Residential & Business Rates Will Not Increase for Second Consecutive Year

United Power has announced that there will not be a scheduled rate increase for residential or business members in 2022. This marks the second consecutive year rates have not been increased for members. The cooperative’s Board of Directors made the decision in November upon approval of the 2022 budget.

Over the course of the past several months, United Power has focused its efforts to reduce spending where possible and control cooperative costs. It has also continued to monitor the pandemic’s economic impact on the communities it serves and the members on its lines. While there has been a slow transition to normal functions, the result of the cooperative’s cost control measures has enabled it to once again avoid a rate increase, providing a little additional relief for members who continue to feel the pandemic’s affects heading into the holiday season.

“We are proud to announce that members will not have to worry about how a rate increase will affect them this upcoming year,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a cooperative, we don’t answer to corporate shareholders or investor interests, but are here to serve each of our members. We have the flexibility to shift directions quickly, like we had to over the past year, to drive better results for you, our members.”

Continued growth also played a significant role in the cooperative’s ability to maintain its current rate structure. Growth this year has exceeded expectations, and United Power became just the second Colorado co-op to surpass 100,000 meters earlier this summer.

United Power understands its members have different needs and use electricity in vastly different ways. The cooperative’s residential rates are designed so members have the option to choose one that most closely fits how they use energy. When the demand rate debuted, it separated the energy and demand components and allowed the cooperative to more fairly charge members for both their energy use and impact on the grid. Residential members have four different rates to choose from, each designed with slight variations that allow you to review your energy usage and pick a rate that works best for you and your family.

However you use your energy, the flexibility of the cooperative’s residential rates should meet most members’ needs.

You can compare the demand and energy charges of each rate and choose one that most closely fits how you and your family use energy here.

Members who are curious how home electronics and appliances may impact their demand charge can use the cooperative’s Demand Calculator on the Understanding Demand page. 

How Components Work to Reduce Outage Times and Improve Reliability

United Power’s outage restoration system is among the most advanced and innovative in the country. While the cooperative has a national reputation for its forward-thinking beneficial energy projects, behind the scenes it has also dedicated significant resources to improve system reliability and reduce member outage times. The result is one that utilizes a sophisticated network of automated field devices that allow system operators and line crews to respond and resolve outages more quickly while often also preventing larger outages affecting more members.

Automated field devices fall into a varying spectrum from simple to complex, but they all work in conjunction to identify, isolate and, when possible, resolve “faults.” A fault is when the flow of electricity is abnormal or interrupted and can be caused by any number of incidents, such as weather, vegetation or equipment failures. Automated devices detect these faults and respond to them. Each type of device has a different response but all have the same purpose – to keep your lights on.

Fuses are not automated, but they are the simplest and least expensive means of protecting the cooperative’s system from fault damage and preventing larger outages. Fuses are “sacrificial” devices used to isolate small areas. They blow quickly in response to a fault, usually resulting in a relatively small outage impacting only a handful of members while maintaining service to any remaining members downstream of the fault. Line crews are able to quickly and easily replace these devices to restore power. Think of fuses like GFCI outlets in your home. When they detect an abnormal current, they shut off power to protect you.

The next level of protection against faults are reclosers and breakers. Although reclosers and breakers are technically separate devices, they function in similar ways. They protect much larger service areas and can respond to a fault in just a few seconds. This fault response is the most common cause of power “blinks.” When your house lights dim temporarily or you lose power briefly, this is caused by a breaker detecting a fault and responding. Breakers will attempt to reclose automatically to determine if the fault is still present. In the event of a sustained fault, system operators can reclose some breakers remotely once the fault has been cleared, limiting outage times for members impacted. While fuses in your home will shut off power to a single outlet, a breaker will shut off power to entire section of your home when it detects an overloaded circuit.

Switches are another remote device United Power system operators can use to quickly restore power to members affected by an outage. They are used to reroute the distribution of power to restore members while isolating the segment of line with the fault, also known as a redundancy, or the ability to serve members from more than one substation. Before remote switches, lineworkers had to manually activate switches, which required a lot of manpower and guesswork. In most cases, rerouting power with a switcher can restore power to most members within minutes or even seconds. In a few cases, it can restore power to all members. United Power is in the process of upgrading more switches to remote field devices.

System redundancies allow United Power to serve approximately 90 percent of its members from at least two different substations or circuits. The cooperative is continually looking for solutions to construct backup facilities serving remaining members but have been limited by geographical challenges. The approach to installing automated and remote field devices is a strategic method that allows the cooperative to better serve members, resulting in fewer outages where possible, shorter outages where not and improved overall system reliability.

“What we’re doing with automated devices is well ahead of your average electric utility,” said Engineering Director Robert Maxwell. “We’ve been continually reviewing our system and its performance to identify where installing automated devices would best serve our members.”

