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04/14/2022 - 02:53 PM
Title United Power Hosts Hybrid Annual Meeting on April 13 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/IMG_0316.jpg?itok=-1yZYvwn Thursday | April 14, 2022 Card Teaser First In-Person Meeting Since 2019; Incumbents Re-elected Date: 4/29/2022 United Power filed a non-conditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from our power supplier in compliance with a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruling. This changes our previously announced Tri-State exit date of Jan. 1, 2024 to May 1, 2024. United Power hosted a hybrid Annual Meeting on April 13, allowing members to gather in person for the first time since 2019. The cooperative was pleased to return to an in-person format this year. Nearly 450 members and guests attended the meeting either in person or online. The meeting included a video recap highlighting the cooperative’s accomplishments over the last year, an annual financial report, and the certification of the director election. Voting in the director election was conducted via mail-in and electronic balloting. The cooperative introduced electronic balloting this year to provide members with a fast, secure and convenient way to submit ballots and avoid delays in mail handling. More than 6,000 member ballots were cast in the election. East District incumbent, Elizabeth “Beth” Martin, retained her seat, receiving 2,728 votes. Steven “Steve” Douglas received 2,536 votes and Naptali A. Lucks received 700 votes in the race for the East District. Ursula J. Morgan, West District, and Keith Alquist, South District, ran unopposed and will retain their seats with 5,341 and 5,337 votes, respectively. Ursula J. Morgan, Board Chairman and Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO, summarized the cooperative’s performance in 2021 with a video presentation. The cooperative surpassed 100,000 meter connections, improved operational efficiencies, and implemented several innovative projects all in the last year. The addition of more than 4,600 new meters pushed United Power beyond 100,000 meters early last summer. It became just the 31st electric cooperative nationwide to surpass this mark and only the second in Colorado. While more meters were being added, the operations team conducted targeted maintenance, which reduced outage times to nearly half the national average. United Power also expanded its electric vehicle charging network, installed a diesel generator in Gilpin County, and deployed its first hybrid bucket truck. The cooperative’s second charging station at the Market Street Mart in Keenesburg filled a gap in available charging infrastructure along Interstate 76. The generator project provided an outage solution and emergency backup to members located at the ends of the co-op’s lines where it can be difficult to restore power quickly due to isolation and mountain terrain. Most significantly, United Power announced its intentions to pursue a change in its wholesale power supplier effective January 2024. Wholesale power costs account for approximately 75% of member rates and attempts to negotiate the cooperative’s existing contract have failed. Based on the broader economic landscape, leadership believes it is in the best interest of members to find an alternate supplier moving forward. “This was not a decision that was reached without exhaustive research and deliberation,” said Morgan. “We considered the impact on rates and reliability, as well as the flexibility of our power supply. The Board believes this is the right direction for our cooperative.” The cost of power under the current contract is nearly 20-25% higher than market levels. The availability of self-generation and storage options combined with existing contract limitations no longer meet the needs of United Power members. “Our goal is to provide both lower-cost power and more options for our members,” Gabriel said. “We are confident we can craft a new future for our members, and we are excited to bring the opportunities to you.” United Power anticipates far-reaching change and innovation to come to the electric utility industry in the years ahead. One of the cooperative’s biggest accomplishments last year was developing Our Cooperative Roadmap, a long-term action plan to maintain United Power’s strength and competitiveness in the evolving industry. “What does the future look like for United Power?” Gabriel asked. “We need to continue to provide a robust network so that every member behind every meter has every possible option and opportunity to engage in the way they desire. Bottom line: we need to do this while ensuring high quality, high reliability, and reasonably priced power.” Keith Alquist, United Power’s Board Treasurer, presented the cooperative’s financials and reported the cooperative is in good fiscal shape. The finance team at United Power continues to receive compliments from auditors for their professionalism, completeness and accuracy in preparing financial statements at year-end and on a monthly basis. Videos and information presented at the 2022 Annual Meeting, including the cooperative’s 2021 Annual Report, are available here.06/13/2022 - 04:43 PM
