United Power is attempting to return unclaimed capital credit retirements to members who received electric service from the cooperative prior to 2020. If you were a member up to Dec. 31, 2019, you may be eligible to claim a previously issued but unclaimed capital credit refund. 

What Are Capital Credits?

Cooperative members periodically receive capital credit allocations based on their electric usage during a specified time period. The amount you receive is based on the amount of power you used and the margins earned for the time period being allocated. In subsequent years, at the Board of Director’s discretion, previously allocated capital credits may be retired and returned to members. 

Who May be Eligible?

Please look for your name on the list of unclaimed capital credit retirements.

• If you were a United Power member for any period of time through Dec. 31, 2019 AND you were issued a capital credit retirement check in 2020 or earlier that you did not cash;
• If you are the family member or estate representative of a deceased member who had an uncashed capital credit retirement check issued in 2020 or earlier;
• If you are a current member who:
  • Changed your name;
  • Added your name to an existing account;
  • Or did not cash a capital credit retirement check issued in 2020 or earlier.

How Can I Find Out If I Am Due a Refund?

A copy of the unclaimed retired capital credit list is posted in the lobby of United Power’s Brighton office. The list can also be viewed here.

The Brighton office is located at 500 Cooperative Way, off the I-76 service road. Lobby hours are:

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

My Name is On The List. How Do I Claim My Refund? 

If you find your name on the list of unclaimed capital credit retirements, download and complete the Unclaimed Retired Capital Credit Refund Request form. A copy of the form may also be requested by emailing United Power or calling the Member Services department at 303-637-1300. Submitting a form does not guarantee a disbursement will be made. Proper documentation and valid proof of membership during the applicable time period is required. No refund checks will be issued for unclaimed retirement amounts below $5. Once claimed, an individual may opt to donate their capital credit refunds to the United Power Round Up Foundation, which provides assistance to community organizations within the cooperative’s service territory. After the notification period closes on April 30, 2024, all unclaimed retired capital credits for the applicable time period will be considered an assignment and contribution of capital to United Power.  

Refund Request forms must be received by United Power by April 30, 2024.

I remember my second day on the job at Central Vermont Public Service when the process of setting electric rates was explained to me by the utility’s head of ratemaking. My head was swimming with numbers when the CEO, Tom Webb, whom I had never met, popped into the room. Shaking his head, he told me the only thing I needed to know about rates is to keep them as low as possible and always at or below the rate of inflation.

United Power’s staff has worked diligently to keep all costs in check, including insurance premiums. Initiatives like our industry-leading wildfire mitigation plan have allowed us to secure insurance coverage and keep premium increases low. The same is true for the efforts around insurance for cybersecurity, medical, and facilities.

Additionally, the entire organization is working to improve processes to better manage resources and ensure high reliability as costs increase. The cooperative is identifying pathways to optimize efficiency, such as expanding its asset management program to allow for more cost-effective planning. 

We have all felt the recent challenges of inflation. Here at your cooperative, we have held rates flat since Jan. 1, 2020, despite galloping increases in all areas. A typical distribution transformer found near your home used to cost $1,747 in 2019 and today runs $3,113 – assuming one is even available due to supply chain shortages. The cost for larger units has increased nearly 150%, from $35,689 to $88,286. Even simple electrical cable, the main commodity in our business, has gone from $2.39 per foot to $3.81 – a 59% increase!

Power supply represents 75% of our costs. No matter how well we manage the other 25%, the cost of power has the largest impact on rates. Our current power supplier has filed at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a considerable rate increase effective Jan. 1, 2024. The change in their rate structure will impact United Power significantly due to the shift from generation costs to transmission. Specifically, if they charge more for transmission – to deliver the power – those costs will have an effect on the rates we have to pay on your behalf.

The good news is that effective May 1, 2024, United Power will move to a competitive market for power with the selection of at least nine providers. Over time, we will have more control over our generation costs as we increase the amount of carbon-free resources and deploy and manage one of the nation’s first distributed battery storage systems. These systems will allow us to buy and store power when energy prices are low and use it when the demand is high. As a wholesale energy market comes to Colorado in 2026, we will further be able to leverage becoming a distribution system operator by buying and selling resources across the western marketplace.

Even with our concerted efforts, we must implement a rate increase across all our member classes, because we recognize the importance of operating a financially strong member-owned cooperative. We are extremely conscious of the impact that even a small rate increase has on our members and commit to continue working to find ways to lower rates into the future.