2021 Rebate Applications Must Be Received by December 15

United Power offers its members exclusive rebate opportunities on home efficiency installations and energy efficient appliances. Rebate availability and product eligibility may change slightly each year depending on a variety of factors, such as whether the rebate is renewed by Tri-State, the cooperative’s wholesale power provider. Changes to United Power’s rebates are coming at the beginning of next year, and to ensure your recent purchase qualifies for current rebate amounts, the cooperative must receive applications no later than December 15.

Applications that are received after the December deadline may be honored at the new 2022 rates, but some rebates have been discontinued for the upcoming year. Beginning in January, United Power will no longer offer rebates for EnergyStar dishwashers, electric thermal storage or new air conditioning installations. If you have purchased or plan to purchase one of these products within 120 days of the deadline, you are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible.

The timeframe to submit applications for rebates will also be changing in 2022. Currently, members may submit a rebate application within 120 days of purchasing any qualifying item. That window will be changing to 90 days beginning in January.

Over the next few weeks, United Power will be finalizing its 2022 rebate catalog, including the potential addition of new rebate opportunities and changes to existing rebates. Members are advised to check the website frequently to ensure they have the most current and up-to-date rebate information. Click here for rebate information.

If you have questions about application deadlines, extensions or rebate expirations, call the cooperative’s energy management specialists at 303-637-1311.

The electrification of America is one of the most significant achievements of all time. More than 100 years ago, the most prominent population centers across the country were granted access to the valuable resource and quickly began to grow and prosper. Over the past century, access to electricity has expanded to include all parts of the country, especially thanks to the development of member-owned and operated rural electric cooperatives. 

Today, the industry is one in the midst of an overarching transition. The retirement of coal plants, relative affordability of renewable energy and advancements in technology have primed electric utilities to power the movement toward beneficial electrification. 

As we’re moving closer to an electrified future, renewable energy sources are becoming as affordable or more affordable than traditional fossil fuels. Electricity generated from renewable sources also produces zero carbon emissions and the movement toward electrified “smart” devices utilizes energy more efficiently. 

Beneficial electrification, then, is electricity produced by environmentally friendly means that saves money and/or improves quality of life. This is also known as “strategic” electrification because it targets the most practical and valuable fuel switching opportunities, such as electric vehicles and lawn equipment, traditionally powered by gas engines. 

Saves Money Over Time

New energy efficient technology that saves consumers money over time is being developed every day. From regularly used appliances in your home or kitchen to the construction of new homes, efficiency is key for both cost savings and environmental impact. Although there’s usually a higher initial investment, it pays for itself over time. For example, electric vehicles are priced above their gas engine equivalents, but because there are fewer moving parts and less standard maintenance, owners will realize greater savings over the life of the vehicle. That’s without considering rebates and the significant price gap between electricity and gas. 

Consider heating and cooling your home, as well. Energy used for heating and cooling account for more than half the average consumer’s energy costs. A solution to reducing these costs are air source and ground source heat pumps, which are so efficient they actually provide more energy than they consume. Smart thermostats can regulate energy use whether you’re home or away, analyze your usage and make recommendations. Energy efficient lighting is brighter, lasts longer and uses just a fraction of the energy as traditional incandescent lighting.  

Improves Quality of Life

We don’t often purchase devices or appliances that make our lives more difficult. Many of the same devices that provide us with energy savings also improve our quality of life, satisfying two criteria for beneficial electrification. Consider electric vehicles again. Much hesitancy surrounding EVs is related to perceived quality of life – range anxiety and access to a sufficient charging infrastructure. However, range is increasing, charging infrastructure is growing and initial cost of investment is dropping. Vehicles powered by electricity are also quiet, more capable and, depending on who you ask, more fun. 

Smart meters allow the cooperative to provide members with aggregate data about their energy use in 15-minute segments using Power Portal, a free tool available to all members. This data, like other smart devices, provides a detailed review of behaviors that have the greatest impact on their energy use. Using this data, members can make small changes to realize instant energy savings. 

Devices that are able to provide consumers with energy use data or learn our habits to optimize energy use in a way that fits our lifestyles ultimately means increased savings, more freedom and less anxiety about your energy bill. 

Reduces Environmental Impact

The first two criteria reflect how beneficial electrification has a positive effect on consumers, but electricity has to be produced before it can be used. As more coal plants are retired, they are being replaced with renewable alternatives like wind or solar, and the technology used to capture renewable energy generated from these sources is also advancing. These advancements allow us to take greater advantage of renewable resources. 

United Power has brought on more than 40 megawatts of solar energy since 2012 and has also debuted alternative renewable projects, like its methane capture project at the Erie landfill. Capturing methane produced in landfills and using it to generate electricity helps reduce its effect on climate change. 

Increases Grid Resiliency

Research at Darmouth College earlier this year found electric grids with more renewables were more robust and reliable. As United Power has grown, it has added additional renewable projects to its system. 

Load control methods, especially ones that shift energy use away from peak demand periods, have also shown to increase grid resiliency. United Power offers a Time of Day rate that encourages members to shift usage to off-peak periods and its Rush Hour Rewards provides incentives to let the cooperative adjust energy usage on hot days during peak periods. Upcoming cooperative programs will also utilize load control incentives to shift at-home EV charging to off-peak hours. 