Title United Power Hosts Member Forum to Discuss Power Supply /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/TransmissionSolar.jpg?itok=vn6mc-kQ Monday | June 13, 2022 Card Teaser United Power held a member forum on June 7 to discuss the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract. United Power held a member forum on June 7 to discuss the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract and highlight opportunities to purchase low cost, high reliability power that is produced in an environmentally responsible manner. In April, the cooperative filed a nonconditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, reaffirming its decision to leave its wholesale power supplier. The withdrawal is effective May 1, 2024. Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dean Hubbuck, the cooperative’s Chief Energy Resources Officer, discussed the exit process, goals of the transition, and impact to members with both in person and virtual attendees. Gabriel reassured members the shift in power suppliers would not affect their status as members of the cooperative and the exit was ultimately about controlling costs and potentially lowering rates. “We’re working diligently so that we can save money,” Gabriel said. “If we can control costs and if we can manage to get better pricing out in the market, we are able then to lower rates. I think that’s something that’s critical as a member-owned cooperative.” Hubbuck provided a high-level overview of various steps the cooperative has taken to negotiate a fair and equitable contract termination fee through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including several recent decisions in favor of United Power, and its recent request for proposal (RFP) for new power supply. “We are expecting a healthy response to our RFP, which is due in the early part of August,” Hubbuck said. “We’ll spend about two months evaluating proposals before selecting a handful of suppliers to work with directly. We hope to select a supplier, or group of suppliers, and begin contract negotiations early next year.” United Power has attempted to negotiate contract modifications with its wholesale power supplier, including an option for partial requirements, but has been met with resistance. The current contract no longer makes economic sense for the cooperative or its members. It limits local generation and member flexibility while rates are well above market price. “Historically, our wholesale power contract was entered into because, at that time, our most pressing issue was to secure a reliable source of power when very few viable options were available,” said Beth Martin, United Power’s Board Chairman. “Our situation has substantially changed, with more affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable power supply options now available. We believe we should deliver electricity that is more reflective of the current market price, ultimately helping our members save." More information about United Power’s contract negotiations and transition to new power suppliers is available on the Power Supply page. Members who were unable to attend the Power Supply Forum can watch it here.08/30/2021 - 09:27 AM
Title United Power Hosts Members at Carbon Valley Open House Celebration /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CV_OpenHouse.jpg?itok=OZi1MSiA Monday | August 30, 2021 Card Teaser United Power joined a small group of elite cooperatives in June when it surpassed 100,000 meters served off its lines. To celebrate, the co-op hosted an Open House Celebration for members at its Carbon Valley Service Center on August 28. Open House Celebrated Co-op Surpassing 100,000 Meters in June Brighton, CO – United Power joined a small group of elite cooperatives in June when it surpassed 100,000 meters served off its lines. It became just the second Colorado co-op, and 31st nationally, to cross the meter milestone. To commemorate the achievement, the co-op hosted an Open House Celebration for members at its Carbon Valley Service Center, located off the I-25 Frontage Road just west of Firestone and Frederick, on August 28. Several hundred members attended the Open House Celebration, which featured a variety of family-friendly activities, educational opportunities and prize giveaways. It was the first in-person member event the cooperative has hosted since the pandemic began in March 2020. The come-and-go structure of the event enabled members to maintain social distancing by discouraging crowds and allowing attendees to walk through at their own leisure. Breakfast and refreshments were also provided as attendees made their way through the exhibits. “It is important that we as a cooperative get back to our roots of engaging and interacting with our members,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This was the perfect platform to showcase our newest facility and celebrate our historic meter accomplishment with our members while also accounting for their health and safety.” United Power packed its garage with interactive exhibits to give members a hands-on experience with everything from electrical safety to electric vehicle ownership. The cooperative’s well-known safety demonstration team kicked things off near the event entrance before a series of large equipment and bucket trucks funneled attendees toward an EV demonstration at the garage’s northeast doors. Northern Colorado Clean Cities provided several EVs available for short test