United Power wants to work with you to help manage your electric bills and has a team of dedicated employees to provide information, audits, and tips to moderate any rate impacts. They can be reached during normal business hours by phone at 303-637-1300 or via online chat at www.unitedpower.com. Likewise, members may email the United Power Member Services team. 

The new rates, which go into effect Jan. 1, are split between the demand charge and energy charge. The energy component will include a power cost adjustment, providing us the flexibility to move that portion up and down if needed.

Inflation has risen a staggering 21% since our last rate increase four years ago. I hear my old CEO’s words echoing in the back of my mind: “…keep rates as low as possible, and always at or below the rate of inflation.” Tom, we are working hard to do just that!

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

Impact to be Spread Across All Rate Classes

United Power members will see a rate increase effective for usage beginning Jan. 1, 2024. United Power Board members and staff recently reviewed the cooperative’s costs and determined that rates need to be raised an average of 9.5% to help the cooperative maintain a healthy financial profile.

“These decisions are always difficult, and the Board carefully scrutinized spending in all areas across the cooperative before reaching the conclusion that rates need to be increased,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO. “Your cooperative has worked hard to keep costs as low as possible for members during the last three years, especially when inflation began to impact the cost of nearly everything we need to maintain normal day-to-day operations. While we knew this effort was only a delay tactic, we really aimed to keep rates stable for members while costs for everything else in their households were rising.”

Average Household to See $10-$15 Increase Monthly

The average residential member will see increases in both the demand charge and in the energy charge, while the fixed charge will remain the same. The demand charge will increase from $1.50 to $2.50 per kW, while the energy charge will increase from 9.95 cents per kwh to 10.39 cents. 

The average household on the standard residential rate using about 850 kwh per month with a demand of 7 kW will see their bill rise from $114.08 to $124.82, an increase of $10.74. 

Residential time-of-use members will see a similar increase, with an increase in demand from $1.50 to $2.50 per kW. On-peak energy charges will rise from 15.4 cents to 16.07, and off-peak energy charges will increase from 5.25 cents per kwh to 5.5 cents. All other rates will see similar increases. See full menu of rate changes here. 

The cooperative’s rate model forecasts that most households will see a $10-$15 per month increase in their electric bill. However, the structure of United Power’s rates provides members the ability to keep costs lower by controlling demand. Reducing demand is as simple as not using electric appliances at the same time. Additionally, setting timers on dryers and dishwashers so they start after the family goes to sleep moves the demand of that appliance to a lower use period and actively reduces demand costs.

Learn more about demand and how you can reduce the impact of this portion of your bill.. 

Why are rates rising now?

It is important to understand that the cost of wholesale power makes up approximately 75% of a member’s bill. United Power’s current wholesale power supplier is planning a large rate increase in 2024, including a significant change in their rate structure. Once approved, the new rate structure will shift expenses from generation to transmission, which will have a considerable impact on United Power even after our exit. In other words, the cost to deliver power to our members will increase next year — regardless of who is generating and supplying that power. Fortunately, the cooperative will begin purchasing and managing its own wholesale power supply on May 1, 2024, giving us greater control over this portion of our power cost.  

United Power staff has kept a watchful eye on spending, particularly over the past three years, but our operation is challenged by rising costs just like most households and businesses. Unavoidable increases in property taxes and insurance premiums are impacting the cooperative. Add to this the rising cost of construction materials and critical components like transformers and wire, and it has been a challenge to balance our budgets. Even the costs for attracting and retaining talented employees continues to climb in both wages and benefits. 

How Can Your Cooperative Support You?

United Power has numerous resources to help our members manage their energy usage. Weatherization information to make your home envelope tighter, energy audits to provide tips on energy efficiency measures, rebates to support purchasing energy efficient appliances, and information on lifestyle changes that can help reduce costs are all ways we put the power to control costs in our members’ hands. 

If you need help managing your electric costs, please feel free to contact us for assistance. Members may reach United Power by phone at 303-637-1300, via email, or by chat at www.unitedpower.com during normal business hours.

NOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE RATES, RULES, AND REGULATIONS TARIFFS OF UNITED POWER, INC.

