Cooperatives are more than a local business. Not only do they provide the same products and services as their for-profit counterparts, they also go beyond the business, placing great emphasis on community involvement and the flourishing of its members. This past year has been unlike any other in United Power’s more than 80-year history as a cooperative. The arrival of a global pandemic has challenged us to think creatively and act proactively as we consider how to best serve our members through uncertain times. We have responded the way only a cooperative could – by thinking of our members.

This October, United Power invites our members to join us in honoring National Co-op Month, a celebration of the commitment cooperatives have for their communities and members. There are more than 64,000 cooperatives stretching across almost every industry that touches our daily lives, and nearly 1,000 of them are electric co-ops. Birthed out of the hard work of our members, electric co-ops were established to deliver power to parts of the country larger investor-owned companies had no interest in serving.

It was the foundational commitment to community that fueled our founders and continues to fuel our cooperative today. It challenged us to think strategically about how to continue offering services during the past few months. While our leadership made the difficult decision to close offices for the health and safety of both members and employees, they also acted quickly to suspend late fees and disconnects for nonpayment. They recognized the potential economic impact of the situation and announced these temporary measures before Governor Polis issued any statewide orders.

In an effort to circumvent the financial hardships of members, the cooperative’s board of directors also took action to provide member relief. In May, the board allocated $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to establish the Co-op Cares Fund to help offset electric bills for members impacted by the pandemic, particularly those affected by illness or job loss. They also opted for an early capital credit retirement period – which is usually considered in the fall – to provide a little extra relief.

“We recognized how far reaching the implications of this pandemic could be, and we wanted to respond quickly to our members’ needs,” said Bryant Robbins, United Power’s acting chief executive officer. “We carefully considered our options and were proud to be able to offer this relief package to our members. If any member is continuing to face struggles, we urge them to call us and let us know.”

Meanwhile, the cooperative also had to shift gears while planning its annual meeting when the venue hosting the originally scheduled event closed due to the pandemic. Committed to providing members an opportunity to hear from leadership about accomplishments over the past year, the event’s first-ever virtual format was offered as an alternative. Although the virtual format had to be planned quickly, it was a success with record member registration and participation.

In this unusual year, United Power found a way to provide for your health and safety without sacrificing the level of service our members have come to expect. During this time, we’ve continued to offer rebates, energy management solutions, member services availability and even expanded our payment options. We have extended payment hours at kiosk locations in Carbon Valley and Coal Creek and installed a new payment kiosk at the Brighton office. We hope to be able to open our office locations to members soon, as well.

“This hasn’t been a normal year, and we were forced to reevaluate the way we serve our members,” said Robbins. “It’s challenged us to think about how we can be better at what we do. The lessons we’ve learned have helped us grow through this year and will help us continue to grow when everything has returned to normal.”

While some years are more unpredictable than others, most years don’t look like they have in 2020. Most years we spend this time supporting our communities in the form of sponsorships, scholarships and youth leadership development. Nothing is closer to the heart of a cooperative than community, and that commitment is on full display at many of the community events that were cancelled or postponed this year due to the pandemic.

We have continued to support our local nonprofits, which help meet needs and enrich the lives of our members. When sports return, you’ll see our banners on display at local ballfields. When county fairs and festivals featuring live music and live animals return, United Power will probably have played a role in making it a reality.

While United Power exists to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy, we hope you think of us as more than your energy provider, but as a local business that supports the economic development and prosperity of its communities and members. We, like you, look forward to a return to normalcy. We will “power on” through the difficult and unusual times and continue to serve our members the way we always have, ever since our original members laid the foundation for the cooperative we are today.

Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan addresses some of the most common concerns and hesitations United Power members may be feeling about the possibility of purchasing an electric vehicle:

Can an electric vehicle meet my range needs?

With ranges north of 250 miles, electric vehicles today are more than sufficient to manage the average driver’s daily commute.

Use your trip odometer to monitor a typical day’s commuting. You can more than likely go the whole day without a charge, and charging stations are becoming more accessible if you need a refill.

Where am I suppose to charge my electric vehicle?

Most people can recharge enough using an outlet in their garage overnight, but charging infrastructure is also growing rapidly.

Your home is already equipped to charge your EV overnight—just like you would charge your cell phone. For most vehicles, an electrician can make a simple upgrade to the outlets in your garage to decrease charge times without purchasing any special charging equipment.

What will it do to my electric bill?

Not as much as you might think. And between saving on gas and maintenance, your electric vehicle will be much cheaper to operate.

Li-on batteries are more contained than regular vehicles where the danger is often fires started by spilled fluids.

But aren’t electric vehicles more expensive?

Electric vehicles are a bit more expensive, but with rebates and incentives, they are just as affordable. And don’t forget your other savings.

Several Federal and State tax credits are available for Colorado drivers.

So electric vehicles are affordable, but are they safe?

Electric vehicles often come standard with enhanced safety features that are only available on higher trims or packages of other vehicles. 

Use the Savings Calculator on our ChooseEV page to estimate your gas savings, then check out United Power’s Time of Day rate to see how much you can save by charging overnight.

What once seemed like a hopeful concept for the future has become a reality. Today, you’re more likely to see multiple electric vehicles while you’re driving to work or the grocery store than not, and it’s becoming more common for gas stations and public spaces to install charging stations to accommodate electric vehicle drivers. You probably support a business with an electric vehicle fleet or know someone who has invested in either an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid.