drives with attendees. Outside, attendees were offered a brief informational presentation about the cooperative’s battery storage facility followed by a tour. Originally energized in 2019, the battery storage facility remains the largest in Colorado. Inside the Carbon Valley Service Center, the community room was transformed into a series of educational booths where attendees could enter to win prizes, learn more about member-exclusive programs and engage with United Power experts on things like energy efficiency. Attendees could also present questions and win prizes from the cooperative’s board of directors. “We are so excited and thankful to be able to celebrate 100,000 meters with our members in person,” said Ursula Morgan, United Power’s Board Chairman. “After more than a year away, we could not have been happier to see and interact with them again, especially for such a big occasion. Without our members, there is no cooperative. There is no United Power.” United Power members who attended the event were eligible to win one of ten $100 bill credit prizes, announced following the event’s conclusion. Members also donated canned and packaged food for to the Carbon Valley Help Center, which provides food and clothing to those in need in and around the Carbon Valley area. Earlier this summer, United Power honored its 100,000 meter family, John and Hailey Takacs and their son Drake, at their new home in Commerce City’s fast-growing Reunion community. Cooperative board members and cooperative leadership, along with Commerce City Mayor Ben Huseman and Tri Pointe homes representative Mariel Schlander, presented the Takacs’ with a prize package containing home essentials, such as a variety of tools and home equipment, including an electric lawn mower. “We are adding meters at an unprecedented rate,” Gabriel said. “But more importantly, we are adding members. Each new meter represents a new family on our lines or a new business helping shape the economy of the communities we serve. Our members make us stronger, and they make our communities stronger. As your cooperative, it is our privilege to be able to serve each one of our members.” 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. ###09/28/2023 - 12:02 PM
Title United Power Issues Social Responsibility Report /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/newsline/Sustainability/SRReport_news.jpg?h=45932144&itok=TPq6iSJ2 Thursday | September 28, 2023 Card Teaser Informational report highlights cooperative transparency. United Power announces the publication of its first Social Responsibility report. The report recaps the cooperative’s accomplishments, performance, and progress in four defined areas – social, governance, safety and risk, and environmental. The inaugural report was approved by the United Power Board of Directors during the September board meeting, marking a significant milestone in the member-owned cooperative’s ongoing commitment to transparency, sustainability, and responsible management. Each area of concentration is important to the overall operational and financial health of the cooperative, and utilities that measure performance in these areas consistently rank among the best in the country. The comprehensive report showcases United Power’s values of responsibility, integrity, and reliability, while outlining specific actions taken to support these tenets. “We are excited to feature the many initiatives and accomplishments of the cooperative in this report,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “While annual reports highlight the prior year’s performance and the cooperative’s financial position, the Social Responsibility report provides our members a deeper understanding of the actions we are taking to further our mission to provide the best possible service.” Key highlights from United Power’s inaugural Social Responsibility report include:- Social Impact. The report highlights the cooperative’s efforts to create a positive impact within the communities it serves. This includes both cooperative- and employee-supported initiatives; the promotion of tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion in the workforce; and the careful attention to the integrity of data and information.
- Governance Excellence. The co-op’s governance structure and practices are outlined, highlighting the cooperative regulatory model, member engagement in director elections, and the cooperative’s corporate behavior and codes of conduct around financial transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.
- Safety and Risk Management. The report outlines the many ways the cooperative is building and maintaining a resilient and safe infrastructure to protect the communities it serves. Through a comprehensive wildfire mitigation and vegetation management strategy, a strong safety culture, and broad-based approach to addressing risk, the cooperative is actively working to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity.
- Environmental Responsibility. The cooperative’s innovative energy programs are highlighted, showing the depth of the co-op’s commitment to providing sustainable, flexible, and affordable power for members. Through efficiency measures and programs to make emerging technologies more readily accessible, United Power is paving the way for the evolving energy landscape.