DATE OF NOTICE: October 27, 2023

You are hereby notified that UNITED POWER, INC. (United Power) proposes to make changes to several of its rate tariff schedules to become effective for energy usage on or after Jan. 1, 2024 (billings issued after Feb. 1, 2024*). An increase is necessary for all rate classes due to increased wholesale power supply costs and increased distribution expenses since the last increase effective Jan. 1, 2020. There will be a 9% increase to Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD4) and a 9.1% increase to Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD1). There will be a 9.2% increase to Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD2) and 9.3% increase to Small Industrial Primary (SIP1). The Residential (R1) rate class, Large Commercial Coincidental Peak Secondary Demand (CPS1), and the Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD3) will have a rate increase of 9.5%. There will be a 9.6% increase to Small Commercial (C1), Large Commercial Secondary Demand Service (ISD1), Large Commercial Coincidental Peak Primary Demand (CPP1), and a 9.8% increase to Residential On-Peak Demand Time-of-Use Service rate (RDP1). The Residential Time of Use (RTD1), Residential Smart Choice (RD1), Small Commercial Time of Use (CTD1), and Irrigation (IRR2) rates will have an increase of 9.9%. The non-metered light service (L2) will have an increase of 7.8%. The increase to rates R1, RTD1, RDP1, RD1, C1, CTD1, IRR2, ISD1, SIP1, IPD1, ITD1, ITD2, ITD3, and ITD4 will include a wholesale power cost adjustment (PCA) to the energy usage and an increase in the demand charge. The PCA for each rate will be listed on the PCA rate tariff (7.1), and the change in demand will be listed on each applicable rate tariff. Net Metering Service will reflect an increase in the rated capacity limit from 120% to 200% of annual energy usage, and the Electric Vehicle Charges under the pilot program will be updated to an established program. 
  
In addition to rate tariff changes, there are several modifications to update and reflect current business practices in the Rules and Regulations. These updates are to become effective on or after Jan. 1, 2024. Staff has reviewed the current Rules and Regulations tariffs. Business units across the organization were involved in the review. The following main areas have been identified needing revisions or updating: (1) incorporating Regulatory Policy, (2) incorporating Line Extension Policy, (3) updates to Service Connection and Line Extension Fee Schedule, (4) formatting and grammatical updates for ease of use, consistency, and clarity, and (5) updates for Current Business Practices to reflect technological changes, system changes, and efficiencies.

The present and proposed tariff provisions are available for examination at the Coal Creek Branch Office, located at 5 Gross Dam Road, Golden, Colorado; the headquarters office located at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, Colorado, and the Carbon Valley Branch office at 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colorado.

Anyone who desires to comment about the proposed changes shall file either an informal complaint or a formal complaint with United Power at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, Colorado 80603 at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. 

An informal complaint shall be in writing and shall contain such facts and other information to adequately state the reason(s) for the complaint. An informal complaint shall be considered by United Power, in regard to the proposed tariff changes, but will not require that a hearing be held.

Anyone who desires a hearing must file a specific and formal complaint to the proposed changes and a request for hearing at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. A formal complaint shall be in writing in the form prescribed by United Power’s Regulations Governing Consumer Complaints and Related Matters. Upon request, a copy of said regulations is available from United Power.

United Power may hold a hearing to determine what changes will be authorized, regardless of complaints. If proper formal complaints and request for hearings are timely filed, the United Power Board of Directors shall schedule a hearing. The changes ultimately authorized may or may not be the same as those proposed and may include changes different than those tariffs proposed or currently in effect. Anyone who desires to receive notice of hearings, if any, shall make a written request therefore to United Power, at the above address at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.

UNITED POWER, INC.

By: Mark A. Gabriel, President and Chief Executive Officer

*BIlls received prior to Feb. 1 may include some January usage. If so, the bill will reflect the new rate for that usage.

United Power members can find more information about the proposed 2024 rate increase here. 

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.

Electric cooperatives have a long history of measuring success in these operational areas and are guided by a set of principles that emphasize social responsibility and transparency. United Power’s Our Cooperative Roadmap is the long-range action plan addressing how the co-op will tackle the challenges of the evolving utility landscape. The Social Responsibility report, which will be updated annually, will allow members to gain a greater understanding of the cooperative’s goals and accomplishments.

National Drive Electric Week is Sept. 22 - Oct. 1

The Colorado Energy Office announced an ambitious grant program in 2018 to develop several electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging corridors throughout the state, making travel possible even across its large rural and mountainous areas. Many of these corridors have started to come into shape over the past couple years, which is a large part of why the state has consistently been ranked among the best places to own an EV as a daily driver. 