United Power has demonstrated its leadership in beneficial electrification through a commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives that save money and improve lives for both it and its members. 

At the turn of the past century (1900, not 2000) there were as many electric vehicles as gas powered cars. The EVs of the day were more expensive, but quieter, cleaner and easier to start and drive. Now, 120 years later, EVs are becoming increasingly popular, with nearly 4,000 United Power members driving one, and the numbers are growing.

With an electric grid in its infancy and before the creation of rural electric cooperatives, most of America outside of its cities would not be fully electrified for another 25 years. Gasoline became an essential commodity. Although it was dirty, noisy and somewhat flammable, it was also portable and easy to move across great distances in bulk, allowing for rapid expansion.

I had the opportunity to drive many of the early EVs on the market during my time at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) 20 years ago – the ill-fated EV1, an all-electric RAV4, a converted S-10 pickup and an experimental Honda. They all shared similar benefits to today’s EVs: rapid acceleration, amazing handling – due to the weight of the batteries – and were eerily quiet. I also clearly recall taking the pickup to my daughter’s school for a show and tell, driving across the San Mateo bridge to my home in Pleasanton, Cali. and nervously watching the battery meter drifting toward zero.

My, how has the world changed. An expanding electric grid has made electricity the commodity, EV battery life is now up to 300 miles or more and we have 49 publicly available “Level 2” chargers and seven DC Fast Chargers (two owned by United Power) in our service territory. The network is rapidly expanding across Colorado and the U.S. Now, with most charging taking place at home, United Power will soon begin offering a leasing program for home chargers to our members.

I have been driving an electric vehicle almost daily for the past seven months and have learned much in that time. The Tesla Model 3 I drive is a pleasure and nothing short of a modern engineering miracle – an iPhone on wheels. But it is different in other ways too, some of which take getting used to versus traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

First and foremost, more planning is involved for long trips. I made a journey to Wyoming for a Tri-State meeting, a distance of about 250 miles. Although the car would have made it on a single charge there were no fast chargers available at my destination. So, my car instructed me to stop at Laramie for a 15-minute charge coming and going. This means not pushing on to the next gas/charging station since that might be miles away. Secondly, since most people charge at home and “filling up” at 120 volts takes a long time, United Power’s upcoming Level 2 leasing program targets the length of time it takes to charge while adding sophistication to the timing of the charge for better bill management.

There are four key questions to ask as you consider an EV for your next ride:

Does it meet my needs? My other vehicle is a 4WD Ford- F-250 with a 7.3-liter gas engine since towing my camper, heading to the woods for hunting or even making it up to my house on the mountain at 9,000 feet in the winter would be a challenge.

Do I like it? As with any automobile purchase, our cars reflect our personal tastes. Early EVs were, well, not exactly “attractive” to most of us. The “geek look” worked for some, but not all.

Can I afford it? The total cost of an EV is much less expensive than an ICE with no tune-ups or oil changes and fewer mechanical things to go wrong. There are roughly 30% fewer parts in an EV. However, some of the initial costs may be higher.

How can I fuel it? For apartment dwellers or renters, charging at home might be a challenge. For homeowners, it might require an additional 240-volt service on your electric panel. The great news is that the availability of public charging is dramatically increasing.

As your electric cooperative we are here to help answer your questions. You can find information online at ChooseEV or by calling 720-685-5644.

Come join the EV revolution!

Do you pay your United Power using a bill pay service from your bank? Remember that you are responsible for making sure that the payment is being sent to the correct account. Bill pay is a function of your bank account, and United Power can not help you if a payment is sent to an incorrect address.

Both the utilities that serve you and the financial services industry are constantly updating processes and sometimes that includes changes in routing numbers or to addresses where bill payments are sent. If you haven’t checked your bill payment addresses recently, we recommend you take a few minutes to review those payments including your United Power bill.

Where Should Your Payment be Sent?

United Power bill payments should be sent to:

United Power
PO Box 173703
Denver, CO 80217-3703

What Can I Do If My Payment Was Sent to a Different Address?

We recommend contacting your bank to determine what happened to your payment. United Power is unable to access your bank account or assist you in changing bill pay details on your personal account.  If you have fallen behind on your United Power account because of a misdirected payment, please contact us to let us know you are working with your bank to correct the issue.

Is There Another Way to Pay My United Power Bill?

United Power offers several ways to pay your bill. You can make a simple one-time payment through our Pay Now link, set up auto pay, or even explore our Pay as You Go program. Learn more about each of these options on our website, or contact one of our Member Services Representatives to help you understand and access any of these options.  Of course we also accept payments in person during business hours at our Brighton Office, or you can use a payment kiosk at our Brighton, Carbon Valley, Ft. Lupton or Coal Creek Canyon kiosk locations. These self-serve kiosks are open outside of normal business hours, including weekends. Available hours for each kiosk vary, so check out their open times on our website.