07/22/2021 - 11:45 AM
Title United Power Joins National Organization GridWise Alliance /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Grid_Layout.jpg?itok=QANx6rRH Thursday | July 22, 2021 Card Teaser United Power is now a member of the GridWise Alliance, a national organization which helps foster relationships among a diverse group of industry stakeholders and advocates for public policy changes that benefit grid modernization. Brighton, CO – United Power is now a member of the GridWise Alliance, a national organization which helps foster relationships among a diverse group of industry stakeholders and advocates for public policy changes that benefit grid modernization. The group’s executive committee unanimously approved the cooperative’s membership with the organization in July. Grid modernization is a moving target that evolves over time as new technology is developed and changes the way energy is produced and managed and how consumers use energy. It typically refers to the system of interconnected devices on a grid that improve reliability and efficiency while ensuring safety. The GridWise Alliance is a collaborate effort among members to develop industry best practices used to direct public policy supporting grid modernization by leveraging their different experiences and perspectives. “We are a comparatively small player next to some of the larger utilities involved with the GridWise Alliance,” said Dean Hubbuck, United Power’s Chief Energy Resource Officer. “But we’re also extremely progressive. These types of organizations help us accomplish our goals and what we’re trying to achieve for our members.” As a member, United Power will be able to contribute its unique perspective on the industry as a fast-growing cooperative serving members in suburban and rural communities northeast of Denver. In June, the Brighton-based co-op became just the 31st electric cooperative nationwide to surpass 100,000 meters and is on past to add several thousand more before the end of the year. The unprecedented growth and progressive reputation of the cooperative have earned it a seat at the table helping direct local and national policy conversations. “United Power stands out from its cooperative peers for its commitment to grid modernization and deployment of emerging technologies,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel. “As a member of the GridWise Alliance, we have a platform to advocate for policies beneficial to both the cooperative and its members.” United Power joins Rappahannock as the only other electric cooperative member of the GridWise Alliance. Other prominent members include Con Edison, Dominion Energy and Duke Energy. Non-utility members also include IBM, Intel and General Electric. For more information about the GridWise Alliance, go to www.gridwise.org. About GridWise Alliance: The GridWise Alliance (GWA) represents the broad and diverse stakeholders that design, build, and operate the electric grid. Since 2003, the GridWise Alliance has been at the forefront of educating key industry stakeholders on the critical need to modernize our nation’s electricity system. For more information about the GridWise Alliance, visit: www.gridwise.org. About United Power: 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. ###11/12/2020 - 12:09 PM
United Power Joins Rebuild Effort Thursday | November 12, 2020 East Troublesome Fire and strong winds badly damage Granby cooperative’s infrastructure. Read more >06/23/2022 - 02:23 PM
United Power Joins Southwest Power Pool Thursday | June 23, 2022 United Power is the first distribution utility in the Western Interconnection to join the SPP. Read more >01/22/2019 - 10:07 AM
Title United Power Kids Demonstrate Safety around Electricity /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/04_13_2018_ElectricalSafetyPosters.png?h=45932144&itok=ezUEsQ8H Friday | April 13, 2018 Card Teaser United Power recently asked elementary students in its service territory to help demonstrate electrical safety in its annual Electrical Safety Poster Contest. United Power recently asked elementary students in its service territory to help demonstrate electrical safety in its annual Electrical Safety Poster Contest. Kids in grades kindergarten through fifth submitted creative and educational posters designed to teach family and friends how to stay safe around electricity. United Power will place winning poster designs on bus benches during the month of May, which is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month. Employees at the member-owned cooperative voted to select the following winners from each grade for the 2018 Electrical Safety Poster Contest: Zariah McPherson from Reunion Elementary, Joey Seymour from Platteville Elementary, Maddilyn Griffis from Bromley East Charter School, Sofie Archer from Landmark Academy, Troy Wymer from Hoff Elementary, and Kaydence States from Bromley East Charter School. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all the students who entered their creative safety messages. Look for winning safety posters to appear through the cooperative service territory for the month of May. United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 83,000 homes and busineses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.05/30/2018 - 02:39 PM
United Power Kids Show Us How to Be Safe Around Electricity Wednesday | April 26, 2017 United Power recently enlisted the help of elementary students to spread the importance of electrical safety through an Electrical Safety Poster Contest. Read more >07/25/2022 - 10:03 AM
