When United Power founded Operation Round-Up in 1995 as a way for members to voluntarily help each other through a small monthly contribution built right into their billing statement, we envisioned being able to help vulnerable and struggling members in the communities we serve make ends meet. We couldn’t have imagined then that a nationwide pandemic would stretch the foundation to its limits as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.

It hasn’t been an easy year for anyone, and some have felt the impacts more than others. Although many more members are in need of assistance, the Round-Up board has remained committed to finding the most effective ways to help meet needs throughout this time.

For those not familiar with Operation Round-Up, it is a foundation funded entirely by members who “round up” their monthly billing statements to the next whole dollar. Participation is voluntary, and average yearly contributions are only $6, or approximately $.50 per month. Those funds are then redistributed to nonprofits in various parts of the service territory to ensure as many members receive help as possible. The Round-Up Board selected these nonprofits because they have more resources and are better equipped to provide for members in need. The Board is made up of fellow United Power members who also live within the various parts of the service territory and are familiar with the specific needs of their respective areas.

This unusual year hasn’t prevented the board from going above and beyond to meet increased needs, which created an added burden on the foundation. Without the generous contributions of more than 20,000 members who have elected to round up their bill, this wouldn’t have been possible.

In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses:

“Yes, been rounding up for at least a decade. One of a list of gratifying things to give. Maximum of $12 a year. A feel good thing!”
Larry W., Commerce City

“I haven’t participated in Round-Up before, but I am signing up today. Sounds like a great program and I can see that even a little bit helps.”
Sam G., Firestone

“Yes we do. We have dealt with hardships and want to contribute to help others in need.”
Brad L., Frederick

“We participate in Round-Up to ensure that our little contribution helps members who are less fortunate, especially in these times of COVID-19.”
James D., Black Hawk

“Yes! We do participate in the Round-Up program. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist members of our and the greater United Power community when the need arises.”
Michelle B., Golden

“I haven’t yet, I did not know what it was! But will be signing up now.”
Terry H., Brighton

United Power has a long history of supporting our rooftop solar members. The cooperative has been nationally recognized for the amount of interconnected solar on its system, and recently surpassed 5,000 rooftop solar connections. That being said, several members have contacted us with questions about some things they are being told by door-to-door solar salespeople. We’d like to take this opportunity to dispel some common myths regarding rooftop solar:

Myth #1: Colorado State Law requires me to install solar on my roof.

This is not true. The state recently passed legislation that requires homebuilders to offer rooftop solar options or make-ready wiring for solar on newly constructed homes, but this does not apply to existing households.

Myth #2: United Power contracts solar installers to offer rooftop solar.

United Power does not have any contracts to work with rooftop solar installers. If a solar sales representative claims to be working with or on behalf of the cooperative, that should be a red flag. Members are free to work with any solar vendor they choose, and United Power will let you interconnect with our system. Learn more about our interconnection agreement and other helpful tips before considering solar at www.unitedpower.com/going-solar.

Myth #3: By installing rooftop solar, you will no longer receive a United Power bill or will save against future electric rate increases.

You will still receive a bill for the electricity you consume when the sun isn’t shining and your home is utilizing services from the grid. United Power is actively working to reduce electric rates for all our members, so long term financing forecasts from solar salespeople with future rate increases from United Power may be misleading.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with a United Power energy advisor, please contact us at 303-637-1300. We also have several online resources available for members considering rooftop solar on our website at www.unitedpower.com. You can even view and download meter data on your electric usage through our Power Portal for a more in-depth analysis.

You can learn about United Power’s investments in solar for all our members at www.unitedpower.com/innovating-energy.