Once completed, several of those corridors will traverse along interstate, state, and U.S. highways that intersect United Power’s suburban territory north and northeast of Denver. The cooperative proactively launched its own fast-charging network in conjunction with ChargePoint in 2019, and received a grant from the Colorado Energy Office to install its second location in Keenesburg in 2021. A third was also added at the Carbon Valley office last year. The network was designed to bridge gaps in available charging options and make rural EV ownership more practical and feasible.

Members who are still unsure about EVs may be interested in learning more about new programs United Power has introduced in the past year, including United EV, a pilot program that provides cost-effective at-home charging solutions, and make-ready wiring rebates, providing up to $1,000 toward the cost of preparing your home for an EV charger.  

United EV enrollment provides a complete service package including installation and setup of a wall-mounted ChargePoint Home Flex level 2 charger and maintenance and repairs for the duration of the enrollment period. All this is available for a $19 monthly service fee. 

For more information about United EV, available wiring rebates, and charging network locations, visit the cooperative’s EV Home or reach out to the Energy Management team at 303-637-1233. 

United Power Announced Three New Power Purchase Agreements in July

United Power recently announced three new power purchase agreements in advance of its upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission in May 2024. The cooperative has reviewed dozens of power supply proposals over the past several months to determine the most fiscally and socially responsible partners moving forward. Finding and securing established partners in the energy industry will not only ensure sufficient power supply is available for United Power’s growing load, but having multiple agreements also presents added flexibility for the cooperative’s power mix.

United Power tried to no avail to negotiate more contract flexibility and lower costs on behalf of its members. These costs are above market value, accounting for more than 70% of the cooperative’s operating expenses. Further, the existing contract locks United Power into a restrictive generation mix and prevents it from obtaining more than 5% of its total load from locally generated sources, such as utility-scale solar farms, gas-capture facilities, or even residential rooftop solar. The cooperative’s  power purchase agreements announced in July demonstrate the freedom available by exiting its current wholesale power contract next year. 

Two of the three agreements will facilitate a large portion of United Power’s expected load when the cooperative exits its current contract. The cooperative’s load is presently the largest among Colorado distribution co-ops — at more than 630 megawatts (MW) — despite serving the smallest geographic footprint. The third agreement is an innovative battery storage solution that will help mitigate costs when power demand is high — also known as peak demand. 

“The energy industry is entering a period of revolutionary change,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We have always put our members first and will continue to do so while advancing our position as an industry-leading distribution cooperative. Leaving our restrictive wholesale power contract affords us the flexibility and freedom to keeps rates competitive, join national power markets, and attract innovative energy partners.” 

As the exit date approaches, questions about the cooperative’s future have started to circulate. It is important that members know the upcoming power supply transition will not impact your membership with the cooperative. United Power will continue as your power provider. New power suppliers will allow the co-op to better serve its members, who can expect the same commitment to delivering reliable and economical electricity to local homes and businesses. Office locations in Brighton, Coal Creek, and Carbon Valley will also still provide the service and support members have come to expect.  

Guzman to Provide Key Power Block

United Power’s power purchase agreement with the Denver-based power supplier Guzman Energy locks in one-third of the cooperative’s power needs beginning in May 2024. The 15-year agreement features fixed wholesale power pricing that provides prearranged power supply costs and rate stability for members. 

Guzman partners with cooperatives, municipalities, companies, and tribes across North America to customize energy portfolios that make economic and environmental sense.

New Utility-Scale Solar Addition

United Power signed a 25-year power purchase agreement to receive power from Whetstone’s Solar of Alamosa project in Southern Colorado. It will add 30 MW of renewable energy to the co-op’s diverse portfolio of generation resources beginning in 2024. 

The solar farm sits atop one of the state’s highest elevation plateaus and receives some of the highest irradiance in the country. Built in 2012, project upgrades are scheduled throughout 2024 to achieve optimum power output. 

Ameresco’s Largest Battery Project

United Power and Ameresco will partner to connect nearly 80 MW/315 MWh of battery storage capacity throughout the cooperative’s service territory. The groundbreaking project will allow United Power to balance its load while integrating renewable resources. Batteries will be located on eight different cooperative-owned substation sites in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties, storing and dispatching power during heavy consumption periods. 

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.