Title United Power Launches EV Charging Pilot Program /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/UnitedEV.jpg?itok=Oj7FXdZY Monday | July 25, 2022 Card Teaser United Power has launched United EV, a new charging-as-a-service pilot program designed to provide cost-effective, at-home charging solutions for cooperative members with electric vehicles (EVs). United EV Provides At-Home Charging-as-a-Service for Co-op Members Brighton, CO – United Power has launched United EV, a new charging-as-a-service pilot program designed to provide cost-effective, at-home charging solutions for cooperative members with electric vehicles (EVs). United EV will help lower the up-front ownership and installation costs of wall-mounted, at-home EV chargers, to reduce the costs of charging and help the cooperative effectively manage electric demand on the grid. The program will initially be limited to 50 qualifying residential members. Members enrolled in United EV will receive several benefits for a $19 monthly fee. The program is a complete service package that includes installation and set-up of a wall-mounted ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger, maintenance and repairs for the duration of the enrollment period, rebates for make-ready wiring, and several rate and charging options to take advantage of the lowest available energy costs. The service fee will be conveniently applied to electric billing statements each month. “There’s been rapid growth in electric vehicle sales and ownership within the United Power service territory,” said Joel Danforth, United Power’s Energy Programs Director. “Our comprehensive EV strategy began with the deployment of rapid chargers along major corridors throughout our territory where there were gaps in charging infrastructure. We’re now turning our attention toward reducing the upfront cost, risk, and burden of home charging to make electric vehicle ownership more affordable and accessible.” To further address the cost of updating home electrical wiring, United EV participants qualify for rebate dollars toward the installation of make-ready wiring and outlet installation in their homes. United Power’s make-ready wiring rebate covers 50% of the installation cost up to $1,000 for program participants. United Power members not enrolled in the United EV program are eligible to receive a rebate up to $500. For more information on United EV or the cooperative’s other electric vehicle initiatives, including available rebates and its rapid charging network, visit www.unitedpower.com/ev or reach out to the Energy Programs team at 303-637-1233. 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, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. ###04/29/2019 - 01:39 PM
Title United Power Lineman Kelly Snow will Electrify Guatemalan Village Again /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2018_NL_Guatemala_0.png?itok=mKvT37x- Wednesday | April 10, 2019 Card Teaser The lights will come on later this summer at an isolated village in north-central Guatemala, thanks to the efforts of a just-named team of Colorado linemen, including United Power’s Kelly Snow. The lights will come on later this summer at an isolated village in north-central Guatemala, thanks to the efforts of a just-named team of Colorado linemen, including United Power’s Kelly Snow. Kelly was part of a similar project in 2018. Hear him tell his story about the 2018 Energy Trail Project. The Colorado Rural Electric Association selected 10 volunteer linemen and one alternate from its member electric cooperatives to prepare to electrify the mountainous village of Sillab, Guatemala, this August. The Colorado crew will join 10 linemen from electric co-ops in Oklahoma on a joint project coordinated through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s philanthropic NRECA International Foundation. “We’re excited to return to Guatemala on another CREA-sponsored project,” said CREA Executive Director Kent Singer. “Last year was the first time Colorado co-ops came together to sponsor a team of linemen to bring electricity to an area that has never had access to electricity before. It was a good experience for our crew and we were able to electrify two remote villages. This year, we have another team of outstanding co-op linemen willing to volunteer their time and expertise to bring much needed electricity to Sillab.” The project site is in the department (state) of Alta Verapaz, near Guatemala’s border with Belize where villagers grow corn for themselves and generate some income from the production of cardamon seeds, peppers and coffee as well as a variety of spices. The volunteers will spend three weeks building power lines along a 6 1/2-mile stretch of mountainous terrain where expected rainy weather, canyon crossings and steep hillsides will add to the challenge. Plans call for 60 poles and four transformers. Each of the 60 homes to be served will be equipped with four lightbulbs, four light switches and four electrical outlets. The power lines will belong to a local utility, ADECORK (Associacion Para Desarollo Communitario Rax Kiche or Association for Community Development Rax Kiche). ADECORK will generate and distribute electric power to Sillab. The utility operates a small hydro power plant with a capacity of 75 kilowatts. Colorado’s team members were selected through an application process and interviews with a committee of CREA staff members and two board members from CREA’s nonprofit Colorado Electric Educational Institute. Nine team members and one alternate were chosen. The 10th spot will be filled by CREA