf. Simply print this flyer (linked) and bring your electric bill and/or proof of cooperative employment to your local NISSAN Dealer and you can become eligible to use the special Fleet Certification Code to obtain your special rebate. Please see eligibility requirements for more details. Offer expires July 1, 2019! More Range, More Power, More Confidence Consumers can now embrace the excitement of more range, more power and more tech. With 2 battery options (40 kWh and 62 kWh), and enhanced available technology, consumers can pick the car that best fits their every day needs and drive with confidence. Join us in Making a Difference As part of our effort to accelerate electric vehicle transportation alternatives across the United State, Nissan North America, Inc. is offering eligible Touchstone Energy cooperatives, members and employees a special incentive toward the purchase of the all-new, 100% electric, Nissan Leaf. With each qualified purchase, eligible buyers can receive a $3,500 Fleetail Rebate of MSRP, plus eligibility for a Federal EV Tax Credit, up to $7,500. State incentives may also be available. How to Get this Great Incentive Simply bring a copy of this flyer, both the front and back pages, along with your monthly electric bill or proof of employment to your participating Nissan dealership. This limited time offer expires July 1, 2019 and cannot be combined with other Nissan or NMAC special incentives. Residency restrictions apply.05/11/2023 - 03:24 PM
State Senate Designates April 18 as Colorado Lineworker Appreciation Day Wednesday | April 12, 2023 The day will be observed on April 18 each year to honor and recognize the crucial role that lineworkers play in providing safe and reliable electricity to communities throughout Colorado. Read more >01/23/2019 - 08:47 AM
Title Students Attend D.C. Youth Tour /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Aug2018_NL_YouthTour.png?itok=QdTk4igu Wednesday | August 1, 2018 Card Teaser In June, United Power proudly joined with local electric cooperatives from around the country to sponsor teenagers from small towns and cities to spend a week in the nation’s capital learning about the political process and interacting with their elected officials. In June, United Power proudly joined with local electric cooperatives from around the country to sponsor teenagers from small towns and cities to spend a week in the nation’s capital learning about the political process and interacting with their elected officials. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been a tradition among cooperatives since the late 1950s. The origins of the Youth Tour date back to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 1957 annual meeting in Chicago, where keynote speaker and future president Lyndon B. Johnson suggested sending youth to the capital to “actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” What began with a small group of 34 students from Iowa in 1958 has since ballooned to nearly 2,000 students from 42 states. To date, nearly 50,000 students have participated in the program. This year, United Power sponsored three local students to represent the cooperative during the 2018 Youth Tour – Hannah Rockwell of Weld Central High School, Jordyn Saffy of Eagle Ridge Academy, and Megan Lewis of Frederick High School. Between meetings with elected officials, learning the value of the cooperatives they represent and developing leadership skills, students were able to spend time touring some of Washington D.C.’s landmarks and memorials. Before flying out, Colorado students were also treated to a high-voltage safety demonstration at United Power’s headquarters in Brighton, Colo. Each year United Power selects three ambitious high school students to attend Youth Tour. Applications to represent the cooperative during next year’s tour will be available in December.07/22/2019 - 04:40 PM
Title Summer Air Conditioning and the Demand Rate /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2019_NL_AirConditioning.jpg?itok=Bka7-6IY Monday | July 22, 2019 Card Teaser Your air conditioner is probably one of the most demand intensive appliances in your home. This means members will begin to see their demand charge rise to include this additional appliance as the summer heat arrives. Your air conditioner is probably one of the most demand intensive appliances in your home. This means members will begin to see their demand charge rise to include this additional appliance as the summer heat arrives. There is good news if you like keeping your home cool, though. When United Power instituted the demand charge, there was a corresponding REDUCTION in the cost of energy. Since you use a lot of energy to keep your home cool, you will probably see very little change from prior summers in your average bill. When United Power moved to a demand rate we uncoupled costs that had previously been blended into the rate. This new structure gives you more control over your electric costs, by allowing you to avoid stacking appliance use. It also reduced the cost you pay for the actual energy you use. The change is helping to make sure you pay a more accurate portion of your costs for the distribution system that brings power to your home. Demand is the total of all electric appliances that are running at one time. United Power bases their demand charge on your highest demand in a 15-minute period throughout the month. In the summer this is going to happen when you run your air conditioner, and perhaps an additional appliance like your washer or oven. For example, a 24,000 BTU air conditioner creates a demand of about 3.8 kW, which translates to a demand charge of $3.80 plus the demand of any other appliances running at the same time. United Power made sure that our members can access the information they need to better understand their power consumption. All United Power members can look at their power consumption and see when you reach your peak demand via the Power Portal. If you need help accessing the Power Portal give Member Services a call at 303-637-1300. Remember that our website, www.unitedpower.com, has lots of great information about how you can reduce demand and how demand billing works.09/24/2019 - 07:45 AM
Title Summer Heat Sets Record Peak /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/SeptOct_NL_RecordPeak.jpg?itok=tcVCN2QP Monday | September 23, 2019 Card Teaser In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state. The summer is coming to a close soon, but you may have noticed some higher than usual bills over the past couple months. That’s in part due to the unusually warm summer we’ve had this year. As the temperatures rose, United Power also felt the affects. In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state. Nationally, the heat wave resulted in the highest demand since 2017, according to the Energy Information Administration. If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat without seeing the impact on your electric bill, the Department of Energy recommends turning your A/C up a few degrees when you leave the house. Turning your thermostat back a few degrees and ensuring your house has the proper insulation can result in big savings. You can find more energy savings tips under Managing My Energy.09/21/2023 - 01:33 PM
Title Surviving in Place: Why a Battery Backup? /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Battery_Backup.jpg?h=45932144&itok=M9ynIyYv Thursday | September 21, 2023 Card Teaser Members who rely on powered medical equipment should have a plan for large disasters and power interruptions. National Preparedness Month is a good time to make plans for emergencies of all kinds. Members who rely on medical equipment that requires electricity to operate should have a plan prepared for large disasters and shorter power interruptions. Your plan should include how to provide backup power should you lose electric service for a few hours, and an evacuation plan if you sustain a prolonged power outage or receive a mandatory evacuation order. Plan accordingly if you or a loved one cannot be without power. If possible, a backup battery, generator, or alternate electrical resource is ideal. Or you may want to explore newer solutions and consider manual hand cranks, foot pumps, or other simple tools that might suffice when nothing else works. Be sure your backup devices are fully charged, ready to go, and that your caregivers know how to operate them. Colorado’s Medicaid Battery Backup Program Recognizing the importance of preparedness for individuals on life-sustaining medical equipment, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has a program to distribute battery-based, power backup systems to eligible Coloradans. If you are a qualified Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) participant, you may qualify for assistance. For more information, including a checklist to use while developing your backup plan and a link to the Medicaid Battery Backup Program, visit the Medical Devices page.