“It’s safe to say electric vehicle adoption has far outpaced our expectations,” said Tyler Bain, a United Power electrical engineer and longtime EV driver. “A sizeable number of EV drivers live in United Power’s service territory, and there’s still a lot of opportunity for growth – for both us and potential EV drivers.”

Why has there been so much recent growth in electric vehicles? Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan explains it has a lot to do with understanding and education. Many potential buyers face concerns and hesitations about integrating an electric vehicle into their daily lives.

“There’s a perception that electric vehicles aren’t capable of meeting the average person’s needs,” Zeid says. “Every main concern can be boiled down to that root perception, which is an incorrect one. With a little information, we can turn hesitation into excitement. Electric vehicles have all the benefits of any other vehicle without much of the cost.”

Range anxiety, for example, is one of the hardest barriers for people to overcome, Zeid says. He recommends using your vehicle’s trip odometer to calculate how far you commute in a given day, either to and from work or for various other errands. People usually drive far less than they estimate, and that can demonstrate how range anxiety is typically more psychological than reality.

The growth also has to do with pricing and availability. There are more options at more price points available today than there have been in any year prior. Many major car brands have announced new and upcoming electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Some will even come as a trim option on already popular models for a small premium, which can be more than offset by current state and federal rebates and incentives.

Join United Power from September 26 — October 4 for National Drive EV Week as the cooperative and Zeid walk you through the finer points of EV ownership and much more. Follow our journey and find out more at Drive EV Week.

Members Show Support for One Another through Operation Round-Up Foundation.

Every month thousands of United Power members voluntarily have their bills rounded up to the next whole dollar through an organization known as Operation Round-Up. In a normal year, a board made up of fellow members of the cooperative would redistribute donated funds to nonprofits throughout the area to help provide meals, living assistance and other services to those in need.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year has been anything but normal. The resulting fallout from proactive plans to prevent the spread of the virus impacted many of the cooperative’s members. In an effort to ensure impacted members were able to receive the same level of services from area nonprofits experiencing a surge in number of clients, Operation Round-Up responded by going above and beyond, while also maintaining its commitment to several partner organizations.

Recognizing an immediate need in the service territory, the foundation’s board in May issued grants to the Weld County Food Bank and Food Bank of the Rockies, which both have sizeable reach to the cooperative’s members. In the following months, another grant was issued to Pastor’s Pantry, a food bank located in Coal Creek Canyon. The combined distribution of meals from the food banks was greater than 100,000 in May and June alone.

These grants were made in addition to on-going support to several groups providing essential services to community members over the past few years, including Almost Home in Brighton, Catholic Charities in Ft. Lupton, Carbon Valley Help Center in Firestone and Canyon Cares in Coal Creek Canyon. The quarterly contributions to these organizations allow them to continue providing assistance to members who may need help paying utilities, rent or other expenses, which has been especially meaningful during this pandemic.

It’s members like you who make these contributions possible. Operation Round-Up is entirely funded through voluntary member donations. Your donations allow the foundation to distribute thousands of dollars to organizations that provide these services. However, this unusual year has stretched it to its limits, and the foundation needs your help to continue meeting these needs.

“As a longtime board member, I can say our board truly believes in the purpose of Operation Round-Up,” said Dale McCall, president of the foundation’s board. “But we couldn’t do what we do without the support from our members or the staff at United Power who are responsible for getting others to believe in our purpose, as well.”

A crippling nationwide pandemic was an interesting way for Operation Round-Up to celebrate its 25th anniversary, but provided a grand stage to show how generous member support has been for the foundation. Since its inception in 1995, it has distributed more than $2 million in assistance to members in need.

Donations average just $.50 per billing statement, or just $6/year. To show your support and sign up for Operation Round-Up, go to www.unitedpower.com. To increase your contribution or make a one-time donation, please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300.

September is National Preparedness Month

Between a combination of a quiet storm season and other things consuming our thoughts over the course of 2020, preparing for a potential disaster situation may not be high on our list of priorities. However, natural disasters may come in an instant, and it’s important to make sure you and your family are prepared. Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognizes National Preparedness Month to educate and empower Americans to take simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies that could affect us where we live, work and visit. This year’s theme, “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today,” touches on four distinct aspects of emergency preparation.

Make a plan. Expecting the unexpected begins with having a plan in place to respond, and those conversations can begin casually over a meal or strategically in a family meeting. If you have children, include them in the disaster planning process. Prepare with your friends, family and neighbors to develop communications plans. Finally, practice your plan.

Build a Kit. Gather supplies for several days, considering the unique needs of your family. Include items such as food, water and any necessary medications or pet items. You may also include items such as a first aid kit, flashlight and/or radio. Remember to update your kit regularly.

Prepare for Disasters. Different areas and regions are impacted by different natural disasters. In Colorado, we can experience devastating floods, debilitating blizzards or even strong tornadoes. Make sure your disaster plan above includes steps for each potential event. Be mindful of disasters that could also occur during travel or on vacations.

Teach Youth About Preparedness. It’s important to teach your children about emergency preparation, such as how to communicate in the event of separation or what to do if you’re away. They should know how to communicate with you, their friends and emergency responders. Provide sufficient information and carefully walk through individual steps of your disaster plan or have them practice building their own emergency kits.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, including sample emergency communications plans, organizations you can volunteer with during disasters and more, visit www.ready.gov.