Members Invited to Celebrate Cooperative Contribution
United Power is an electric distribution cooperative. That means it is wholly owned by the members it serves and is designed to meet community needs. Co-ops exist across a multitude of markets and industries, including food and agriculture, finance and banking, consumer retail, insurance, healthcare, and more. Distribution co-ops, like United Power, were formed more than 85 years ago when farmers and business owners in rural areas of the country recognized the need and benefit of electricity and found a way to provide it. Today, there are more than 900 such cooperatives providing power to nearly 75% of the country’s landmass and contributing more than 40% of the nation’s electric grid.
October is National Co-op Month, and members are invited to join in celebrating the contributions of cooperatives in our lives. Co-ops are different from their for-profit counterparts by a commitment to empowering local communities and encouraging a spirit of service.
United Power serves some of the fastest growing cities not just in Colorado but in the country. The cooperative is an innovative energy partner helping meet the growing needs of these transforming communities. It also helps coordinate economic development, supports local nonprofits aiding residents, and sponsors programs that enhance each community. Many employees live, work, play, and serve locally. Their faces are recognizable on local chamber of commerce and nonprofit boards or at fairs, festivals, and other community events.
United Power puts money back into the community every year through scholarships, youth development, sponsorships, and more. The cooperative awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships to local high school students in the spring and four additional scholarships worth $7,500 to students enrolled in a dedicated lineworker program in December. Six students were selected to represent the co-op on youth leadership trips to Washington, D.C. and Steamboat Springs, where peers elected one of them to return as an ambassador next summer. This summer, United Power was once again the Adams County Fair’s presenting sponsor, in addition to supporting community celebrations and events in Fort Lupton, Frederick, Mead, Keenesburg, Gilpin County, and more.
While United Power’s first priority is ensuring the safe and reliable distribution of electricity to its residential, commercial, and industrial members, the cooperative is more than just your neighborhood energy provider. It is powered locally by local people, supporting the growth, development, and prosperity of the communities they — and you — call home.