Brighton, CO – On Dec. 19, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Final Decision that affirms in part, reverses in part, modifies in part, and clarifies in part an Initial Decision issued by a FERC administrative law judge in September 2022 addressing contract termination methodology and procedures for members exiting from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State). This is an important next step in United Power’s path to exit Tri-State by May 1, 2024. 

“While we are still reviewing FERC’s order, we are pleased to see that it supports a variation of the balance sheet approach methodology we proposed versus a contract damages or lost revenues approach,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power.

In a Dec. 8 settlement with Tri-State, both utilities agreed to cooperate in good faith to provide the information necessary to calculate the amount of the contract termination payment. “To that end, we intend to work together to determine the appropriate adjustments and offsets so that Tri-State can timely file its compliance filing, and we can file an executed withdrawal agreement. United Power is focused on efforts to ensure a positive future for our members,” Gabriel added.

United Power has taken steps to resolve disputes with Tri-State and to reach areas of alignment and agreement to timely facilitate its departure. Most recently, United Power dismissed state court litigation against Tri-State, and filed motions to withdraw its appeal and intervention in two separate matters before the DC Circuit Court. In September, United Power made an immediate payment to Tri-State for Reserved Issue 3 in the Stated Rate proceeding consistent with the guidance in FERC’s final order. 

We spend all year thinking about ways to effectively monitor and reduce our energy usage, but that becomes more difficult during the holidays. We are often distracted with decorations and preparations, shopping, cooking, and planning. It can be easy to let your guard down, resulting in more excessive energy usage than you might have otherwise expected. 

However you choose to celebrate this season, United Power has you covered with the most up-to-date energy efficiency tips and tricks to prevent holiday usage spikes. A little forethought and diligence makes it easy to find savings during this time of year. 

Replace Christmas Lights with LEDs

Updating the lighting in your home is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce your energy usage and costs. Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are a well-known alternative to traditional lights, and are quickly becoming standard lighting. While many people are making the switch to these lights in their homes, they still might reach for the older, less efficient string lights they have always used when decorating for the holidays. 

Depending on how festive your holiday display is, the cost of using these lights can really begin to add up — perhaps to the tune of hundreds of dollars! Christmas lights that utilize LEDs are up to 90% more efficient and have a far longer life than traditional incandescent lights. 

Beware the Holiday Vampires

United Power has regularly talked about vampire loads, which are quickly becoming large consumers of energy. Vampire loads come from devices that continue to use energy even when they appear to be off, such as TVs, gaming consoles, and charging devices. Holiday lights can also contribute to these loads when they stay plugged in throughout the day while not in use. To avoid the additional energy usage, unplug lights during the day or before bed in the evening, or you can plug them into a power strip that can be turned off when not in use. 

Give the Gift of Energy Savings

Electronics have become a more common gift item over the past few years, many of which have the capability of using large quantities of energy. “Green gifting” is the practice of gifting electronics that are certified energy efficient, such as those marked by the ENERGY STAR® label. These devices meet or exceed federal standards for energy efficiency. This allows you to pass on the gift of energy savings to friends and family. 

For more energy efficiency tips to help you save on usage throughout the year, visit Managing Your Energy. 
 

Demonstrating Our Commitment to Local Schools Through Support and Engagement 

As an electric cooperative, we understand — and appreciate — the value education adds to the communities we serve. United Power partners with local high schools, helping equip students for success on the field, in the classroom, and after they graduate and pursue a postsecondary education or a rewarding career. 

Friday Night Lights

United Power serves nearly two dozen local high schools and some of the most dedicated student athletes in Colorado.
The cooperative presented $1,000 donations to the athletic programs at Prairie View and Brighton High Schools during their annual crosstown rivalry game on Sept. 29. The first 1,000 attendees at the football game also received clear stadium bags. 

Mead Energy Academy

United Power and the Mead Energy Academy have a long-standing partnership. The cooperative’s Mavericks Solar Farm, named after the high school’s mascot, provides education opportunities for students to learn more about the role solar energy plays in a diversified energy mix. 

Students from Mead Energy Academy were able to witness a live public safety demonstration from United Power lineworkers in October to learn about electrical safety and careers in the energy industry. 

Day in the Boots

United Power would not be able to keep members’ lights on without its dedicated and hardworking team in operations. Construction students from the Careers and Technical Education (CTE) programs at 27J, RE-3J, and Adams 12 school districts got to spend a day in the boots of these essential workers, experiencing the various career options that are available within the energy industry first-hand. 

Careers in Energy

Cooperatives provide various career opportunities spanning many fields and specialties, including engineering, finance, human resources, information technology, communications, and more. Each year, United Power supports local career fairs where students can learn about all the career pathways available at cooperatives.

Leadership Training Trips

Students are the future leaders in our communities. The cooperative provides leadership training opportunities for local students at the Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs and Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Applications for the annual youth trips open soon. 

Learn more about youth trips and apply online.