Director of Safety and Loss Control Dale Kishbaugh. Volunteers selected for the project include: Jerid Bruna, Southeast Colorado Power Association, LaJunta; KJ Johnson, San Miguel Power Association, Ridgeway; Austin Maier, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Fort Collins; Jason Matzke, Mountain View Electric Association, Limon/Falcon; Kenneth Murray, Mountain View Electric Association, Limon/Falcon; Jace Noe, Southeast Colorado Power Association, LaJunta; Rod Sherman, Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood Springs; Kelly Snow, United Power, Brighton; and Chris Stanworth, White River Electric Association, Meeker. Lucas Swoyer, Mountain View Electric, Limon/Falcon, was selected as the team alternate. “We had a strong slate of applicants for the trip,” Singer said. “It is great to see how many of our co-op linemen were willing to leave their homes for so long to undertake such a grueling trip to help others in another country. This project will bring economic possibilities to these villages, as well as better access to education and enhanced safety and lifestyles.” CREA is the statewide trade association for Colorado’s 22 electric distribution cooperatives and co-op power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. NRECA International, an affiliate of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has been working in developing countries since 1962. Today more than 300 member electric cooperatives support its work through monetary contributions, material donations and sending hundreds of electric co-op lineworkers and employees aboard as volunteers.01/22/2019 - 12:17 PM
Title United Power Lineman to Help Power Guatemala /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/05_04_2018_Guatemala.png?itok=8ngelyuC Friday | May 4, 2018 Card Teaser United Power Journeyman Lineman, Kelly Snow, is among seven volunteer linemen selected by the Colorado Rural Electric Association to support a program to help electrify remote communities in northwestern Guatemala this fall. United Power Journeyman Lineman, Kelly Snow, is among seven volunteer linemen selected by the Colorado Rural Electric Association to support a program to help electrify remote communities in northwestern Guatemala this fall. The Colorado crew will join eight linemen from co-ops in Oklahoma on a joint project coordinated through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s philanthropic NRECA International Foundation. “We’re very excited about this inaugural CREA-sponsored project in Guatemala,” said CREA Executive Director Kent Singer. “Our group includes outstanding co-op linemen, who will volunteer their time and expertise to bring much needed electricity to people and communities who have never experienced it before.” The volunteers will build power lines in the village of Pie del Cerro and, potentially, in neighboring Tierra Blanca Salinas. Both communities are located far from larger population areas near a rain forest in the Ixcan region, close to the Mexican border. Collectively, the communities have about 100 households, five churches, two elementary schools and two health centers — all without access to reliable and affordable electricity. The local residents live in small one or two room homes without running water, refrigeration or the use of electronic appliances for household chores or business services. Farming is the local industry; they produce corn, beans cardamom seeds, cocoa and vegetables. A local utility, Empresa Municipal Rural de Electricidad (EMRE), based in Playa Grande, Ixcan, will maintain the power lines once they are built. The project will consist of 130 poles and two transformers on 4.34 miles of primary line and 3.86 miles of secondary line. Most of the terrain will be flat, but about 1 mile of line will be built through dense rain forest growth. Each home will receive at least two light bulbs and two electrical outlets. “We’re proud to have Kelly representing United Power on this very worthy project,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Operations Officer. “Electrifying rural communities is the foundation that electric cooperatives were formed, and it’s part of our ongoing commitment to communities around the world.” A selection committee consisting of CREA staff members and two board members from CREA’s Colorado Electric Educational Institute interviewed applicants and selected six co-op linemen and two alternates for the trip. The seventh spot will be filled by CREA Director of Safety and Loss Control Dale Kishbaugh. “Thanks to all of the linemen who were interested in participating in this trip,” Singer said. “It is great to see how many of our co-op family were willing to leave their homes for an extended period for such a grueling trip to help others in another country. This project will bring economic possibilities to these villages, as well as better access to education and enhanced safety and lifestyles.” Volunteers selected for the project include: Christian Baker, Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood Springs,Springs; Kris Barbee, Southeast Colorado Power Association, La Junta; Ben Ludington, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Fort Collins; Kelly Snow, United Power, Brighton; Chet Stickler, Holy Cross, Glenwood Springs; and Nate Towne, Mountain Parks Electric, Granby. Alternates are Chris Stanworth, White River Electric; and Baker McKonly, La Plata Electric Association, Durango. CREA is the statewide trade association for Colorado’s 22 electric cooperatives and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.